News Story

R.L. | Monday 30 June 2008

Dohenys and Na Piarsaigh will have to meet again to decide who goes through to a quarter final meeting with Duhallow in the county senior football championship after their draw in kilmurry on Saturday evening. It was a game that kept spectators on their toes  throughout as the city side had the edge for long periods and seemed destined for victory when they led by three points with just 5 minutes remaining. Such was not to be , however, as Dohenys put in a fighting finish to kick the points that brought them level. At the final whistle Doheny  supporters were probably the more satisfied with the result as the team had struggled for much of the second half to put scores on the board whereas the Na Piarsaigh supporters probably felt that this was one that got away from them but have learned a valuable lesson,  as Dohenys did to their cost in the opening round against Ballyvourney, that a game isn’t over until the final whistle goes.

One often hears of a game described as a game of two halves, in other words being very different. In contrast this was a game of very similar halves with the same pattern developing in each, Na Piarsaigh having the upper hand for twenty minutes or so and Dohenys finishing strongly in each half. Dohenys’ cause was not helped by the loss of Daragh Farr through illness and Pat Collins through injury before the game started. This was bound to have had an unsettling effect on the team. Added to that they had to contend with a Piarsaigh team that hit the ground running from the throw-in. They had a point on the scoreboard within seconds and had Dohenys in all kinds of trouble with their strong running and passing game. They  were winning a lot of ball around the middle especially Sean Og O hAlpín at centreback who was picking up a lot of breaks, making space, and laying off to running team mates. The backs struggled to come to terms with this type of game, especially the fullback line, as time was given to attacking players to give some quality balls to the inside line. One player that did stand head and shoulders over the other backs during this time was Johnny Collins who was playing a blinder. Another was rookie goalie, Darren Kelly, who showed great confidence between the posts and brought off two vital saves. However, an encouraging aspect at the other end of the field was the form being shown by Ger Mc who kicked a great point from play and another from a free to keep Dohenys in touch. Denis Healy also combined well with Donal  O’ Sullivan for the latter to add a third point.Despite their efforts the city side were ahead by 3 points, 0-6 to 0-3,after 20 minutes.  It was at this stage that Dohenys’ first resurrection took place. With Micky Farr getting through an amount of work in the middle of the field,  Michael Milner, playing more as a third midfielder, picking up a lot of breaks, Denis Healy now operating at centreforward breaking O’ hAlpín dominance, and the backs coming to terms with their opponents, the fightback began. Na Piarsaigh were to score no more as Dohenys kicked over 4 points in a row through Ger Mc Carthy(3) and Michael Milner. The strong running of Paul Deane and Denis Healy was also vital during this period. They were now a point ahead and so much on top that they would probably have added to this were it not for the half time whistle.

Remarably the game did not restart as it had finished. Instead the exact same pattern emerged as in the first half. Again na Piarsaigh hit the ground flying it and kicked three point in the opening ten minutes without reply. However, they were not as dominant as they had been in the opening half as Dohenys were creating good opportunities but failing miserably to take them.  Indeed, just a point was scored in 25 minutes, by Ger Mc in the 18^th minute, as Ger himself, Paul Deane, Donal o’Sullivan,  Kilian Crowley and Stephen O’ Donovan  all nodded when provided with opportunities. And then when the city side were 3 points ahead with 5 minutes to go, and doubts could have been creeping into the minds as we were now dominating but not scoring the second resurrection took place.  Micheál O’ Donovan showed how it should be done with a great point from out the field. Stephen O’ Donovan, on for Denis O’ Mahony, and Stevie Collins , on for Donal o’ Sullivan had also helped to change the pattern of the game with their speed. Collins kicked another fine point to reduce the margin to a minimum before Ger Mc cut open the Piarsaigh defence and was bearing down on goal when he was brought down from behind. He made no mistake from the resultant free, tying the scores at  11 points each in the 29^th minute . There were a few minutes of lost time but neither side came close to a winning score and the game ended with the tension boiling over and a lot of hot air being expended which was a pity as the game had been played with a great level of sportsmanship despite the closeness of the exchanges.

Overall this was far from a perfect display by Dohenys but it was one of their more gutsy and spirited performaces. Despite struggling to find the target they still kept looking for it when a lesser side might have faltered. What is important now is for all involved to take a critical look at the performance, identify what was done right and try to repeat it and pinpoint what was done wrong and try and to rectify it. Only in this way can progress be made.

Darren Kelly can be very satisfied with his senior debut , showing a lot of maturity especially under pressure. The fullback line had a very shaky beginning partly through no fault of their own. However  they settled well and were solid in the second half. Dan o’ Donovan in particular can be satisfied with his display as he was on a hiding to nothing as he has been out of the position for a long time but he really controlled the area as the game went on. John Collins’ contribution has already been documented while on the other wing Kilian Crowley was quietly effective. Micheal O’ Donovan at centreback caught a real tartar in John Gardiner who kicked some magnificent points. However, he finished very strongly and was very involved in the late comeback. We won very little clean ball in the midfield are where Micky Farr and Tim o’ Donovan tried hard against bigger opponents and broke a lot of ball. The latter also gave a lot of scope to his direct opponent  who created a lot of problems for the backs in the first half. Donal o’ Sullivan played in a number of positions in the forwards but though he won a lot of possession it just didn’t happen for him on the day. Denis O’ Mahony never got to grips with the pace of the game and never shook off the effects of his long layoff through injury. Paul Deane took time to adjust to his new position but it was noticeable that when he did get into the game the tide began to turn in our favour. Denis Healy had a major impact on the game when he moved out the field as his workrate and pace were a constant threat. Picked at cornerforward Michael Milner made a huge difference when grafting out in the middle of the field.  Ger mc is surely a victim of his own high standards. He kicked 7 points, some magnificent ones from both frees and play, and because he missed a few some supporters were not happy with his display. Keep it up, Ger, we’ll take that display any day. Stephen O’ Donovan and Stephie Collins made an impact when introduced as subs with their pace giving the Piarsaigh backs something different to deal with.

The date for the replay is uncertain as the faith of the Cork hurlers will have a bearing on it.

 

 

Email To a Friend | Printable Version | Report A Problem