Ulster Senior Football Club Championship 2010

[drici]

Gr-Eight

● ULSTER FINAL CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS 2-09 NAOMH CONAILL 0-10


The reason for the twice postponed Ulster Final between Crossmaglen Rangers and Conaill was still very much evident as spectators wound their way to the end venue Breffini Park after Clones was deemed unplayable.

On arrival at the Cavan venue the pitch was in superb order, a credit to all concerned as it hosted both the junior and senior finals. A very good crowd turned up to see the modern day David v Goliath in football terms as first time finalist Naomh Conaill were trying to prevent Crossmaglen Rangers extending their unbeated Ulster final record to eight.

While the opening half did not go according to plan for the odds on favourites when the die was cast and they were down to 14 men, the men from Crossmaglen powered past the Glenties rivals.

The returned Jamie Clarke to the Rangers side, following a lengthy suspension was also seen as a great fillip to the Armagh Champions. So it proved as Jamie was selected as Man of the Match with a 1-2 to his credit and the vision and range of running to set up scores for colleagues none more than the Oisin McConville goal.

The old adage goals win games proved correct as the Donegal side mustered but one clear attempt at custodian Hearty, to which he stood firm.

'Scoring forwards win games' was the take from joint manager Tony McEntee who also said that the break at half time was crucial to get his team back on track. We have a very good panel of players and used them to get the result. Our aim at the start of the year has been fulfilled. The boys have worked very hard and can enjoy the Christmas break. We will not meet again until January. The London game is vital to us with the other provincial finals being played in January. Asked if managing or playing was the harder, he said "both were equally frustrating".

Cross settled the better as the match began with the nervous underdogs resorting to the concession of numerous needless frees in the opening minutes.

Midfielder Martin Rogan, ticked inside 10 seconds, picked up a very early yellow card before the opening score of the match arrived via the boot of the returned after suspension Jamie Clark. The Kernan brothers, Stephen and Tony combined to set up the games first point on four minutes.

Three minutes later, a misplaced free by Danny O'Callaghan saw Leo McLoone take full advantage as Naomh Conaill levelled three minutes following the lead point. Glenties had settled down and with centre half back and team captain Anthony Thompson leading the charge the Donegal men began to dictate.

McLoone was wide with an effort before seeing his next one come back off the upright. Glenties were rewarded with the lead when Dermot Molloy pointed a free following a foul on Dara Gallagher.

Up the other end an Oisin McConville effort was blocked out for a "45″ which fell short from Tony Kernan. In the ensuing scramble for the ball corner back Tommy Donognue was penalised and picked up a yellow card for the challenge. Oisin pointed the free to make it 2 all, 11 minutes in.

From the kick out Rangers raided with Tony Kernan and Mickey McNamee (in from the start from the selected programme team for Aaron Cunningham) setting up Jamie Clarke for a goal attempt. A great block from Donoghue (although a more than slight suspicion of a foot block) prevented the three pointer.

Naomh Conaill were back in front as Molloy converted a free for a foul on himself. Moments later the first turning point of the match arrived when Paul Hearty instinctively reacted to save a goal bound effort from Dara Gallagher. Rangers responded rapidly to the goal scare with telling effect as they immediately swept down field for a goal. Mickey Mac played a lovely ball over the top to Clarke who made no mistake this time, leaving goalkeeper Stephan McGrath helpless. 1-2 to 0-3 at the half's mid-point.

But instead of capitulating Naomh Conaill mounted a telling response to out score Cross 4-1 in the next quarter. A lovely Dara Gallagher point was the reply to the goal, three minutes later a six man move ended with midfielder John McLoone levelling matters 1-2 to 0-5 with a well executed score. With the bit between their teeth, as their half backs and midfielders broke forward in numbers, Naomh Conaill took the lead.

Brick Molloy punished a foul on Brendan McDyer with the lead point with seven minutes left on the short whistle.

In a rare attack Tony Kernan found Mickey McNamee with a free and despite close attention Mickey kicked the teams level for the fourth time in the half. The teams traded wides (their fourth each) as the first substituion took place, Francie Bellew surprisingly in for McNamee.

A foul on the very impressive Glenties Captain Thompson, who donimated the opening half, enabled Dara Gallagher to give the rank underdog a very worthy 0-7 to 1-3 interval lead. Indeed the half time whistle was the last thing that the Donegal champions needed to hear as they were clearly getting to grips with the daunting task which they faced.

