Long-time leaders negotiate last hurdle
O RAGHALLAIGHS KILKERLEY EMMETS 2-20 1-15
O Raghallaighs clinched the Division 2 title and a return to the top flight when they defeated Kilkerley Emmets in this league decider at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday afternoon.
The Drogheda side have been out in front from the outset and they made sure they weren’t pipped at the post with an assured performance that saw them record a deserved victory on the day.
The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and points from Tadhg McEneaney and Sean Hand had them leading by 0-3 to 0-1. However, the O Raghallaighs soon found their rhythm and points from Ruairi Moore, Jack Carr and Ben Rogan saw them move 0-6 to 0-4 ahead.
Kilkerley failed to take advantage of two goals chances in the first half and although they added further points from Killian Kampes and McEneaney, it was the hosts who went into the break in front as scores from Olan Walshe, Joe Flanagan and Alan Doyle opened 0-12 to 0-9 lead.
The O Raghallaighs came flying out of the blocks in the second half and stretched their lead with a goal from Ben Rogan. The home side continued to dominate and pressed home their advantage when a goal from Daniel Morgan put them 2-15 to 0-10 ahead.
Things became even more difficult for the Emmets when they had Shaun McElroy dismissed but his side continued to battle and were given some hope when Sean Hand found the net.
However, the O Raghallaighs remained in control and the victory was assured when Shane Lennon failed to find the net from a late penalty. Two late points from Barry Flanagan put the seal on a memorable win for the home side as the celebrated their return to the top flight.
Joe Flanagan 0-1; Stephen Murphy, Ciaran Brassil, Tómas Callan; Eoin Moore, Chris Smith 0-1, James Moonan; Alan Doyle 0-1, Robert Mulroy; Jack Carr 0-1, Barry Flanagan 0-4, Daniel Morgan 1-1; Olan Walshe 0-1, Ben Rogan 1-4, Ruairi Moore 0-6. Subs: Andrew Rogan for D Morgan, Dean Byrne for O Walshe, Matthew Moore for T Callan, Sean Grennan for R Moore.