Western Shamrocks ran out one point winners in this exciting mens senior league opener versus St. Finbarr’s in front of a big crowd under lights on Friday night.
Having already claimed the two pre season trophies this year, favourites Finbarrs were in confident mood heading into this one and started the game accordingly. In the opening 10 minutes the ‘Barrs had two scores amassed and had exposed the defense on two occasions forcing the Shams goalkeeper into two great saves.
Despite the early dominance, the Shams settled and reduced the arrears on two occasions, the latter a fine effort from play from centre forward Danny O Keefe, who was really starting to assert his influence on the game with some fine fielding and lengthy runs causing all sorts of problems.
The Kildare mans efforts were in vein however, as Finbarrs got two goals in quick concession. This quickly opened up a six point gap and with Darren ’Chips’ Drummond having a penalty saved, Ray Reilly’s charges missed the chance to reduce the arrears before Half time.
HT Shamrocks 0-2
St. Finbarr’s 2-2
In the second half the game came to life with a rejuvenated Shamrocks side getting a couple of early scores to cut the deficit.
The switching of the tenacious Fergal McLoughlin to full back and Trims Alan Douglas to centre back stemmed the flow of the oppositions forwards that were so rampant in the opening half hour. This, coupled with the shams beginning to take over round the middle/half forward line, resulted in the 2012 champions kicking some lovely scores. One of which a trademark score from Drummond, who was fast making up for his earlier penalty miss.
Then with ten minutes remaining, Shamrocks struck for the crucial score of the game. A broken down Finbarrs attack was swiftly moved out of Defence by the shams,down the left hand side of the pitch and after an interchange of passing and running involving ten players, Ratoath star Eoin Horan was on hand to calmly slot the ball low to the net.
Following a bizarre refereeing decision, Shamrocks Sean Lynch and his opposite Finbarrs number were given their marching orders. However this wouldn’t spoil it as a contest, as the two sides went score for score for the closing minutes of the game.
As time elapsed Shamrocks re-introduced Seamus Kane following some earlier disciplinary issues and ‘Shakes’ provided the spark the Shams forward line needed, forcing the Barrs defence into fouling in and around the house.
Following a missed ’45 and poor Kane free from the left, all indications were that this would end in another draw between the sides. However, with time almost up, Donegal Veteran Kane held his nerve to tap over a free from in front of the posts and complete the Shamrocks impressive second half comeback.
FT Shamrocks 1-10
St. Finbarrs 2-6