Rangers substitute Bellew lined out at full-forward for the second half and saw immediate involvement winning the team a "45″ which was put wide by Tony Kernan.

Francie then gained possession and passed to Tony Kernan who knocked over a lovely point in what was to be an eventful and forgetful 4 minutes spell at the start of the second half. A yellow card for Tony for a high challenge was picked up before Molloy ballooned miles wide for Glenties. Then, a second yellow for Tony for an off the ball incident, reported by the linesman, saw Cross down to 14 men. Conaill captain misplaced a free deep in Cross territory and it was to have huge consequences for his team. Francis Hanratty raced away with the ball and let it off to Jamie Clarke who jinked inside a defender before unleashing a pin point crossfield pass into the arms of Oisin. The hitman ace marksman calmly slotted to the net for a most vital score 2-4 to 0-7.

Before the sending off and the goal occurred Cross had been trying to introduce two subs but the man with the numbers board, the fourth official, was not very official. A goal lead did not stop the introduction of Martin Aherne and Aaron Cunningham for the two Stephens, Finnegan and Kernan.

James Morgan and Leon Thompson picked up yellow cards before Cavan referee Joe McQuillian, who had not had a good day at the office, gave Johnny Hanratty a yellow despite him getting a punch from Molloy.

To compound Rangers dissatisfaction with the ref he gave Naomh Conaill a free for nothing, in front of the post. If the Cavan official deemed it a free it should have been a penalty as it was inside the square. Molloy pointed for his teams first score of the second half after 15 minutes.

Substitute Cunningham fed Clarke who sublimely pointed from play 2-5 to 0-8 as Rangers began to find space and time all over the field despite being reduced numerically. A McConville free extended Rangers lead 2-6 to 0-8 with 13 minutes left on the clock.

Rangers Management were still not satisfied as they brought on Kyle Carragher for Francis Hanratty. Naomh Conaill, who had dramatically lost their way from the break brought off Leon Thompson for Seamus Corcoran.


Oisin stamped the authority of the maestro he is with an outlandish point to put 5 points between the sides. John McEntee saw action, coming in for midfielder McKenna, with 6 minutes remaining.

Brendan McDyre pointed from play for Glenties as John McKenna entered the fray for John O'Malley. There was only one score between the teams when a Dara Gallagher free left it 0-10 to 2-7 with 2 minutes plus on the clock.

Naomh Conaill defence was hauled all over the field in the second half and a jaded Donoghue gifted Rangers a point for a foul on the lively Carragher. Aaron Kernan got on the score sheet by pointing the free.

2 minutes of added time gave Oisin a chance to repeat his early feat of yet another trademark super point to finish the scoring 2-9 to 0-10.

Rangers: Paul Hearty, Paul McKeown (C), Paul Kernan, James Morgan, Aaron Kernan (0-1), Danny O'Callagher, Stephen Finnegan, Johnny Hanratty, David McKenna, Jamie Clarke (1-2), Stephen Kernan, Francis Hanratty, Tony Kernan (0-1), Mickey McNamee (0-1) and Oisin McConville 1-4. Subs: Francis Bellew for Mickey McNamee, Martin Ahere for Stephen Finnegan, Aaron Cunningham for Stephen Kernan, Kyle Carragher for Francis Hanratty, John McEntee for David McEntee.

Naomh Conaill: Stephen McGrath, Tommy Donoghue, Johnn Donner, Ciaran Boyle, Marty Boyle, Anthony Thompson (C), Eoin Waide, Martin Regan, Johnny McLoone, Brendan McDyre, Leo McLoone, Dara Gallagher, John O'Malley, Dermot Molloy and Leon Thompson.

