THE FOLLOWING ARE EXTRACTS FROM THE MEATH CHRONICLE & RELATE TO
GAELIC GAMES IN THE PARISH OF KILBEG IN BYGONE YEARS.
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO ST. MICHAELS GFC, THE EARLY YEARS.
By kind permission of Conall Collier, Sports Editor of The Meath Chronicle.
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SEPTEMBER 16th 1980:
MICHAEL’S OFFICERS
At a time when a number of clubs are splitting up, Kilbeg and Carlanstown have taken a step in the opposite direction. After gaining permission from the Co. Board to affiliate, there was a large attendance at the meeting in Carlanstown school to elect officers of the newly formed St. Michaels Club.
Co. Board chairman Brian Smyth chaired the meeting and it is hoped to enter teams at junior and division 3 levels. It is expected that the juniors, in particular, will fare well.
Officers elected were:
Presidents : Fr. Patrick Adams P.P and Eugene Briody, chairman – Paddy O’Reilly, vice chairman – James Brady, secretary – Jim McCormack, assistant secretary and PRO – Martin Stafford, joint treasurers – Sean Gaffney and Henry Curran, selectors – Jimmy Meehan, Sean Gaffney, Paddy O’Connell and Larry Stafford, junior captain – John McCormack, vice captain – Pat O’Connell, committee members – Thomas Clinton, Charles Cunningham, John Reilly, Michael Smyth, Hugh McEnroe, Paddy Farrelly, delegates to the county board – Paddy O’Reilly, James Brady, Juvenile Committee: Patsy Curran, Paddy Farrelly, Martin Stafford, Henry Curran and Paddy O’Connell.
* Training commences tonight ( Thursday ) in Kilbeg old school.
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JUNE 29th 2013
ST. MICHAELS POWER TO IMPRESSIVE VICTORY MFL DIVISION 3 FINAL
St. Michaels 2-12, Na Fianna 1-8.
St Michaels claimed the MFL Division 3 title with a thoroughly merited victory against na Fianna in a well-contested and sometimes robust decider at Páirc Tailteann on Saturday evening.
Wind-assisted St. Michaels enjoyed a comfortable opening half and made the early running with six points from Ronan Lynch (three frees) and one from Jordan Moran.
Peter O’Connell was a hugely influential figure for St. Michaels and proved a real handful for Na Fianna centre-back Evan Mullally who later turned out for the club in the SHC first round against Navan O’Mahonys in Athboy.
O’Connell found the net for St Michaels in the 26th minute when he ghosted into the square and fisted Lynch’s centre to the net.
Na Fianna paltry first-half tally comprised early points from Ben Cauldwell and Anthony Neary (‘45’).
St. Michaels almost finished the half with a second goal, but Na Fianna ’keeper Jonathan McCluskey was very brave and saved at the feet of Lee Morris.
At the other end Sean Ryan was denied a goal for na Fianna by the post as the St. Michaels rearguard dozed, but the Carlanstown/Kilbeg side were ahead by 1-7 to 0-2 at the interval.
Na Fianna worked their way back into contention after the resumption and by the three quarter stage had reduced the deficit to the (0-7 to 1-8) with points from Paul Kennedy, Neary (‘45’), Evan Henrick, Ryan and Cauldwell (free).
Substitute Peter Slevin finished to the net following a period of sustained Na Fianna pressure which reduced the deficit to the minimum (1-7 to 1-8), but the Baconstown / Enfield side were unable to build on that and St. Michaels regained their composure and took control.
O’Connell, who pointed a minute into the second-half, sent over a timely brace before Lynch embarked on a solo raid for St. Michaels with five minutes remaining and found Jordan Moran who picked his spot and finished to the net. That gave St. Michaels a 2-10 to 1-7 cushion and sealed victory.
Moran missed an easier goal chance soon after, but it was a luxury St. Michaels could afford while Ryan was thwarted at the other end before Neary closed Na Fianna’s account.
St. Michaels added late points from Lynch and substitute Luke Kearney.
St. Michaels – Aaron Kernan; Christopher Drew, Daniel Murphy, Adam O’Brien; Thomas O’Brien, Matthew Halpin, Ben Tobin; Jordan Moran (1-1), Jamie Reilly; Oran Meehan, Peter O’Connell (1-3), Stephen Dolan; Michael Dunne, Lee Morris, Ronan Lynch (0-7 three frees). Subs – Ray Reilly for Meehan 56 mins, Luke Kearney (0-1) for Dolan 57m, Al Reilly for Tobin 59m.
Na Fianna – Jonathan McCloskey; Eoin Downey, Noel O’Sullivan, James Geoghegan; Paul Kennedy (0-1), Evan Mullally, Ciaran Gilna; Evan Henrick (0-1), Mark Slevin; Ben Cauldwell (0-2 frees), Alan Gillespie, Sean Ryan (0-1); Patrick McCarthy, Anthony Neary (0-3 two ‘45s’), Joshua Devine. Subs – Peter Slevin (1-0) for McCarthy half-time, Cian Slattery for Devine 57 mins, Glen McDonnell for Ryan 59,
Referee – Pat Clarke (Seneschalstown).
