Gers hit Cooley for six to preserve status
GERALDINES COOLEY KICKHAMS 6-13 1-8
GERALDINES secured their place in Division 1 for another season in dramatic fashion as they recorded a 20-point victory over Cooley Kickhams at Haggardstown on Saturday evening.
The Gers first task was to win the game to ensure they stayed clear of Kilkerley at the foot of the table, while they also knew that avoiding the relegation playoff place might come down to score difference.
In the end it did come down to points difference and this handsome victory ensured that the Haggardstown side finished above Newtown Blues who now face into the play-offs.
The Gers came flying out of the blocks and by the end of the first half they were firmly on course for victory as goals from Matt Corcoran and Sean Thornton saw them lead by 2-8 to 0-4.
With the win all but secured, the home side set about making sure they improved on their score difference as they dominated the second half. Goals from Corcoran, Jim McEneaney, Dara Hamill and Glen Trainor ensured that they had done enough to hold onto their Division 1 status for next season. GERALDINES: Sean McEneaney; Kevin Pepper, James Craven, Gareth Neacy; Paul Clarke, Gerard Hoey, Jack Traynor; Stephen Reidy, Paddy Hoey; Sean Thornton 1–0, Matt Corcoran 2–1, Josh Arrowsmith 0–1; Dara Hamill 1–4, 1f, Jim McEneaney 1–5, 2f, Glen Trainor 1–2. Subs: Michael Rogers for S Reidy; Ryan Trainor for J Craven; Killian Dempsey for J Arrowsmith; Robbie Lynch for G Hoey.
COOLEY KICKHAMS: Neil Gallagher; Gerry Malone, Conor McGuinness, Eoin McDaid; Patrick Sheelan, Alan Page, Shane Marks; Keith White, Richard Brennan; Conor Rafferty 0–3, 1f, Darren Marks 1–1, Michael Rafferty; Emmet Rogan, Brian White 0–2, 2f, Thomas McGuinness. Subs: Fearghal Malone, Emmet McGuigan 0–2 Anthony White, Aaron White.