Tempers boil over as Saints pipped in cup final

Points from Patrick McDermott and Declan Reilly had the sides level on six minutes, and while Ronan Kearns side enjoyed plenty of possession it was Carnaross who continued to add to their tally.

After losing Niall McDonnell to a black card, Frank O’Reilly and Declan Reilly both converted frees before Declan O’Sullivan ended a 17-minute spell without a score for the Ardcath men.

Midfielder Robert Tallon then hit the equaliser and the teams were still level after Nigel Hand struck one of the best points of the game from the right wing on 28 minutes.

Another pointed free from Frank O’Reilly eventually left Carnaross leading by the minimum at halftime.

St Vincent’s again started the second half in promising fashion and two pointed frees from Richard O’Sullivan had them back in front. However, that lead didn’t last long as Declan Reilly struck for that decisive goal to leave it 1-6 to 0-7.

Thomas Field again reduced the margin to the minimum as the exchanges intensified. There was still the minimum between the teams following O’Sullivan’s fifth point from a free on 54 minutes.

St Vincent’s failed to add to their tally after that and Reilly doubled Carnaross’ advantage before Frank O’Reilly left three between the teams on 57 minutes.

Thomas Nugent and St Vincent’s sub Jack Byrne both received their marching orders as tempers began to fray in the closing minutes. St Vincent’s tried valiantly to snack a match-saving goal in added time, but Carnaroos managed to keep them out.

County Board treasurer Jim Mullery presented the Tailteann Cup to winning captain Frank O’Reilly.

CARNAROSS: Shane McNiff; Jack Roche, Peter Farrelly, Ian Donoghue; Peter Carpenter, Thomas Plunkett, Cormac O’Reilly; Cian O’Reilly, Cillian Comaskey; Niall McDonnell, Frank O’Reilly 0-3 (2f), Killian Porter; Patrick McDermott 0-2, Thomas Nugent, Declan Reilly 1-4 (3f). Subs: Stephen Flaherty for McDonnell (BC 9), Sam Reynolds for Roche (37), Dermot McGee for Porter (42), John L McGee for Flaherty (46), Ollie Murphy for Reilly (60).

ST VINCENT’S: Evan Connor; Ciaran Brangan, David Tallon, Mark Crawley; Daniel Murphy, Niall Tallon, Barry O’Sullivan; Robert Tallon 0-1, Thomas Field 0-1; Eoghan Corry, Patrick Arnold 0-1, Nigel Hand 0-1; Leo Corry, Richard O’Sullivan 0-5f, Shane O’Brien. Subs: Cathal Tallon for Connor (16), David Corry for B O’Sullivan (37), Jack Byrne for E Corry (46), Martin Fox for R Tallon (47), Declan O’Sullivan for Field (54), Tallon for Arnold (59).

REF: Liam Reddy (Duleek-Bellewstown)