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SEPTEMBER 8th 2012
ST. MICHAELS PRODUCE AN ENCOURAGING PERFORMANCE
DAITHI REGAN SHOWS SOME SPARKLE
St. Michaels 1-18, Syddan 0-12.
Former Meath footballer Daithí Regan rolled back the years when he came on as a second-half substitute and rattled in a goal to help St Michaels secure a victory against Syddan in the IFC at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.
Apart from a brief spell in the opening half St Michael’s always looked the most likely to win this IFC encounter with Regan’s goal putting the finishing touches on a deserved win.
Both teams finished the game a man short following an incident after 53 minutes. Referee Joey Curley opted to throw the ball up among a group of players. Some pushing led to confrontations. When the dust settled Sam Briody for St Michaels was shown a red card as was Syddan’s Sean Malone who had only come on as a substitute early in the second-half.
By that stage it was already clear that barring a dramatic turnaround in fortunes St Michaels were going to win the game. They led 0-16 to 0-10 and were in cruise control. And at half-time a familiar face took his place in the St Michaels attack with Regan coming on to take up a place in the full-forward line. His goal arrived with 54 minutes played when Jamie Farrelly delivered a pass and the former county player finished to the net with a stinging drive.
St Michaels dominated midfield for lengthy spells where J.B. O’Reilly and Felim O’Reilly both put in strong performances winning a world of ball. They powered forward at every opportunity and between them contributed five points to their team’s tally, J.B. getting three.
With such a strong platform to build on St Michaels were able to ensure that their forward division received plenty of ball and while St Michaels shot 11 wides they could afford such wastefulness while Syddan needed to convert far more of the 10 wides they racked up.
Throughout the afternoon Ciaran Lynch, with his strong running, and David Lynch caused big problems for Syddan. David finished the day with an impressive six points with Paddy Clarke, Kevin Cassidy, Peter O’Connell, Ben Farrell and Briody others to raise a white flag.
Syddan struggled with their opponents’ pace and sharpness and were in trouble at the break when they trailed 0-4 to 0-9.
Ian Curran, Cormac Rowe, Patrick Farrelly and Gerry Farrelly showed plenty of enterprise to register some fine points for their team, but it wasn’t enough to knock St Michaels off their stride.
Padraig Young was also highly effective when he was moved from full-back to midfield, he helped himself to three late points. however, Syddan needed much more to save their day, instead St Michaels marched on.
St. Michaels – Paul McCormack; Philip Rogers, Mark Stafford, Ronan Cassidy; Paddy Clarke (0-1), Sam Briody (0-1), James Farrell; J.B. O’Reilly (0-3), Felim O’Reilly (0-2); Ciaran Lynch, John Farrell, David Lynch (0-6, two frees, one ‘45’); Ronan Lynch, Jamie Farrelly, Kevin Cassidy (0-1). Subs – Daithí Regan (1-2) for Ronan Lynch half-time, Peter O’Connell (0-1) for Ciaran Lynch and Ben Farrell (0-1) for Farrelly both 55 mins.
Syddan – D. Sullivan; S. Finnegan, P. Young (0-3 one free), P. Rafferty; R. Mooney, B. Bashford, I. Curran (0-4 two frees); K. Traynor, S. Dillon; F. Ross, R. Farrelly, P. Farrelly (0-2); M. Fedigan, G. Farrelly (0-1), C. Rowe (0-2); Subs – B. McConnon for Fedigan 38 mins, S. Malone for R. Farrelly 39m, P. Smith for Mooney 51m.
Referee – Joey Curley (Moynalty).
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MARCH 14th 2009.
ST. MICHAELS LADIES IMPRESS
St. Michaels 0-9, St. Ultans 0-6.
St. Michaels return to the top flight started off in positive fashion as they stunned St Ultan’s in the Ladies FL Div 1 game at Carlanstown. The sides were tied 0-4 each at the break, but after the resumption the hosts pulled clear with Lisa Keenan, Sinead McCormack, Mary Clinton, Mary Smith, Fiona Nevin, Aisling Regan and Leanne Lynch doing well.
St. Michaels – Elaine Dolan; Marita Rogers, Sinéad McCormack, Therese O’Brien; Lisa Lynch, Mary Clinton, Mary Smith; Elaine Lynch, Lisa Keenan (0-3); Megan O’Brien (0-1), Fiona Nevin (0-1), Fiona Drew; Leanne Lynch, Laura McCabe, Aisleen Regan (0-4). Sub – S. Brogan for Laura McCabe.
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OCTOBER 11th 2008
RYAN EDGES ST. MICHAELS HOME
St. Michaels 2-7, Longwood 0-12.
BRENDAN Ryan’s last gasp goal rescued victory from the jaws of defeat for St Michaels in Thursday night’s A FL Div 3 game against hosts Longwood. Longwood built on their 0-5 to 0-3 interval and looked set for an easy win. However, Daithi Regan’s goal gave St Michaels hope before Ryan completed the great recovery.
