Senior Championship – Quarter Final
Sun 5th Sept Trim 4-5 Seneschalstown 1-8
Even though both sides managed nine scores apiece in this absorbing Navan Shopping Centre SFC quarter-final clash at Dunsany, it was Trim’s superior goal power that saw them through to a second successive semi-final meeting with Simonstown Gaels
Their major scores arrived in two-goal bursts early in the second and fourth quarters but overall they fully deserved to maintain their winning-run as they stay on the trail of a possible senior double and their first SFC crown since 1962.
Senior Championship – Quarter Final
Sun 5th Sept Trim 4-5 Seneschalstown 1-8
Even though both sides managed nine scores apiece in this absorbing Navan Shopping Centre SFC quarter-final clash at Dunsany, it was Trim’s superior goal power that saw them through to a second successive semi-final meeting with Simonstown Gaels
Their major scores arrived in two-goal bursts early in the second and fourth quarters but overall they fully deserved to maintain their winning-run as they stay on the trail of a possible senior double and their first SFC crown since 1962.
At times they moved the ball with devastating effect that wasn’t always matched on the scoreboard and after an uncertain start recovered to lead 2-4 to 1-4 at the break.
Extra-time looked a distinct possibility until two goals in a four-minute spell from half-time substitute Benny Murray and Michael Lowther shut the door on Seneschalstown and effectively ended the contest that drew a large crowd to this popular venue.
Trim might have added a fifth goal but Paul Gilsenan’s attempt to chip Seneschalstown’s netminder David Geraghty didn’t come off near the end.
Trim’s Frankie Murphy was the most consistent performer in the midfield sector and was well supported by Ronan Fitzsimons who laid on the final pass for three of his side’s goals.
Michael Lowther made his first start for Trim since the win over Gaeil Colmcille but they without the services of David Hegarty and Mark Gilsenan and gave teenager Conor O’Keefe a starting role in attack.
Joe Sheridan caused his marker Joe Tighe a lot of trouble in the early stages but Eamon McEneaney rectified that by dropping Darren Fay back to pick up the young county player while the Trim captain also prospered from the move.
Graham Geraghty lined out at centre-back for the Yellow Furze side but rarely imposed himself on proceedings and moved to full-forward in the latter stages where he earned a late penalty after being grounded by Tighe.
However, Joe Sheridan’s piledriver rebounded off the outside of the post and almost crossed the sideline. In contrast it all started so well for Seneschalstown an early knock-down from their full-forward to Gary Conlon had them in front inside twenty seconds and Alan Finnegan doubled their advantage shortly after.
Two excellently executed scores from Eoin McGrath and Ronan Fitzsimons had Trim on terms by the eighth minute before a long ball from Graham Geraghty reached Joe Sheridan who fired home from close range.
Lowther saw attempts from frees go astray before sending over from play and the town side hit the front for the first time (1-3 to 1-2) 17 minutes in when McGrath latched onto a centre from Ronan Fitzsimons before turning unchallenged and firing to the net.
Joe Sheridan appeared to push Tighe in the back before leveling matters but Trim regained the lead with their only score from a placed ball, a well-drilled Paul Gilsenan penalty after referee David Coldrick deemed Frankie Murphy was tripped by Colin Gleeson. The call seemed harsh on the Yellow Furze side but significantly there were no raised voices.
At the other end Brendan Murphy earned his corn with an excellent save from Joe Sheridan in the last action of the opening half. Just two points separated the sides (2-5 to 1-6) 12 minutes after the restart when Brian Clarke landed a great attempt from a long range free.
Then came that two-goal salvo that decided the outcome. A Ronan Fitzsimons’ point attempt dropped short and was bundled into the net by Murray in the 46th minute and four minutes later, a fine fetch by Frankie Murphy was carried forward by his midfield partner who set Lowther up for the match-clinching score.
Trim B. Murphy; P. Hegarty, J. Tighe, Richie Fitzsimons; R. Brennan, D. Fay, M. Power; F. Murphy, Ronan Fitzsimons (0-1); S. Murphy, P. Gilsenan (1-1), C. O’Keefe; E. McGrath (1-1), M. Lowther (1-2), C. McHugh. Sub B. Murray (1-0) for O’Keefe.
Seneschalstown D. Geraghty; C. Gleeson, T. Maguire, J. Byrne; C. Clarke, G. Geragthy, J. Cowley; D. Sheridan, M. Carey; P. O’Brien, A. Finnegan (0-1), B. Clarke (0-2), G. Conlon (0-3), J. Sheridan (1-2), C. Macken. Subs S. Clarke for O’Brien, G. McGovern for Byrne
