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St. Colmcilles just miss out on the 5 in a row |
The 2010 Gloucester County Final was played in Pairc na hEireann in Warwickshire.
Whilst it was disappointing that the game could not be played on a suitable pitch
within the county, it was a joy to play football on one of the best GAA pitches in the
country.
The match was contested by St. Colmcilles, Cardiff and Western Gaels, Bristol.
Both teams lined out at full strength and have a past history of playing out closely
contested games over the years. Western Gaels started the brightest and took
advantage of a strong first half wind to cruise into an early lead. During this
period the Gaels played some good football. The hunger of both sides for the
ball was demonstrated by the delivery of some fair but heavy tackling throughout.
The Doyle’s were the first to feel the full impact of these challenges, with the elder,
Martin, requiring some extensive physio on a facial injury. As corner backs Mickey
Brannigan and Shane Galvin continued to soak up the Gaels attack, the Cardiff team
began to settle into the rhythm of the game thanks to scores from Shane Hyland and
Richard Doyle.
Barry McDonnell and his midfield partner Patrick Harney worked hard to win
possession for the Cardiff team. This work was to pay dividends before half time
when a hard fought ball was released from midfield to half forward Marty Dolan who
fed goal poacher Andy Tuite. Tuite slotted the ball past the Gaels keeper to ensure
Colmcilles went into the break only a point down.
As the second half began, manager Declan McSorley injected more pace by
introducing Eoin Butler. Cardiff wing men, most notably Alan Rowley and John
McCool upped the work rate, while Breffni Clarke and Captain Ollie Caherty did the
hard work of disrupting Gaels attack. Colmcilles it appeared where starting to find
their rhythm.
Following a yellow card in the first half for descent, Ryan O’Hagan received another
yellow card for lashing out once again at a Colmcilles player. His exit from the
field was reminiscent of Charlie Redmond departure from the 2005 All Ireland final
against Tyrone.
Gaels coped well with 14 men and soon rallied, converting a succession of scores
to bring them back into contention. As the game drifted into injury time both sides
missed good chances to win the game.
In the first period of extra time Colmcilles played some of their best football to move
into a narrow lead. However, to win a championship you need a little luck and Gaels,
got their lucky break when they found the back of the net. The goal provided Gaels
the inspiration they needed. The Bristol team, inspired by the goal moved into a lead
that they would not relinquish.
On the day Western Gaels, deserved their win and they lifted the trophy for the
first time in 5 years. Colmcilles wish them all the best for their assault on the British
Championship.
Although disappointed at not winning the Gloucester Championship for a record
breaking fifth year in a row, the Cardiff team can look back with pride on another
successful season. The team won the County 7-a-side competition as well as
the Gloucestershire league, and in doing so were the only side in the County not
to pull out or withdraw from any fixtures, a sign of the dedication of this team.
St. Colmcilles will go into the winter break with a hunger and a desire for the
2011 season to begin. In the meantime we will continue to work with local
schools and universities in an attempt to grow and strengthen this great club.
St. Colmcille players and management would like to thank all our supporters for their
enthusiasm throughout the year. A big vote of thanks goes to Shane O’ Gorman of
O’Neills for all his hospitality. To Conor and Cerie McCloskey of CM Utilities the
Club would like to thank you for all your support and generosity through the years.
A lot of work goes on in the background to make this club work, to that end we thank
our Committee, led by Chairman Tommy Flaherty and most notably the Powers
Johny and Mick.
Colmcilles Abu. |
| Date Added: 2nd October 2010 |
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The Drive for Five is still alive |
The Gloucester County Senior Championship semi-final was played out in Cardiff between rivals St. Colmcilles of Cardiff and St. Nicholas of Bristol this past weekend.
The game was played in sunny windless conditions which provided a near perfect environment for football. St. Nicks started much brighter racing to into a 3 points to 0 lead within the first 20 minutes. The first half was a tense nervous affair during which neither team was able to take control. The Colmcilles attack stuttered and stammered and did not settle until Shane Hyland was moved from full forward to centre half forward.
This positional change enabled the home team to get a foothold in the game, as a point from Andy Tuite settled St. Colmcilles and provided the springboard for further points from Harney and a converted free from Hyland as the teams went in level at half time.
As the second half began St. Colmcilles started the stronger. Captain Ollie Caherty helped steady the ship by winning some great possession. Andy Tuite added a goal to his tally, as Alan Rowley tested and teased the St. Nicks defence with some probing attacks, while Ricky Doyle kept the score board ticking over for the home team.
The Colmcilles defence remained tight and disciplined as St. Nicks began to re-apply the pressure. Mickey Brannigan grew in stature as the game went on, while Shane Galvin and Breffni Clarke helped minimise scoring opportunities for the visiting team.
Thanks to energetic performances from Barry McDonnell and Eoin Butler the Cardiff side dominated possession. Unfortunately as a result of some wayward shooting this domination was not reflected on the scoreboard.
As the game moved into the final stages Cardiff keeper Aidan Farrelly produced a fantastic potentially game winning save. From there St. Colmcilles broke up the field thanks to a promising move instigated by substitute Jimmy Knowles, who unfortunately ran out of steam at the vital moment.
As the clock ticked into injury time with Cardiff leading by a single point, Bristol’s Noel Roche had the opportunity to take the game to a replay; however he missed a scoreable free.
Shortly after this miss the final whistle blew and St. Colmcilles Cardiff progressed to their 8th Gloucestershire Senior County Final in a row.
The final score ending St. Colmcilles 1- 6 St. Nicholas 0 – 8.
The Cardiff side know they will need to improve dramatically if they are to beat Western Gaels in the final on the 26th September.
Despite never really getting out of third gear, the drive for five is very much alive for the Cardiff side. |
| Date Added: 15th September 2010 |
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