St Michaels – David O’Connell; Robert Briody, Derek Flood, Daithí Reilly; Peter Clinton, Philip Rogers, Tommy Moriarty; Brendan Ryan (1-1), Ciaran McCormack; Ronan Farrell (0-1), Ciaran Lynch (0-3), Felim O’Reilly; Ben Farrell, Daithí Regan (1-0), Johnny Reilly (0-2).
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AUGUST 14th 2004
ST. MICHAELS CRUISE INTO LAST EIGHT
St. Michaels 2-14, Summerhill 0-3.
St. Michaels cruised into the last eight of the JFC following their comprehensive victory over a poor Summerhill side at Martry on Saturday.
Early goals gave the Carlanstown / Kilbeg men a 2-5 to 0-2 interval lead and matters only got worse for Summerhill after the resumption as they managed just one more score while St. Michael’s continued to dominate.
Michael Rogers, Peter Clinton, John Farrell, James Lynch, Andrew Rogers and Ben Farrell excelled for St. Michael’s while Eamonn O’Shea, Bryan Byrne and Mickey Gorman were best for Summerhill.
St. Michaels – T. Halpin; M. Rogers, James Farrell, D. Reilly; S. Gaffney, B. Ryan, P. Clinton; John Farrell, D. Flood (0-1); D. Regan (1-4), D. Moran, P. O’Reilly; B. Farrell (1-0), J. Lynch (0-4), A. Rogers (0-3). Subs – M. O’Connell for Moran, T. Moriarty for Reilly, K. Lynch for O’Reilly, R. Farrell (0-1) for Regan, N. O’Kane (0-1) for Ryan.
Summerhill – C. Dunne; E. O’Shea, B. Fagan, C. McGrath; B. Byrne, R. Clavin, M. Gorman; S. Gray, R. Hatton (0-1); B. Comey, A. Bruton, S. Kennedy (0-1); G. McDonnell, B. Rispin, S. McDonnell (0-1). Sub – M. Fagan for Bruton.
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JUNE 28th 2003
MICHAELS TRIUMPH
St. Michaels 1-8, St. Vincents 2-3.
St. Michaels had just two points to spare over St. Vincents in the U-14 FL Div. 3 semi-final on Wednesday of last week.
St. Michaels – Patrick Downey; Sinéad McCormack, Philip Rogers, Niall Murphy; Shane Clarke, Mark Stafford, Luke Kearney; Robert Briody (0-2), Andy McEntee (0-1); Mary Clinton (0-1), Lonan McKenna (1-2), Ronan Cassidy; Gary Hand, David O’Connell (0-2), Kevin Cassidy. Subs – Jason O’Connell, J. Kearney, Patrick Flood, T. Rooney, S. Farrelly, Paul Hand.
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SEPTEMBER 14th 2003:
McENROE FINAL COULD MARK END OF ERA!
McEnroe Cup final
St Michaels 1-8, Moynalty 1-10.
One of the greatest players ever to grace the playing fields of Ireland, Martin O’Connell, may well have plated his last game of football as he lined out with St. Michaels in the McEnroe Cup final against Moynalty at Carlanstown on Sunday evening last. Speculation was rife prior to the contest that the junior football tournament decider against neighbours Moynalty would be O’Connell’s last game. O’Connell didn’t confirm the speculation, but it is believed that he told a number of individuals that after over two decades of service to club and county it was time to call it a day.
St. Michaels officials are anxious that O’Connell doesn’t end his career and they hope to persuade the three-time All-Ireland SFC winner, Texaco Sports Star of the year and footballer of the Millennium to carry on for at least another year. O’Connell lined out at full-back for Sunday evening’s McEnroe Cup decider against an impressive Moynalty outfit who took the four team junior competition by virtue of a 1-10 to 1-8 victory. O’Connell looked very capable in his role and it was easy to see why St. Michaels are anxious for him to continue playing. His positional awareness is excellent and his speed over 1- to 15 metres hasn’t diminished.
If St. Michaels are to return to the senior grade, which they graced during O’Connell’s early days, then they will need the services of one of the greatest players ever to wear a green and gold jersey.
On a bad night for St. Michaels they failed to start brightly against a Stephen Smith inspires Moynalty who led by 1-6 to 0-1 at the break. David Murtagh’s goal and a brace of points from Smith were the highlights.
St. Michaels found their feet after the resumption and with O’Connell moving to mid-field they began to get the better of Moynalty. The return of Daithí Regan, making his first appearance since breaking his wrist while playing for Meath against Fermanagh boosted St. Michaels. Regan converted a penalty as St. Michaels narrowed the gap to two points, but that was as close as they got and Moynalty held on to win the tournament which also included Drumbaragh and Meath Hill.
St. Michaels:
David O’Connell, Bernard O’Brien, Martin O’Connell, James Farrell, Michael Rogers, Tommy Moriarty, Derek Flood, J.B. O’Reilly, Sean Gaffney, Nick O’Kane, David Moran, Daithí Reilly 0-2, Brendan Ryan, Daithí Regan 1-6, John Flood.
Subs: John Farrell for O’Kane, Donal Keenan for Rogers.
