Compelling replay trilogy keeps everyone guessing
THE line-up for the semi-finals of the Louth Senior championship is now complete with St Josephs, Naomh Martin and Dundalk Gaels joining Newtown Blues in the last four.
While it was very difficult to predict a winner in all three of the games, many observers felt that it was the trio of Geraldines, Dreadnots and Sean O Mahonys who enjoyed the advantage going into the replays. But that’s the joy and unpredictability of sport.
In damp dreary conditions at The Grove on Saturday evening St Josephs were full value for their 3-10 to 1-11 win. Wayne McKeever’s side flew out of the traps with Derek Mulligan hitting the net in the opening minutes.
The Dromiskin men then spurned several further excellent goal chances with Geraldines keeper Sean McEnenaey pulling off some fine stops.
His brother Jim kept the Haggardstown side in touch kicking some excellent long range points but all the momentum seemed to be with last years Intermediate champions. Further goals from Adam O Connor and Alan McKenna booked their semi-final spot with Newtown Blues in two weeks time.
Not for the first time in his long career JP Rooney was the hero for Monasterboice as they turned over Clogherhead in the second of last weekends replays.
Strong winds and heavy downpours didn’t make for any type of good football but when introduced as an early second half substitute, the recently married JP made light of the conditions scoring 2-01 and helping his side to a 3-14 to 1-12 victory.
His pace and sharpness may have waned somewhat with the passing seasons but his skill and awareness are as sharp as ever.
The final part of the replay trilogy saw Gaels dethrone 2016 champions Sean O Mahonys by a single point in a tight battle at Haggardstown on Sunday evening.
O Mahonys usually come to the fore in such close encounters but their near neighbours have improved as the championship has progressed and deservedly booked their place in the last four on a scoeline of 0-12 to 0-11.
Glyde Rangers are through to the Junior decider but they will have to wait to see who their opponents will be following Glen Emmets last gasp draw with Lannleire at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday afternoon. Dunleer will be kicking themselves that they let this one slip after leading at one stage by nine points.
Cooley Kickhams will be absent from the top flight for the first time in almost 60 years after they were defeated 2-15 to 0-15 by Kilkerley in the relegation playoff. They are one of the county’s most successful clubs with nine Joe Ward Cup victories to their name, the last coming in 1990.
There’s plenty more club action to come this weekend with the Intermediate semi-final double header at Haggardstown and the semi-finals of the Cardinal O Donnell.