Slicker performance as Eastern Harps defeat Coolera/Strandhill
EASTERN HARPS 1-12 COOLERA/STRANDHILL 0-11
OLD rivals Eastern Harps and Coolera/ Strandhill renewed acquaintances in the Belfry Senior championship quarter final in Bunninadden Community Park on Sunday.
In the second game of a double header in more favourable weather conditions the two teams provided an entertaining spectacle with the men from the East worthy of their four points winning margin at the final whistle.
Harps held the lead right from the early stages and withstood a late Coolera rally led by their ace marksman Niall Murphy.
Aided by two pointed frees and a point from play from Shane O’Grady, Harps held a three points lead before Barry O’Mahoney opened the Coolera account.
Thomas Cryan pointed from play following good work from Evan Lavin to restore Harps three points advantage.
Barry O’Mahoney snatched a second point for Coolera, getting on the end of a long free from Keelan Cawley.
Following a penetrating run from the impressive Kevin Gallagher, Declan Hannon restored the Harps advantage with a good point.
Keelan Cawley worked hard to set up Niall Murphy for his first point of the game as Coolera/Strandhill began to get a foothold.
Declan Hannon again pointed after a clever interception by Martin Doherty and Shane O’Grady increased the winners lead to four points after Martin Doherty was fouled.
Points from Niall Murphy and Barry O’Mahony left Harps two points ahead at the interval on a 0-8 to 0-6 scoreline.
Coolera/Strandhill reduced the deficit to the minimum on the resumption as Barry O’Mahony pointed a 13m free.
Harps quickly pushed on to a three points lead through a Tony Taylor point from play and a Shane O’Grady pointed 30 m free.
The decisive score came shortly afterwards as Martin Doherty fired the ball into the Coolera net after a tremendous run from Ross Donovan.
Harps now held a six points lead and were playing with growing confidence. The expected Coolera revival was be
gun by wing back Ci- aran Maloney who pointed from play after sustained pressure.
Two points followed from Niall Murphy; one from a 20m free. Thomas Cryan interrupted the Coolera comeback after substitute James O’Hara won possession and another substitute, Michael Lennon pointed from play following a great catch from Kevin Gallagher.
Coolera tried desperately to get the goal to restore parity but were now down a player following the dismissal of Keelan Cawley. Niall Murphy pointed a 20m free to close the scoring.
Harps will be well pleased by their hardworking display and slicker teamwork.
Coolera/Strandhill struggled in the middle third for much of the game and lacked the ability to finish when opportunities presented themselves.
Harps were well served by S. Heraughty, Ross Donovan, Ml. Clarke, Kevin Cryan and D.Madden in defence. Tony Taylor and Kevin Gallagher dominated much of the midfield exchanges .T. Cryan, S. O’ Grady, M. Do her ty, E. La vin led the way in a potent attack.
Cool era/ Strand hill had good performances from End a Mitchell, G. Cawley and C.Maloney in defence. P.Laffey and K.Banks tried hard at midfield while B.OMahoney, Niall Murphy and Keelan Cawley were best in attack.
Score rs: E. Harps: S. O’ Grady 0-6, M. Doherty 1-0, T.Cryan 0-2,D.Hannon 0-2,T. Taylor and M.Lennon 0-1each.
Cool era/ Strand hill: N. Murphy 0-5, B. O’Mahoney 0-4,K.Cawley and C.Maloney 0-1 each.
E. HARPS .: S. Her a ugh ty; G. Ho ran, K. Cry an, D. Madden; M. Clarke, R. Do na van, C. Higgins;
T. Taylor, K. Gallagher; C. McGill, T. Cryan, D. Han non; E. La vin, S. O’ Grady, M. Doherty(capt.). Subs used: J.O’Hara, M. Lennon.
Coolera/Strandhill: K.Kelly; E.Mitchell, M.Comeford, C.Mc Donagh; S.Murphy, G.Cawley(Capt.), C.Maloney;P. Laffey, K.Banks;
K.Mc Cahey, K.Cawley, A.O’Boyle; B.O’Mahoney, G.Cadden, N. Murphy.
Subs used: C. Parke, K. O’ Neil land C.O’Mahoney. Referee: JGilmartin (Curry)
Prior to the throw-in, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Mairead Davey, wife of Sean Davey, Curry and former Sligo star.