Inside Highs and lows of the Wicklow SFC action
Glynn’s loss a blow but Villagers still have enough
RATHNEW did what they always do, just enough to get ahead and don’t let the other team back into the match. Most of the time the match is over before it has begun because Rathnew have an aura about them that will beat the opposition.
However, the worst kept secret in Wicklow football, Leighton Glynn’s departure for New York, has weakened Rathnew.
Losing his linking play between defence and attack, his presence on the ball and his leadership is a big blow.
Nicky Mernagh made the point in his winning speech last year that Glynn put them through a gruelling fitness regime after they lost to St. Pat’s and on the evidence yesterday some of the players need it again. Stafford, Mernagh and Theo Smith all looked tired at the end of the match.
Jordan Graham is in corner forward but the jury is out on what he brings to the top table, while Stephen Byrne was taken off at half time.
The burden of the scoring fell on Eddie and Mark Doyle who scored 2-7 between them but they won’t always get as many opportunities against stronger defences. The star forward power they once had has gone.
Every team knows this yet still can’t beat them. Tinahely had two strong goal chances in the second half but were like rabbits caught in headlights and fumbled the ball. When Rathnew get a chance they have the experience in these situations and the arrogance to know they won’t miss. Tinahely did put it up to them though and having led early in the match got back with three point coming into the final ten minutes with their tails up and the crowd behind them. Willie Dillon’s point in the 48th minute left only those three points between the teams, 2-10 to 13 points, but two crucial wides by him and Alan Nolan couldn’t capitalise on that momentum. Kick them and the complexion of the game is different.
They missed, and enter James Stafford to rise highest from the kick out and relieve some pressure. Eddie Doyle kicked a point, Mark Doyle scores a goal and within seven minutes Tinahely have gone from possibly being a point down to seven points down. Game over.
To their credit Tinahely didn’t wilt and went back down the field. Tony Darcy scored a free before Padraig Murphy had a goal chance but let the ball drop. Rathnew take their chance. Tinahely don’t. It’s simple and will be replicated again and again throughout the championship.
Darcy’s four frees kept Tinahely in the game in the first half as Rathnew went into the dressing room 2-6 to 6 points ahead. Tinahely started the game extremely well scoring two points within the first two minutes.
One of the Rathnew’s most impressive traits was their ability to transfer the ball quickly from defence to attack and that helped Eddie Doyle get Rathnew on the scoreboard.
Jody Merrigan equalised in the 11th minutes with a great Sean Cavanagh like shimmy to create a bit of space to shoot.
Darcy briefly put Tinahely ahead again before Mark Doyle kicked a massive line ball over on the right wing and Rathnew were never behind again. Nicky Mernagh scored his only point and then Doyle got his fist to a Theo Smith shot for a goal.
The teams traded points in the final ten minutes of the half but just before half time Merrigan was dragged down by James Gilbert. He was lucky not to receive a black card while Merrigan made no mistake. Rathnew led by two goals at half time.
Tinahely began the second half extremely well, reeling off three points in a row to give themselves a chance. However Rathnew got to grips with them and just continued to keep themselves in front, responding to anything Tinahely could throw.
Tinahely gave a good account of themselves and should fancy reaching the quarter final. Rathnew are Rathnew and have a month to prepare for a quarter final.
Scorers – Rathnew: Mark Doyle (1f, 1 line ball) 2-3; Jody Merrigan 1-2; Eddie Doyle 0-4; Graham Merrigan, Nicky Mernagh 0-1 each.
Tinahely: Tony Darcy (6f) 0-9; Alan Dillon, Willie Dillon 0-2 each; Jason Cushe (1f) 0-1.
Rathnew: Peter Duignam; John Manley, Damien Power, Jamie Snell; Enan Glynn, Ross O’Brien, Andrew O’Brien; James Stafford, Theo Smith; Nicky Mernagh, Eddie Doyle, Stephen Byrne; Jordan Graham, Mark Doyle, Jody Merrigan. Subs: Graham Merrigan for Stephen Byrne (HT); Paul Merrigan for Enan Glynn (44 mins); Warren Kavanagh for Andrew O’Brien (57 mins).
Tinahely: Niall Byrne; James Gilbert, Michael Byrne, Ray McGlynn; John Blake, Gavin Kenny, David Blake; Brian Walsh, Willie Dillon; Alan Dillon, Stephen Dillon, Alan Nolan; Jason Cushe, Padraig Murphy, Tony Darcy. Sub: Brendan Barnes for David Blake (18 mins, inj.).
Referee: Damien Byrne