Moynalty:
P. Bennett, D. Kangley, P. Farrelly, D. Olwell, A. Lynch, S, Smith 0-2, K. Coldrick, R. Tormay, J. Gallagher, D. Lynch 0-2, P. Sheridan, S. Blackburn 0-1, E. Coldrick 0-1, P. Govern 0-2, D. Murtagh 1-2,
Subs: D. Lynch for Blackburn, P. Tormay for Lynch
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OCTOBER 4th 2003
STYLISH ST. MICHAELS PROVE TOO STRONG
St. Michaels 0-13, Duleek 1-4.
Things just keep going from bad to worse for Duleek as they lost out in the B FL Div. 3 final to a superb display by St. Michaels in an exciting decider at Rathkenny on Saturday evening.
Duleek were strongly fancied to win the IFC, but they faltered at the penultimate hurdle. They also tasted defeat in the A FL Division 3 final against Na Fianna before last Sunday’s disappointment made it a hat-trick.
St. Michaels were always in command and led by 0-5 to 0-2 at the break with David O’Connell and Ben Farrell in outstanding scoring form. However, after the break Duleek rallied with a goal and ensured a tense finale.
In the end St. Michaels were too strong and with John Barry O’Reilly, Derek Flood and Farrell in exceptional form they deserved the crown.
St. Michaels – Kenneth Regan; John Rogers, Kevin Lynch, James Farrell; Michael Rogers, John Flood, Derek Flood (0-2); J.B. O’Reilly (0-3), John Sheridan; Daithi Reilly (0-1), Bernard O’Brien, Alan Rogers; Ben Farrell (0-4), David O’Connell (0-3), Johnny Reilly. Subs – Ronan Farrell for Johnny Reilly, Brendan Ryan for J. Flood, Shane O’Connell for B. Farrell, Paul Dowdall for M. Rogers.
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NOVEMBER 23rd 2002:
ST. MICHAELS HOLDING DRAW
St. Michaels GFC are holding a super draw in an effort to raise much needed funds for the continued development of the club and its facilities. The draw will take place on Saturday November 30th and the prizes include:= €10,000, a trip for two to the Barcelona Grand Prix, a trip for two to the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival, a trip for two to watch Ireland tackle Scotland in the six Nations Rugby Championship in Edinburgh and a fifth prize of a trip for two to London with €500 spending money.
Tickets are still available from any club member.
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MAY 20th 2000
LATE RALLY EARNS VITAL POINT FOR ST MICHAELS
Ballivor 1-9, St. Michaels 1-9.
St. Michaels came from six points down at half time to earn a share ol the points with Ballivor after an entertaining IFC contest at Martry on Saturday evening.
Ballivor were well on top in the first-half and boosted by a 21st minute goal from Damien Mitchell, they led by 1-6 to 0-3 at the break. At one stage they were 1-6 to 0-1 ahead. St. Michaels found their stride early in the second half and a 41st minute penalty goal from David Regan brought them right back into contention. The Carlanstown side went ahead after points from Regan, O’ConneIl and Niall Gaffney, but Ballivor responded again in the closing stages to earn a share of the points. The contest was marred near the end when one of St. Michaels best players, Daithí Regan dislocated his shoulder. The Meath junior player could be out of action for about eight weeks. Thomas Halpin, Thomas McQuaid, Daithí Reilly, O’ConneIl, Gaffney and Regan impressed for St. Michaels while Ciaran Connor, Noel Davis, Mitchell and Martin Doran were best for Ballivor.
St. Michaels – David O’ConneIl; Kevin Lynch, Tom Halpin, Thomas McQuaid; Sean Gaffney, Daithí Reilly, Bernard Greene; Paul Curran, Martin O’ConneIl (0-3); Nick O’Kane, Jackie Lynch, Bernard O’Brien; Niall Gaffney (0-2), Daithí Regan (1-3), Ronan Farrell (0-1). Subs – Shane O’ConneIl for O’Brien, Anthony Briody for Farrell.
Ballivor – B. McKeown; C. Connor, B. Perry, D. Cunningham; D. Davis, P. Feeney, T. Fox; N. Davis, F. McMahon (0-1); D. Mitchell (1-0), T.Smith (0-1), M. Doran (0-3); B. Flynn (0-2), T. Connor (0-I), J. Mitchell (0-1). Sub – P. Kavanagh for Fox.
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OCTOBER 2nd 2000.
BIG MARGIN FOR ST. MICHAELS
St. Michaels 4-19, Dunderry 0-3.
St. Michaels were in stunning form as they completely annihilated Dunderry in their u-17 Div 3 FL clash on Sunday.
The winners were always in command and with Andrew Rogers, David Carpenter, John Barry O’Reilly, John Farrell and John Rogers in great form their victory never looked in doubt.
St. Michaels – Brendan Ryan; James Farrell, John Rogers; Derek Flood, John Flood, Eddie Carolan; John Farrell (0-9), Peter Clinton; Ben Farrell, Andrew Rogers (1-1), David Carpenter (1-1); J.B. O’Reilly (1-5), Ciaran Lynch (1-3). Sub – Ronan Lynch for C. Lynch.
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CASTLETOWN 3-15, ST. MICHAELS 1-2.
