Vincent’s eye shock fina
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28
Ashbourne: Wolfe Tones v St Colmcille’s, Feis Cup, 8.0, L Reddy. Dunshaughlin: Na Fianna v Ratoath, Feis Cup, 8.0, P Clarke.
Duleek: St Patrick’s v Gaeil Colmcille, Feis Cup. 8.0, L O’Brien.
Simonstown: O’Mahonys v Skryne, Feis Cup, 8.0, M Griffin.
Longwood: Ballinabrackey v Walterstown, Corn na Boinne, 8.0, F Scully.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29
Pairc Tailteann: Simonstown v Dunboyne, SFC semi-final, 3.0, C Reilly; Dunboyne v St Vincent’s, JAFC final, 4.30, G McGivney.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30
Pairc Tailteann: Slane v Na Fianna, JBFC final, 12.0, M Dawson; Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Summerhill, SFC semi-final, 1.45, D Coldrick; Ballinlough v Longwood, IFC final, 3.30. Kilmainham: St Brigid’s v Dunsany, Tailteann Cup. 11.0.
Walterstown: Cortown v Kilbride, Tailteann Cup, 11.0. COULD this be the year of the underdog?
A number of clubs have defied the odds and upset some of the more fancied teams on their way to championship finals this year, and one of those is St Vincent’s who take on Dunboyne in the Junior A decider at Pairc Tailteann this Saturday at 4.30.
The Ardcath men were only crowned Junior B champions two years ago following a 0-16 to 1-8 win over Moynalty and have a long and proud history of playing at a higher grade. However, they have operated at junior level for many years now and will be hoping to make the step back to the Intermediate ranks where they were a force to be reckoned with back in the 1970s.
The arrival of St Patrick’s Stamullen duo Ronan Kearns (manager) and Daithi Whyte to the club has brought about a new beginning as they look to built on their successes at underage level over the last number of years.
Last year’s beaten finalists Moylagh, Carnaross, Ballivor and whoever emerged from the group containing second teams were the fancied sides at the start of the campaign.
St Vincent’s would have been considered one of the outsiders, but they have defied the odds after making a sluggish start to the campaign. They only managed six points in their opening-round draw against Moynalty and were fortunate to overcome Kilmainhamwood by a point in round three.
Their only defeat in the group stage was in the final round against Ballivor, having already been assured of a knockout spot, while they produced one of their best displays when overcoming St Brigid’s 3-14 to 1-4 in a last-eight tie.
Despite that impressive victory few fancied them over overcome Carnaross in the semi-final. At half-time in that game proceedings were going very much to form, with Carnaross enjoying an 0-8 to 0-1 interval advantage.
The second period started in a similar vein, with Carnaross stretching their lead. However St Vincent’s slowly started to gather momentum, and with veteran Thomas Field making an impression out around midfield they began to eat into the Carnaross lead.
The Ardcath men timed their run to perfection, with Jack Byrne’s 59th-minute goal giving them the lead for the first time. Ryan Hand then struck for what proved the winning point on a 1-10 to 0-12 scoreline.
After such a sensational comeback belief is something St Vincent’s won’t be lacking going in against an experienced Dunboyne outfit who edged out Ballivor in the other semi-final following a high-scoring encounter - after earlier having the minimum to spare when overcoming Moylagh 1-13 to 1-12 at the quarter-final stage.
Dunboyne came through their group with a unblemished record, posting some big tallies on the way, which suggests they are not short on scoring power. Their side contains an abundance of former senior players - including keeper Johnny O’Connor, Gary Timoney, Colin Clarke, Barry Comer, Sean McGarrell, Jason Daly and - if fit - Stephen Moran.
Cathal, David, Niall and Bob Tallon, along with Thomas Field and Ryan Hand, will spearhead St Vincent’s challenge. Barry and Richard O’Sullivan and Nigel Hand will also have plenty to contribute, while Eoghan Corry and goal hero Byrne - who made big impressions when introduced in the semi-final - could also play crucial roles at some stage in proceedings.
Dunboyne will be favourites to come out on top, but the tag of outsiders should suit St Vincent’s fine going into this one.