SENESCHALSTOWN FLATTERED
Seneschalstown ………… 3-13
Clonard ……………………… 0-12
By Noel Coogan
While deserving of their victory in Sunday’s J.F.C. B final at Pairc Tailteann, Seneschalstown were certainly well flattered by the 10 points winning margin.
With five minutes of the hour remaining Clonard trailed by just three points (0-12 to 2-9) and had just missed a penalty. County hurler Mark Gannon was fouled for the kick which was taken weakly by Tony Roche and comfortably stopped by Seneschalstown captain and ‘keeper Ollie Mulvany.
SENESCHALSTOWN FLATTERED
Seneschalstown ………… 3-13
Clonard ……………………… 0-12
By Noel Coogan
While deserving of their victory in Sunday’s J.F.C. B final at Pairc Tailteann, Seneschalstown were certainly well flattered by the 10 points winning margin.
With five minutes of the hour remaining Clonard trailed by just three points (0-12 to 2-9) and had just missed a penalty. County hurler Mark Gannon was fouled for the kick which was taken weakly by Tony Roche and comfortably stopped by Seneschalstown captain and ‘keeper Ollie Mulvany.
Substitute Caolach Monaghan slotted over his second free and Alan Oakes, another substitute Brendan Carey and top scorer Alan Geraghty (free) added points before Geraghty netted his second goal 36 minutes after the restart.
The winners finished their game with 14 players after midfielder Gareth McGuirk was dismissed for a second bookable offence five minutes into added time.
It was a pity to see the number eight become the victim of over fussy referee Robbie Woods, who should have blown up before that. Also on three occasions in the first half Woods penalised the Clonard attack by awarding them frees instead of allowing the advantage.
Right corner forward Alan Geraghty played a big part in the success, putting his name on 2-6 of the winning total, while brother David shot the second goal.
The match provided quite an entertaining hour and Clonard number 13 Roche was the Kinnegad parish side’s player to keep reporters busiest.
Roche slotted over seven points, all from frees, but surely regrets not making better use of the penalty. If that had gone in who knows.
But Clonard definitely weren’t 10 points inferior. Hope their supporters enjoy reading rare accounts of one of their games in this week’s Meath papers.
Meath minor of three years ago Niall Walsh and Gannon worked well for them in the half forward line but Seneschalstown’s ability to sneak goals proved crucial.
The first of those came after just three minutes when Alan Geraghty finished to the net following a throw up by Woods. Clonard never managed to get their noses in front but were on level terms (1-5 to 0-8) at the interval.
Late in the first half the eventual losers’ ‘keeper made a splendid stop from Alan Geraghty. Earlier Gannon had gone with a goal attempt at the pavilion end.
Early in the second half points from Alan Geraghty (free) and McGuirk put Seneschalstown back in the driving seat and soon after that Geraghty put a terrific 40 metres drive soaring between the posts.
David Geraghty sent a low shot to the net after 44 minutes to leave it 2-8 to 0-11 and it was 2-8 to 0-12 when Roche missed the penalty.
Clonard’s last score came 18 minutes after the restart and another Killoyn hurler Thomas Duignan was their only scorer from play in the second period.
Seneschalstown – O. Mulvaney, R. Lynch, B. Collier, G. McDonnell, Gordon McGuirk, G. Dixon, J. Raleigh, Gareth McGuirk (0-1), A. Oakes (0-1), D. McGovern (0-1), W. Smith (0-1), K. Clarke, A. Geraghty (2-6), D. Geraghty (1-0), C. Carter. Subs: C. Monaghan (0-2) for McGovern, B. Carey (0-1) for Clarke, G. McGovern for Carter.
Clonard – D. Campbell, J. Holtan, E. Darby, K. O’Rafferty, B. Leech, M. Mulvin, A. Lynam, F. Hoey (0-1), P. Donnellan, M. Gannon (0-1), N. Walsh (0-1), T. Duignan (0-1), T. Roche (0-7), E. Campbell (0-1), I. Campbell. Subs: P. Boland for Donnellan, D. Murray for Leech.
Referee – R. Woods (Athboy).
This report was first published in The Weekender, dated Saturday 2nd November, 1996