Despite the best efforts of Derek Smith and Brendan Ryan, St. Michael’s were no match for a magnificent Castletown outfit which coasted to an easy u-15 FL victory on Saturday. Flood scored St. Michaels goal, but they couldn’t recover from their 1-2 to 1-9 interval deficit as David Gough, James Finnerty and Ronan Carry netted for the winners.
Castletown – N. Farrelly; D. Metry, J. McConnell (0-1); J. Farrelly, J. Metry, C. Price; A. Curran (0-4), J. Finnerty (1-3); M. Finney (0-1), W. Donegan (0-2), D. Gough (1-3); J. Lynch (0-I), F. Monaghan. Subs – R. Carry (1-0) for Donegan, J. Carroll for Gough.
St. Michaels – Ciaran McCormack; Lisa Lynch, Shane Prunty; M. Carolan, P.J. Carolan, John Hand; Derek Flood (1-0), Brendan Ryan (0-1); Aisleen Regan, Owen McDonnell, Mark Maguire; Terence McGivern, Ciaran Lynch (0-1). Sub – Raymond McEntee for Hand.
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APRIL 10th 1999
ST. MICHAELS OPEN WITH A VICTORY
St. Michaels 1-12, St. Colmcilles 1-8.
Ever since their decision to leave the senior ranks, St. Michaels can’t stop winning and the run continued at Castletown last Sunday when they opened their IFC campaign with a win over a fancied St. Colmcilles side.
Michael O’Connell was the hero of the hour. Despite undergoing a fitness test at 9.0 that morning, he turned in a wonderful second half display which proved inspiring for his colleagues. The Carlanstown outfit led by 0-8 to 0-5 at the break thanks to David Regan’s accuracy in front of the posts. They got a dream start to the second half when Johnny Reilly fisted to the net to extend the advantage and although St. Colmcille’s came back strongly, they never looked like bridging the gap. Tom Halpin, Raymond Lynch, Daithí Reilly, Donal Keenan, Martin O’Connell and Paul Curran also impressed for the winners, but victory was marred after the latter received a serious knee injury midway through the second period.
St. Michaels – David O’Connell; Thomas McQuaid, Tom Halpin, Bernard Greene; Donal Keenan, Raymond Lynch, Declan Reilly; Paul Curran, Martin O’Connell (0-2); Niall Gaffney, Jackie Lynch (0-3), Bernard O’Brien; Johnny Reilly (1-0), Daithí Regan (0-7), Michael O’Connell. Subs. Anthony Briody for Curran, Ronan Curran for Gaffney
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AUGUST 14th 1999:
A TRULY GREAT FOOTBALLER
Final Curtain for Martin O’Connell
The curtain came down on one of the truly great Meath football careers when Martin O’Connell announced his retirement after St. Michaels recent IFC game against Castletown.
O’Connell is widely regarded as one of the all-time great left half backs, but he was also outstandingly versatile and played in a variety of positions for Meath, including full-back, centre-back, midfield and full-forward. Indeed, he probably played everywhere except in goal!.
Having helped the county to Centenary Cup success in 1984, he made his Leinster SFC debut against Westmeath in Mullingar that summer in what proved to be a very impressive introduction to the demands of senior championship football.
He was later to emerge as an integral of Sean Boylan’s setup, coming on as a substitute when Meath won a first Leinster SFC title in 16 years in 1986 on that emotion filled afternoon in the Croke Park rain when they defeated Dublin in the final.
But it was as a dashing wing-back that O’Connell truly made his name and he was a key member of the teams which won back-to-back All-Ireland’s in 1987 and ’88.
It’s an indication of his tremendous commitment to the county team and his enduring qualities that he was still there 8 years later at left corner-back when Meath won their third All-Ireland of the Boylan era with a replay victory over Mayo.
That made him one of only two Meath players to win three All-Ireland medals – the other being Colm Coyle. In all he played in seven All-Ireland finals, taking the 1988 and 1996 replays into account.
O’Connell also has the distinction of being one of only two Meath players to win six Leinster senior championship medals, sharing this fantastic achievement with Peter McDermott.
The St. Michaels clubman was the recipient of four All-Star Awards in 1988, ’90 & ’91 at left half-back – and will also recall with tremendous satisfaction the amazing four match marathon against Dublin in 1991 when he was selected in his customary wing-back position for three of the games, but lined out alongside Liam Hayes at midfield in the third.
He also enjoyed success with Leinster in the Railway Cup. On the club scene, he was a loyal servant to St. Michaels, helping them climb to senior status, though they are now playing in the intermediate ranks. He was Meath’s Footballer of the year in 1990.
In years to come when the great Meath players of the various eras are being discussed, Martin O’Connell will be among them.
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DECEMBER 31st 1997: ( Hogan Stand Meath Yearbook ).
LATE DOUBLE GIVES MICHAELS GIRLS MINOR CROWN.
St. Michaels 4-6, Dunsany 3-8.
Injury time goals from Wendy Flood and sub Trina Doherty clinched victory and the 1997 minor football title for St Michael’s ladies. They overcame a gallant Dunsany side by a scoreline of 4-6 to 3-8 in September last at Kilberry.
