2005 League Div 4 County Final

Clann na nGael 1-10 Shannon Gaels 1-5

Fuerty hosted the 2005 Div 4 County final between Clann and Shannon Gaels. Despite the early start of 12 o'clock, a fairly large crowd braved the very cold, but sunny, mid Roscommon venue. Clann played with a slight wind advantage in first half. Emmet Rock and Niall Shine were dominant in Midfield from the start and launched Clann's first attack in the first minute, Alan Dunne shooting wide. First 10 minutes were all Clann, with Midfield and Half back line of Ronan Gavin, David Flynn and Morgan Keena particularly effective. In deed it was fitting for Emmet Rock to land Clann's first score when a Niall Shine 45 dropped into the penalty box. Scores were hard to come by with the crossfield wind and Clann squandered a number of chances, before the Gaels managed to level up matters with a free in the 11th minute. The crowd had to wait until 20 minutes had passed for the next score to be registered. Indeed Clann were guilty of over-playing the ball on a few occasions in this period and were kept in the game by a fantastic save by Goalie Joe Fallon who was quick to come out and close down the Gaels full-forward in the 19th minute. Then Clann re-awoke and Alan Dunne popped ball over bar from a free. Robbie Moroney was replaced by Trevor Nicholson who added a bit of experience to the Full-Forward line. Trevor Chipped in with a score from play almost immediately to leave it 3-1. The half ended 5 points to 1 in favour of the Johnstown outfit, as JP Dunning and Alan Dunne(free) again added points.

Keith O'Neill was added to the mix, in place of Sean Ward at half time. Everyone expected Shannon Gaels to rally in the second half and sure enough they did, right from the throw in. Ball quickly worked to 21 yard line and a curling shot from Shannon Gaels corner forward left Joe stranded. Game on. Clann however had the response of a team far more experienced that their age profiles suggested - Clean long ball from Niall Shine to Alan Dunne who duly popped over the bar in the 2nd minute. 6 points to 1-1. Clann had a little flurry of points to restore the half time margin, Alan Dunne again twice and Niall Shine with one. On 10mins the Gaels rallied again and pulled the score back to a margin of just 2 points, 0-9 to 1-4. JP Dunning's close range shot forces the Gaels keeper into a fine reaction save, but ball was deflected over the bar. The pressure finally paid off in the 22nd minute when long fist past from the dominant David Flynn, was deflected around the keeper by fist of Alan Dunne. That left the score 1-10 to 1-4 and set up a nervous 10 minutes for Clann as the Gaels came to life again and piled on the pressure. They could only manage 1 point from all that, helped by another save by Joe Fallon, as Clann back 6 soaked up the pressure to hold out for a 5 point victory.

Captain Daniel Harney commiserated with Shannon Gaels and thanked them for a good, sporting game. Man of the Match was Emmet Rock. Other notable performers were Kenneth Dowling, David Flynn, Morgan Keana, Niall Shine and Alan Dunne. This is Clanns first trophy at adult Grade since 2003, so well done to all involved with the team over the past year and best of luck in the future.

Team: Joe Fallon, Kenneth Dowling, Niall McManus, Ollie Harney, Ronan Gavin, David Flynn, Morgan Keena, Niall Shine, Emmet Rock, JP Dunning, Alan Dunne, David Lennon, Sean Ward, Daniel Harney, Robbie Moroney. Subs used: Keith O'Neill, Trevor Nicholson.