Stradbally pull away in the final quarter to land Premier title
Sean Michael O’Regan, Chairman Co.GAA Board presents Stradbally's Captain, Liam Fennell with the Cup. included is Anne Kiely Cappoquin Logistics Championship Sponsors. Photo Sean Byrne
A seventeen point winning margin for Stradbally when these sides met in the championship group stages suggested an easy win for the Cove side here but such was not the case. Modeligo arrived in Lemybrien on Sunday last with a big support and serious intent and it was only in the closing stages that Stradbally managed to pull clear and see off determined opponents.
There was a poignant start to the game as a minutes silence was observed in memory of former Stradbally player Tom Hearne while Modeligo followers were rocked by news of the death of staunch lifetime supporter Siobhan Lonergan.
Stradbally started strongly, dominating the early exchanges but had still only two points on the board with Kevin Lawlor and Rory Fennell hitting the target and Modeligo more economical with two points from James Walsh leaving the sides on terms with almost twelve minutes played.
Modelgo grabbed the lead in the 13th minute with Pat O’Donovan following through to finish to the net after Christopher Casey had saved from James Walsh but Stradbally hit back with five unanswered points between then and the 26th minute from Michael O’Brien (f), Michael Mullaney, Daniel Weldon (2) and Jack Mullaney for a 0-8 to 1-2 lead. Modeligo hit back in some style with a James Walsh point followed by a John Devine goal set up by Walsh and Sean O’Donovan to take the lead before a third Daniel Weldon point levelled the tie at Modeligo 2-3 Stradbally 0-9 at halftime.
Stradbally moved two points clear on the resumption with scores from Eoin O’Brien and Weldon before John Devine hit back with a Modeligo point.Further points from Michael O’Brien and Weldon moved Stradbally three points clear but they were rocked again in the 46th minute when James Walsh put James Hickey in for his sides third goal.
It was now being put up to Stradbally in no uncertain manner and they responded as favourites would, outscoring Modeligo by 1-5 to 0-1 in the last quarter starting with sub Pa Skehan’s lead point in the 47th minute before Rory Fennell’s 53rd minute goal killed off the strong Modeligo challenge. Modeligo’s only score in the closing quarter came from a James Walsh ‘45’ in the 58th minute.
It had been a gallant effort by Modeligo but Stradbally were worthy winners and now face into Munster club but have a big game next weekend against Roanmore with senior staus the prize for the winners.
For Stradbally Daniel Weldon received the man of the match award backed up by big performances from Paddy Kiely, Rory Fennell and goalie Chris C asey. In a battling Modeligo side James Walsh, Jamie Power and David Hickey stood out.
Daniel Weldon 0-5, Rory Fennell 1-1, Michael O’Brien 0-4 (FS), Michael Mullaney 0-2, Kevin Lawlor, Jack Mullaney, Eoin O’Brien, Pa Skehan, Liam Fennell and Shane Ahearn 0-1 each.
James Walsh 0-4 (Fs), John Devine 1-1, Pat O’Donovan and James Hickey 1-0 each, Pa Walsh 0-1 (F).
Chris Casey, Andrew Kirwan, Jack Mullaney, Luke Casey, Paddy Kiely, Kevin Lawlor, Paul Connors, Liam Fennell, Shane Aherne, Daniel Fenlon, Michael Mullaney,Eoin O’Brien, Rory Fennell, Daniel Weldon, Michael O’Brien.
Barry O’Brien for Fenlon (HT), Pa Skehan for E. O’Brien and Joseph Fenlon for Kirwan (48), Tommy Fennell for R. Fennell (64).
Thomas Walsh, Eoin Hickey, Nicky O’ Donovan, John McGrtah, Jamie Power, Mikey Joe Curran, Bernard Wright, David Hickey, Gus Nugent, Sean O’Donovan, John Devine, James Hickey, Pa O’Donovan, Gavin Dalton, James Walsh.
Mick Devine for J. Devine (inj.46), J. Devikne for McGrath (55).
Ed. Fitzgerald (Gaultier).