It all looked so different for the North Meath girls with time running out, losing by 3-8 to 2-4. But the Michaels notched 2-2 in the remaining minutes to emerge victorious by a single point. Good performances for the winners came from Mary Costello, Lisa Keenan and Wendy Flood.
The winning St Michaels Team: Sylvia Carolan, Lisa Lynch, Carol Sheridan, Donna Lynch, Mandy Carr, Elaine Lynch, Deirdre Daly, Mary Costello, Sharon Lynch, Susan Carpenter, Lisa Keenan.
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MARCH 26th 1994
UNDERAGE
St. Michaels 3-10, Navan O’Mahonys 1-4.
St. Michaels accounted for O’Mahonys second string at Carlanstown in a U-16 FC div. 3 game. Richard Hogan, Brian Cahill, Muirdeach McAndrew, Martin Fagan and Lorcan Byrne were best for O’Mahonys, while James Lynch laid the foundation for victory with two well taken goals for the winners who led by 2-3 to 0-2 at the break.
St. Michaels – Kenneth Regan; John Reilly, Shane Jackson; James Briody, Mark Tighe (0-2), Colm Cassidy (0-2); Alan Griffin (0-1), J. Smith (0-1); Ronan Farrell, James Lynch (2-3), Anthony Briody (1-0); Robert Flanagan, Thomas Gaffney (0-1). Sub: Sharon Lynch.
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UNDER 14
Wolfe Tones 9-13, St. Michaels 0-2.
A fit and well organised Wolfe Tones outfit, who led by 5-5 to 0-0 at halftime, trounced St. Michaels in a U-14 division 3 north FL match on Saturday last.
St. Michaels – Michael Bowler (0-1); Carol O’Connell, Kenneth Regan, C. McCabe; Anthony Briody, Thomas Gaffney, Lisa Keenan; Shane O’Connell, Ronan Farrell; Kevin Scully (0-1), John Clinton, Ronan Rogers; Michael Rogers, Colm Cassidy, Wayne Scully. Subs: Sharon Mooney, John Rogers, Derek Gaffney.
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APRIL 2nd 1994
OLDCASTLE GET DRAW
St. Michaels 1-5, Oldcastle 0-8.
St. Michaels / Wolfe Tones and Oldcastle were level at the break (0-3 each) and at full-time in this MFL div. 2 game at Carlanstown. Paul Halloran, Donal Keenan, Michael McGarry, David Reilly and Trevor McKeever impressed for the combined side and Enda Sheridan, Kenneth Keogan, Niall Fitzpatrick. Michael Briody and Ronan Farrelly were best for Oldcastle.
St. Michaels / Wolfe Tones – P. Halloran; G. McKeever, David O’Brien, B. Molloy; Mark Meehan, K. McLoughlin, D. Heeney; Donal Keenan (0-1), Sean Gaffney; Daithí Regan (0-3), M. McGarry, S. Farrelly; Felim O’Reilly, Declan Reilly, James Lynch. Sub: T. McKeever (1-1).
Oldcastle – K. Keogan; G. Briody, P. Smith, P. Sheridan; A. Boylan, E. Sheridan, R. Smith; M. Briody (0-5), N. Fitzpatrick; P. Galligan, R. Farrelly (0-1), C. Walsh (0-1); A. Lynch, R. Crawley, F. Govern (0-1). Sub: D. O’Growney for Govern.
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UNDERAGE
Castletown 7-4, St. Michaels 7-3.
There was a goal rush at Castletown as the home side and St. Michaels served up a highly entertaining U-14 FL div. 3 north game.
Castletown led by 6-2 to 4-2 at half-time, but were fortunate to hang on as Robert Flanagan, Lisa Keenan, Ronan Farrell, Michael Rogers and Kenneth Regan turned in big performances for the losers.
St. Michaels – Wayne Scully: Carol O’Connell, Kenneth Regan, Colm Cassidy; Robert Flanagan, Shane O’Connell, Anthony Briody; John Clinton (2-0), Ronan Farrell (1-1); Kevin Scully (0-1), Lisa Keenan (1-0), Ronan Rogers; Michael Rogers (2-1), Thomas Gaffney, R. Farrell (1-0). Sub: Michael Bowler.
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JUNE 4th 1994
TRIM EDGE THROUGH
Trim 1-8 St. Michaels 0-10
Trim recovered from a less than satisfactory start to defeat St. Michael’s in this SFC game at Martry on Friday evening. St. Michael’s opened up a four-point lead, before Trim hit back with an Enda Markey goal which halted the slide and gave them renewed hope. St. Michael’s were struggling at midfield, but the switch of Martin O’Connell from his surprise starting position at left half-forward helped them significantly and they led by 0-6 to 1-2 at the break. Trim, however, demonstrated great determination at the start of the second half and edged ahead for the first time. Points were exchanged regularly, but Trim were just in front at the end when a draw might have been a fairer outcome. Markey, Eunan McCaffrey and Michael Byrne impressed for Trim, while midfielder Michael O’Connell was St. Michaels top performer, ably assisted by his brother Martin, David Moran, Nigel Regan and Tom Halpin.