Gr-Eight

Dec 1-1996-Crossmaglen Rangers 1-07 Bellaghy (Derry) 1-07

Dec 8-1996-Crossmaglen Rangers 2-05 Bellaghy 0-08 (replay)

Nov 22-1998-Crossmaglen Rangers 1-11 Bellaghy (Derry) 1-10

Nov 21-1999- Crossmaglen Rangers 0-10 Enniskillen Gaels (Fermanagh) 0-09

Nov 28-2004-Crossmaglen Rangers 0-14 Mayobridge (Down) 0-09

Dec 3-2006-Crossmaglen Rangers 0-05 Ballinderry (Derry) 0-03 (One of the best days ever in Casey)

Nov 25-2007-Crossmaglen Rangers 1-09 St Gall's (Antrim) 1-06

Nov 30-2008-Crossmaglen Rangers 1-10 Ballinderry (Derry) 1-10 (Draw)

Dec 8-2008- Crossmaglen Rangers 0-12 Ballinderry(Derry) 1-04- (Replay)

Dec 12-2010- Crossmaglen Rangers 2-09 Naomh Conaill (Donegal) 0-10

Ulster Titles

[drici]

16-01-11 (Sunday)
All Ireland Senior Football Championship
Quarter Final
Neasden Gaels v Crossmaglen Rangers
1-30pm   Ruislip
Referee: Michael Duffy
Extra Time if required


Neasden Gaels can enjoy the Dinner Dance now with no match the next day.

[Slicker]

Great effort from Cross, Oisin flying along with all their young boys. Been impressed with morgan, mckenna, hanratty (suprisingly) , mckeown. Hopefully they do well in the All Ireland series.

[drici]

Fourth Cross visit to Ruislip


All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter Final

Neasden Gaels (Londain) v Crossmaglen Rangers (Ard Macha)
Referee: Michael Duffy (Sligeach) (Extra Time if Necessary)


Having captured their eighth Ulster Club title in December Crossmaglen Rangers will visit Ruislip for the fourth time during those triumphs to take on the London champions in a quarter final match in the All-Ireland series. While the whole world, except those involved with Sunday's opponents Neasden Gaels, expect nothing but a win for the Ulster champions the gulf between the London champions and their Provincial opponents is narrowing year by year.

The Irish representatives are in a no win situation in that they are expected to win comfortably and if they do not questions are asked of them in other quarters. Rangers first two visits in 1998 and 2004 were pre-Christmas but their last one in 2008 was in January. Sunday's game was to be played last December but the snow put paid to that hence the upcoming visit on Sunday has added importance. The Leinster final between Kilmacud and Rhode also fell victim to the weather and with the winners of that match due to meet the winners of the Ruislip encounter, a meaningful match to fill the void before the semi-final will be welcomed by Cross.

By their own high standards Cross will be the first to admit that they have reached this stage of the competition without putting a complete full hour shift to compliment their ability. Still with patch performances and key players missing Rangers have disposed of some very useful opponents to earn their trip to London. Key attackers Oisin McConville and Jamie Clarke were at various stages of the Armagh and Ulster Championships unavailable through suspension but paired together for the Ulster Final their value was seen at it's potent best as they bagged a goal apiece in the defeat of Donegal Champions Naomh Conaill.

Cross warmed up for Sunday's match with a run out against Ollscoil Bhéal Feirsde but were without the services of the honeymooning Stephen Kernan. Stephen is expected to be available for the Ruislip game as is Oisin McConville who is getting married the following weekend.

Having lost the two previous London finals Neasden, under manager Fergal Cunningham (Waterford) and selectors Kevin Moore (Derry) and Enda Barrett (Mayo) with Johnny Wilson (Cork) as trainer, made the breakthrough in 2010 by beating Parnell's 1-7 to 0-6 to win the title. Based in Kingsbury, North London, Neasden Gaels under the chairmanship of Brian Mulry are regarded as a professional progressive tight knit club.

The team, which defeated Parnell's in the final had 4 Ulster men on their starting 15, defenders Keith Geraghty (Munterconnacht, Cavan), Phil McCone (Ballymacnab, Armagh), midfielder duo Conor McGoldrick (Naomh Treasa, Antrim) and Aidan Flanagan (An Riocht, Down).Substitutes Tomas Dougan (Pearse Og, Armagh) and Dannie O'Connor (Drumsurn, Derry) were used in the final.

Corner forward Stephen Lynch, a Carlow native, is their chief freetaker and topscored in the final with 5 points, all from frees.

An all Galway half forward line of Matthew and Paul Geraghty along with J Raftery work tirelessly for their team mates in both getting and setting up scores. The London champions are Captained by a Sligo man, Barry McDonagh, who will be hoping to put the shackles on Oisin.

