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STAR REPORT - (Number of times read: 895)
John Bohane | Friday 4 July 2008
Dohenys finish strongly to earn a draw
By John Bohane Saturday July 5th, 2008
Na Piarsaigh goalkeeper David Power makes a point-blank save from Stephen Collins of Dohenys, at left, as Darren Mannix (No. 2), Na Piarsaigh, tries to get in a tackle during the county senior football championship game at Kilmurry on Saturday evening. (Photos: Con Tringle)
Dohenys.............................0-11
Na Piarsaigh.....................0-11
Dohenys and Na Piarsaigh shared the spoils after an engrossing third round senior football championship clash at Kilmurry last Saturday evening.
Ger McCarthy salvaged a deserved draw with a converted free in the final minute to round off a dramatic comeback by Dohenys who trailed by three points with nine minutes remaining. Dohenys renowned for their famed attitude and spirit staged a grandstand finale to preserve their championship aspirations and set up a potentially mouthwatering replay to decide who meets Duhallow in the quarter-final stages.
This was an absorbing contest played with a real championship like intensity and vigour from the off with some tremendous individual displays on both sides played before a captivated large crowd at a picturesque Kilmurry venue. Dohenys after a slow start, led by a point at half time having played with the benefit of the wind in the first half. Na Piarsaigh inspired by their inspirational centre forward John Gardiner started the second half at a blistering pace to eke out a three point lead but Dohenys showed tremendous resolve to mount a terrific fightback in a gripping finish.
The only blemish on an unforgettable night of football was an unsightly brawl which broke out deep into injury time involving both sets of players, substitutes and coaches which brought a premature end to the game. The referee Ger Harrington who was very competent in letting the game flow, must accept part of the blame after his inability to blow the whistle and indecisiveness indirectly led to fraught tensions building amongst the players which erupted into sickening scenes of violence to tarnish an otherwise competitive but very sporting encounter.
Na Piarsaigh who tamely exited the senior hurling championship to their local rivals Glen Rovers recently, leaving them free to pursue their footballing exploits started brightly opening the scoring within the first twenty seconds. Ger Noonan and John Gardiner combined sweetly to set Gary Sheehan free to apply an assured finish. Diarmuid McDonald doubled the Na Piarsaigh lead following good approach play by John and David Gardiner.
Dohenys who started nervously opened their account with a majestic point from Ger McCarthy who cut in from the right flank before firing over from 35 yards. Ger McCarthy who was impressive throughout restored parity pointing from a free after ten minutes. Na Piarsaigh were in the ascendency with the pace and movement of their forwards causing untold problems for a solid but pedestrian like Dohenys defence. John Gardiner restored the Na Piarsaigh lead nonchalantly kicking over after good build up play involving Alan Brady and Ger Noonan. Diarmuid McDonald embarking on an electrifying solo run through the Dohenys cover before unleashing a shot which was well parried by Darren Kelly.
Dohenys offered a brief rebuke to Na Piarsaigh’s dominance when Donal O’Sullivan levelled proceedings after 15 minutes shooting over from an acute angle after receiving a pass from Denis Healy. Na Piarsaigh continued to dominate and were rewarded with three successive points through David Gardiner, Stephen Glasgow and Diarmuid McDonald.
Dohenys gradually began to gain a foothold on proceedings prior to half time scoring four points to hold a slender one point advantage at half time. Ger McCarthy pointed three frees with Michael Milner who was playing a roaming role around midfield to good effect also pointing to set up an intriguing second half.
Na Piarsaigh started the second half with renewed vigour and desire with John Gardiner demonstrating his footballing prowess scoring three mammoth points to reinstate their two point lead. The game was nip and tuck with play stretching from end to end. Dohenys hopes of victory were hampered somewhat by an over-reliance on Ger McCarthy for scores and a lack of composure in front of goal by their attacking unit. Ger McCarthy reduced the arrears to a point after playing a neat one two with Paul Deane to set up a rivetting finish.
Na Piarsaigh were more clinical and economical from their attacks. Teu Ó hAilpin who made a big impact when introduced at midfield and David Gardiner stretched the Na Piarsaigh lead to three points with nine minutes remaining.
Dohenys who never panicked attacked relentlessly in a tension filled finale, laying siege to the Na Piarsaigh goal and were rewarded with three points from Michael O’Donovan, Stephen Collins and a Ger McCarthy close range free to seal a deserved draw after a memorable free flowing spectacle that will live long in the memory.
Scorers – Dohenys: Ger McCarthy 0-7, 0-5 frees, Michael Milner, Donal O’Sullivan, Stephen Collins, Michael O’Donovan 0-1 each. Na Piarsaigh: John Gardiner 0-4, Diarmuid McDonald, David Gardiner 0-2 each, Stephen Glasgow, Gary Sheehan, Teu Ó hÁilpin 0-1 each.
Dohenys: Darren Kelly, Conor Collins, Daniel O’Donovan, Alan Murray, John Collins, Michael O’Donovan, Killian Crowley, Michael Farr, Tim O’Donovan, Denis O’Mahony, Donal O’Sullivan, Paul Deane, Michael Milner, Denis Healy, Ger McCarthy. Subs used: Stephen O’Donovan, Stephen Collins.
Na Piarsaigh: Dean Power, Darren Mannix, Mark Prendergast, Robert Healy, Alan Brady, Stephen O’Sullivan, Sean Óg O hÁilpin, Aaron Hurley, Ger Noonan, Padraig Gould, John Gardiner, Steven Glasgow, David Gardiner, Gary Sheehan, Diarmuid McDonald. Subs used: Colin O’Sullivan, Teu Ó hAilpin.
Referee: Ger Harrington, Carrigaline.