Trim – J. Andrews; N. Tully, J. Tighe, M. O’Leary; B. Murray (0-1), K. Foley, C.J. Murtagh; I. McCaffrey, D. Fay (0-1); M. McCaffrey, E. McCaffrey (0-3), K. Meehan; E. Markey (1-2), D. Murray (0-1), M. Byrne.
St. Michaels – Robert O’Connell; Kevin Lynch, Tom Halpin, Aidan McDonnell; Tommy Moriarty, Raymond Lynch, Bernard O’Brien; David Moran, Michael O’Connell; David Regan (0-3), Paul Curran, Martin O’Connell (0-1); Declan Reilly, Nigel Regan (0-5), Derek Crosby (0-1). Sub – Matthew Reilly.
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JULY 9th 1994:
MIKES SCORE:
St. Michaels 1-9, Oldcastle 0-9.
Fourteen man St. Michaels edged out Oldcastle in this SFC match at Ballinlough on Sunday. The sides were level 0-4 each at half time and Oldcastle seemed to be getting on top when Aidan McDonnell was sent off just after the re-start. But it only served to strengthen the saints resolve and, with each player raising his game, they took control. They forced Oldcastle onto the back foot with a well taken Paul Curran goal and three more points before the end sealed a hard earned victory. The Oldcastle goalkeeper was forced to make three great saves in the final 10 minutes.
St. Michaels: Robbie O’Connell, Kevin Lynch, Tom Halpin, Aidan McDonnell, Bernard O’Brien, Richard Lynch, Tommy Moriarty, Michael O’Connell 0-1, Martin O’Connell 0-2, Dáithí Regan 0-2, Nigel Regan 0-1, Paul Curran 1-0, Declan Reilly 0-1, David Moran 0-1, Gabriel Curtis 0-1. Sub: Sean Gaffney.
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JULY 16th 1994
JUNIOR C FC
St. Michaels 0-13, St. Brigids 0-10.
St. Michaels missed numerous goal chances, but led by 0-7 to 0-6 at the break. Their best players were Jimmy O’Hare, Joe Walsh, Gerry Kealy and Damien McGivern.
St. Michaels: Noel Clarke; Gary Clarke, Jason Clarke, Thomas Owens; Mark Meehan, Damien McGivern (0-1), Gerry Kealy; Joe Walsh, Pat Rafferty (0-1); Michael Gilsenan, Declan Reilly (0-1), Jimmy O’Hare (0-5); Jackie Lynch (0-3), Mark McMahon (0-1), Christy Regan (0-1).
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JULY 16th 1994
‘MIKES SCORE
St. Michaels 1-9, Oldcastle 0-9.
Fourteen-man St. Michaels edged out Oldcastle in this SFC match at Ballinlough on Sunday.The sides were level (0-4 each) at half-time and Oldcastle seemed to be getting on top when Aidan McDonnell was sent off just after the restart.
But it only served to strengthen the saints’ resolve and with each player raising his game, they took control.They forced Oldcastle onto the back foot with a well-taken Paul Curran goal and three more points before the end sealed a hard-earned victory. The Oldcastle goalkeeper was forced to make three great saves in the final 10 minutes.
St. Michaels – Robbie O’Connell; Kevin Lynch, Tom Halpin, Aidan McDonnell; Bernard O’Brien, Raymond Lynch,Tom Moriarty; Michael O’Connell (0-1), Martin O’Connell (0-2); Daithí Regan (0-2), Nigel Regan (0-1), Paul Curran (1-0); Declan Reilly (0-1), David Moran (0-1), Gabriel Curtis (0-1). Sub: Sean Gaffney.
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AUGUST 27th 1994
‘MICHAELS IN FINAL
St. Michaels 0-14, St. Patricks 2-07
The St. Michaels Wolfe Tones combination reached the final of the MFC Division 2 when they had a point to spare over St. Patrick’s on Friday night. The winners trailed by 0-3 to 1-4 at the break and Pat’s went ahead by eight points with 15 minutes remaining. David Regan, however kept them in touch with some excellent scores and they edged clear in the closing stages. Regan, David O’Brien, Gerry McKeever, Sean Gaffney, Sean Farrell Michael McGarry and Daithí Reilly impressed fo the winners.
St. Michaels – D. Meehan; G. McKeever, David O’Brien, B. Molloy; S. Farrelly, K. McLoughlin, G. Leonard; Donal Keenan, Sean Gaffney; Niall Carolan, M. McGarry (0-3), Daithí Regan (0-9); T. McKeever (0-1), D. O’Reilly (0-1), James Lynch Subs – D. Meehan and F. Fagan.
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SEPTEMBER 3rd 1994
COMBINATION TAKE TITLE
St. Michaels 3-6, Oldcastle 1-10.
St. Michaels / Wolfe Tones laid the foundations for this MFL Division 2 final victory with a strong first half performance at Navan last Friday evening.
They built up a commanding interval lead of 3-4 to 0-4 and, though they managed only two points in the second half as Oldcastle battled back, they did enough to win by two points.