Corner forward Stephen Lynch, a Carlow native, is their chief freetaker and topscored in the final with 5 points, all from frees.

An all Galway half forward line of Matthew and Paul Geraghty along with J Raftery work tirelessly for their team mates in both getting and setting up scores. The London champions are Captained by a Sligo man, Barry McDonagh, who will be hoping to put the shackles on Oisin.

On their first visit to London Cross beat Tir Chonaill Gaels 1-18 to 0-8. The second visit saw Kingdom Kerry Gaels beaten 2-10 to 1-9 and 2 years ago Tir Chonaill Gaels only lost out 0-10 to 0-6. As previously mentioned this is a non winner for Cross. Rangers management will be looking for only two things on Sunday a win and a clean bill of health and they will consider this a job well done regardless of what sort of game it is in Ruislip. Over the course of the last three games played by Cross in Ruislip there are many reasons to treat this match with trepidation, none least than the physicality of the hosts which, at times, can be over exhuberant.



MATCH STATISTICS

Dec 13 1998 -Crossmaglen Rangers 1-18 Tir Chonaill Gaels (London) 0-08-M Collins- Ruislip

Dec 5 2004 -Crossmaglen Rangers 2-10 Kingdom Kerry Gaels (London) 1-09-P Fox-Ruislip

Jan 27 2008 -Crossmaglen Rangers 0-10 Tir Chonaill Gaels (London) 0-06-S McCormick-Ruislip



Neasden Gaels 2-8 Tara 0-9

Parnells 2-8 Neasden Gaels 2-8

Neasden Gaels 1-11 Fulham Irish 0-3

Semi Finals

Neasden Gaels 4-8 St Kiernans 0-10

Parnells 0-8 Tir Chonaill Gaels 0-7

Final

Neasden Gaels 1-07 Parnells 0-6

Scorers — Neasden Gaels: S Lynch 0-5 (0-5f), P Geraghty 1-0, B Comer, T Gaughan 0-1 each. Parnells: D O'Sullivan 0-6 (0-5f); D O'Donovan 0-1.

Neasden Gaels Panel– Joe McNamara (Corofin, Galway) Cal O'Flynn (Moyvane, Kerry), Keith Geraghty (Munterconnacht, Cavan), Barry McDonagh Capt (Curry, Sligo); Phil McCone Ballymacnab, Armagh), Tony Gaughan (Kiltane, Mayo), Barry Comer (Dunboyne, Meath); Conor McGoldrick (Naomh Treasa, Antrim), AidanFlanagan (An Riocht, Down); Matthew Geraghty (Ballygar, Galway), Paul Geraghty (Glenamaddy, Galway) J Raftery (Oranmore-Maree, Galway); David Carty (Blackhall Gaels, Meath), Peadar Friel (Barna, Galway), Stephen Lynch (Rathvilly, Carlow). Subs: Tomas Dougan (Pearse Og, Armagh) Ciaran McGann (Kenagh, Longford) Dannie O'Connor (Drumsurn, Derry).

[DrinkingHarp]

Is the Cross/Neasden match online live?

[DrinkingHarp]

Is the Cross/Neasden match online live?

I have the audio on five fm - is there a live video anywhere?

[armaghniac]

Cross 0-5 Gaels 0-2 HT

[armaghniac]

Well done Cross. Neasden sound like a collection of blow-ins.

[supersub]

Final score?

[armaghniac]

Cross 1-08 Neasden 0-05

[drici]

Ruislip relief

Crossmaglen Rangers 1-08   Neasden Gaels 0-05


With marriage nuptials very much to the forefront in Crossmaglen Rangers preparations for their trip to Ruislip, the actual match proved no honeymoon for the Ulster champions who struggled to find any semblance of form as they laboured to a 1-08 to 0-05 victory.

Cross management made a number of changes to the team which started the Ulster final. The returning from honeymoon Stephen Kernan was left on the bench replaced by John McEntee, Martin Aherne started ahead of Francis Hanratty and Brendan McKeown came into defence for Stephen Finnegan for his first competitive start since his leg break.

On a very heavy surface, which had hosted an earlier hurling match, Cross had the wind advantage in the first half but it was Neasden who settled the better in the opening stages but shot a couple of wides. Tenacity and tight marking were a feature for the home side whose physicality also caused Rangers some bother. Had the hosts got forwards who could score, the Armagh champions could have been in a lot of trouble given their sluggish performance as all but one of the Neasden tally of 5 points came from frees.

