A stroll in the park for classy champions
AFTER LOSING two in a row in the noughties Simonstown were never seriously tested as they put backto-back senior crowns together in a disappointing SFC final at Pairc Tailteann last Sunday.
Though not as emphatic, or nearly as impressive as last years nine point win over Donaghmore/ Ashbourne to claim their maiden title, this was another decisive victory for the North Navan club who never had to leave their comfort zone at any stage throughout.
Summerhill, twice winners of the Keegan Cup this decade, were expected to put it up to the champions but they produced probably their worst display of the year, with their finishing providing a massive let down.
Also playing well below their best and losing influential centre back Brian Conlon after just 20 minutes, Simonstown still had plenty in hand with their ability to strike for goals again proving crucial. Conlon, who was a doubtful starter due to tonsillitis, was replaced by relatively new addition James Kilcullen and the former Mayo county player slotted in comfortably around midfield with Conor Nash averting to a defensive role.
The champions had hit eight goals in their last two championship encounters and they again showed glimpses of that ruthless streak as they bagged another two at crucial stages.
They were trailing 0-1 to 0-3 when captain Padraig McKeever struck for their opening goal, blasting high to the net after being set up by Nash on 13 minutes. That propelled Simonstown ahead for the first time and they never relinquished the lead after that.
The second goal was the one that sealed it for Colm O’Rourke’s charges, coming just four minutes into the second half and it completely knocked the heart out of the Summerhill challenge.
Keeper Tony McDonnell attempted a short kick-out but it went awry and was pounced on by Sean Tobin who presented Conor Sheridan with the easy task of finding the net. That made it 2-4 to 0-4 and left the
Simonstown Summerhill 2-9 0-7
‘Hill with a insurmountable task, one which proved far too steep for them.
Quality, and indeed excitement proved a scarce commodity throughout and watching Meath senior boss Andy McEntee must have been disappointed with what was on offer as he attempts to strengthen his panel going into 2018.
In the very early stages a very lively Summerhill looked as if they would put it up to the champions but the fizz went out of them following the concession of the opening goal.
Sean Dalton shot their opening point from the right wing on two minutes and within 60 seconds the ‘Hill had doubled their advantage as Caolan Young got forward to fist over.
However the challengers had a let-off within 30 seconds of the start when a goal effort from McKeever was blocked on the line by Young at the expense of a 45. The ‘Hill also had an opportunity of finding the net in the opening passages but Barry Dardis lost control as he bore down on goal.
Simonstown kicked seven wides in the opening half and dropped at least three more efforts into the hands of custodian Tony McDonnell. Conor Sheridan from long range had their opening point before Brian Ennis replied at the other end.
Tobin added to Simonstown’s tally following McKeever’s goal and the champions then had to endure a few anxious moments as Summerhill attempted to find a way through for a goal. However they had to settle for a point from long range by Davy Dalton instead, their last score of the half on 20 minutes.
Simonstown tagged on one more point after that from Sheridan to lead 1-3 to 0-4 at the break. They did create another goal chance on the stroke of half-time but McDonnell brought off a fine save from Mark McCabe.
Summerhill kicked six wides and went 17 minutes of the second half before Brian Ennis ended their scoring drought from a free. Simonstown had one hand on the cup at that stage McKeever converted frees either side of Sheridan’s goal.
That third quarter is one that Summerhill will want to forget in a hurry as Ennis was wide from a free in front of the posts and and sub Kevin Ryan also saw an effort of a point from close range rebound off a post.
The ‘Hill managed just a single point from play in the second half, from midfielder Ennis, their other score coming from a Barry Dardis ‘45.
Shane O’Rourke who must have come close to eclipsing McKeever for the man of the match accolade produced a great second half display, especially in covering back in his own defence and he also shot a spectacular long range point near the finish.
The champions finished with a flourish with three points in added time, including the last two from captain McKeever.
After the game county committee chairman Conor Tormey presented the Keegan Cup to Padraig McKeever who also received the man of the match award for the second year in succession. SIMONSTOWN GAELS: Robbie Burlingham; Shane Gallagher, Stephen Moran, Niall McMahon; Brian McGrath, Brian Conlon, Niall Kane; Shane O’Rourke 0-1, Conor Nash; Nicky O’Brien, Sean Tobin 0-1, Mark McCabe; Nathan O’Brien, Conor Sheridan 1-2, Padraig McKeever 1-4 (2f). Subs: James Kilcullen for Conlon (20), Seamus Kenny 0-1 for Nicky O’Brien (38), Joe Lyons for Tobin (51), Mickey Brennan for Nathan O’Brien (56).
SUMMERHILL: Tony McDonnell; Iarla Hughes, Willie Ryan, Ronan Ryan; Padraig Geraghty, Richie Hatton, Caolan Young 0-1; Micheál Byrne, Brian Ennis 0-3 (2f); David Larkin, Barry Dardis 0-1 ‘45’, Ross Ryan; Kevin Lyons; Sean Dalton 0-1, Davy Dalton 0-1. Subs: Ciaran Gillespie for Lyons (36), Kevin Ryan for Hughes (36), Liam Shaw for Geraghty (56), Conor Frayne for S Dalton (58).
REFEREE: L O’Brien (Duleek/Bellewstown)