Alley intent on going one step further

LAST YEAR’S runners-up Buffers Alley made light work of St. Anne’s second string as they cruised through to the Junior ‘A’ football championship semi-final at Ballymurn on Friday last.

The Monamolin-Kilmuckridge outfit are not renowned for their football prowess but they remain one of only nine Wexford G.A.A. sides in all grades who maintain a one hundred per cent record in the championship so far.

The Gorey District side were far superior all over the field and the fact St. Anne’s could only muster a mere goal and a point from play tells its own story as the Alley’s ability to move the ball down the field quickly proved decisive.

Shane Mythen opened the scoring for St. Anne’s before the Alley kicked four in a row, capped off by the lively Kevin Roche. This was followed by a goal against the run of play for St. Anne’s from Josh Cloney to level matters after he latched on to a ball across the square by Niall Doyle.

Points from Paul Nangle and Seán Og Whelan eased the Alley back in front before a fine solo effort from Kevin Roche ended in a goal to leave his side up by five at the break.

Nangle and Roche added further points after the interval but three more Mythen frees ensured the game remained competitive until Seán Og Whelan slipped in behind the St. Anne’s cover to slot home and ensure a victory for the green and gold.

Buffers Alley: John Farrell; Colm Og Doran, Seán Murphy, Alan Doyle; Aaron Redmond, Shane Grannell, Ross Donohoe; Mick Sinnott (0-1), Seán Og Whelan (1-2); Conor Kenny, Kevin Roche (1-2), Paul O'Leary (0-1); Paul Nangle (0-6, 3 frees, 1 ’45), Paul Doyle, Keith Burke. Subs. - Robert O'Leary for Og Doran (black card), Cormac Foley (0-1) for Doyle, Bobby Kenny for Burke, Thomas Dempsey for Sinnott (black card), Thomas O'Leary for Nangle, Owen Dempsey for C. Kenny.

St. Anne’s: Noel Simpson; Michael O’Brien, Willie Burrell, Gearóid Finn; Kevin White, Joe O'Connor, Conor Hannigan; Gordon Simpson, Patrick O'Brien; Shane Mythen (0-5 frees), Niall Gilbane, Graham Holmes; Josh Cloney (1-0), Niall Doyle, Fran Whelan. Subs. - Paul McDonnell for Burrell, Gavin O'Brien for M. O'Brien, Jack Moore (0-1) for Cloney, Mikey Cloney for Mythen, Roy Nunn for Holmes.

Referee: Seán Whelan (St. Martin’s).