It was seven minutes in before the opening score of the match arrived via the boot of Galwayman Peadar Friel from a free and it was 6 minutes later following a trio of wides that Cross drew level. Rangers best performer on the day, Aaron Kernan, equalised from play and on the midpoint of the half Oisin McConville converted a free to give Cross a lead that would never be relinquished. Meathman David Carty with a free from his hands restored parity for the second time. The hosts had the better of the play but could not convert possession into points and inside the final 10 minutes of the half they were made to pay as Cross stepped on the gas a little. Oisin got clear of the shackles of Neasden captain Barry McDonagh from Sligo to pilfer a point from play. Four minutes later at his fifth attempt at a point, Martin Aherne found his range to make it double scores 4-2. Two minutes from the short whistle Aaron Kernan put a goal between the teams following good work by his captain, Paul McKeown. Goalkeeper Paul Hearty was very alert to save smartly from Friel to prevent a levelling score before Sligo referee Michael Duffy blew for half-time with Cross leading 0-5 to 0-2.

Wind assisted Gaels began the second half like the first gaining an early advantage with Cross picking up a couple of yellow cards inside a minute. A foul on Carty gave him the opportunity to reduce the deficit and he duly obliged. The teams traded wides before Cross made a triple substitution with Stephen Kernan, Francie Bellew and Francis Hanratty coming in for Martin Aherne, Tony Kernan and hamstring victim Mickey McNamee. But this did not prevent the hosts from getting a grip on proceedings, even though an Oisin free had made it 6-3. Ten minutes into the second half another converted McConville free stretched the lead to four points and Rangers were expected to push on from there. Not so as Neasden responded with back to back points within a minute to put the outcome back in the melting pot. Carty pointed his third free before a first from play from Meathman Barry Comer to leave it 7-5, thirteen minutes into the second half. However, a first point from play was to prove to be the last score of the match for the eager hosts whose challenge evaporated over the closing ten minutes in each half. Not that it took a superb catch by Hearty as the ball sailed over the bar to deny three points in a row which would have cut the deficit to the minimum and surely spurred a tiring home team to find further inspiration.

With the goal at his mercy Johnny Hanratty was harshly deemed by Referee Duffy to have picked the ball off the ground and the opportunity went a begging. With the clock winding down a fifth point of the game for the majestic McConville, this time from play, gave the Rangers a goal cushion and extinguished the winning goal threat from Neasden as time evaporated. It was Rangers through substitute Francis Hanratty who should have notched the match winning goal but credit to goalkeeper Joe McNamara, another Galwayman, who effected a very good save. With the clock in overtime the same duo came face to face following a sweeping Cross move from one end of the field to the other. This time Franny left McNamara helpless as he bagged the insurance score for his team who were well relieved to put this game to bed and out of the way.

As outlined in the preview this was a no brainer for the Ulster champions, a comprehensive win would be of no benefit but the overall performance from Cross will leave management very angry. While Ruislip match winner Oisin will be focusing on his wedding on Friday, one thing is for sure that Tony and Gareth will be planning anything but a honeymoon for their charges as they prepare for a Feb 26 All-Ireland semi-final against Leinster winners Kilmacud or Rhode. Following their worst performance of the campaign to date there is an awful lot of work to be done if a St Patrick's Day trip to Croke Park is to be won.

Crossmaglen Rangers -P Hearty, B McKeown, P Kernan, J Morgan, P McKeown, D O Callaghan, A Kernan (0-2), D McKenna , J Hanratty, M Aherne (0-1), J McEntee , J Clarke, T Kernan, M McNamee, O McConville (0-5) Subs- S Kernan for Martin Aherne, F Bellew for T Kernan, F Hanratty (1-0) for M McNamee, S Finnegan for B McKeown.

Neasden Gaels — Joe McNamara, Cal O'Flynn , Keith Geraghty , Barry McDonagh Capt ; Phil McCone, Tony Gaughan , Barry Comer (0-1); Conor McGoldrick , Aidan Flanagan, John Scanlan, Paul Geraghty, J Raftery; David Carty (0-3), Peadar Friel (0-1), Stephen Lynch .

Ref-M Duffy (Sligo)