The combination side certainly took the scenic route to the title as they only qualified for the semi- finals after a three-way play-off and fought their way to a memorable victory over St. Patricks at the penultimate stage after trailing by eight points.
St. Michaels / Wolfe Tones – D. Meehan; G. McKeever, David O’Brien, Niall Carolan; S. Farrelly, K. McLoughlin, G. Leonard; Jimmy Gaffney, Donal Keenan; Daithí Regan (0-3), M. McGarry (0-2), Mark Meehan; F. Fagan, Declan Reilly (2-1), T. McKeever (1-0)
Oldcastle – K. Keogan; G. Briody, P. Smith, D. Growney; S. Colgan, R. Crawley, E. Sheridan; N. Fitzpatrick, M. Briody (0-6); R. Smith, C. Walsh (0-1), P. Garrigan, J. Lynch (0-2), D. Fanning (1-1).
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OCTOBER 22nd 1994
MICHAEL’S IN CONTROL
St. Michaels 1-12, Dunsany 1-3.
A fitter and more eager St. Michaels side took this girls U-16 final against Dunsany on Saturday evening. It was a very solid team performance, with Eilish Fitzsimons, Elaine Lynch, Orla McCabe, Sharon Lynch, Mandy Carr and Carol O’Connell their best players.
St. Michaels: Eilish Fitzsimons, Elaine Lynch, Orla McCabe, Catherine McPhillips, Donna Lynch, Lisa Keenan, Sylvia Carolan, Sharon Lynch (0-4), Mandy Carr, Lorraine Flanagan (0-1), Nicola Carolan, Carol O’Connell (0-6), Deirdre Daly, Carol Sheridan, Lisa McDonnell (1-1).
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NOVEMBER 5th 1994:
MICHAEL’S IN CONTROL:
St. Michaels 1-12, Longwood 1-5.
St. Michaels had too much power for Longwood in this U-17 FL match in Carlanstown on Saturday last. David Regan scored two brilliant goals, one in each half, and he was well supported by Shane Jackson, Mark Tighe and James Lynch.
St. Michaels: David O’Connell, Johnny Reilly, Ronan Cassidy, Shane Jackson, Sean Gaffney, Donal Keenan 0-1, Mark Tighe, David O’Brien, Niall Carolan 0-1, Mark Meehan, Declan Reilly 0-1, James Lynch 0-3, Dáithí Regan 2-4, Barry Kearney 0-2, J. Smith. Sub: James Briody.
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DECEMBER 17th 1994
KEALY NEW SECRETARY
Gerry Kealy (St. Michaels), is the new secretary of the Juvenile Football Board. Kealy takes over from Tommy Rogers who didn’t seek re-election. Francis Flynn is still chairman, with Willie Lyons from Dunboyne vice-chairman.
Officers: Chairman – Francis Flynn (Dunsany); vice-chairman – Willie Lyons (St. Peters and Pauls); deputy vice-chairman – Michael Weldon (Curraha); secretary – Gerry Kealy (St. Michaels); assistant secretary – Tommy Rogers; PRO – Paul Halligan.
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MARCH 13th 1993
REGAN’S ACCURACY CRUCIAL FOR SAINTS.
St. Michaels 0-10, Walterstown 1-6.
Walterstown came back strongly in the second half, but St. Michaels, with Nigel Regan in good scoring form, held on to claim both Meath Div. 2 FL points on Sunday. Regan scored seven points, four from play, while Martin O’Connell notched three as they secured a deserved one point win. Shane Reynolds, Paul Browne and John Barry showed up well for the Blacks, while Regan, O’Connell, David Moran and Pat Rafferty were best for St. Michaels.
St. Michaels – Robbie O’Connell; Kevin Lynch, Tom Halpin. Ollie Cassidy; Raymond Lynch, Tommy Moriarty, Aidan McDonnell; David Moran, Martin O’Connell (0-3); Bernard O’Brien. Pat Rafferty, Nigel Regan (0-7); Niall Gaffney, Michael O’Connell, Derek Crosbie. Sub – Christy Regan for Rafferty.
Walterstown – J. Gordon; S. Reynolds, P. Browne, N. Reynolds; K. Harten, E. O’Brien, M. Farrelly; J. Farrelly, P. Carr (0-2): J. Barry (0-1), D. O’Mahony. P. Reynolds: J. Sheehan (1-2), P. McCarthy (0-1). F. O’Sullivan. Sub – G. McLoughlin for O’Brien.
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MAY 8th 1993
SENESCHALSTOWN SURVIVE
St. Michaels 1-7, Seneschalstown 0-10.
Seneschalstown are wearing the mantle of favourites for the SFC very tentatively, writes Colm Keys.
A last gasp pointed free from 13 metres by Mattie McCabe gave them their second championship draw against St. Michaels at Navan on Sunday.
McCabe’s free, awarded for a foul on Alan Finnegan, drew a huge sigh of relief from Seneschalstown connections who had watched their side blunder three or four times in front of the goals in the last five minutes. But Michael O’Connell’s charge on Finnegan denied the saints a shock result that looked very much on the cards until the favourites clicked in the last quarter.
St. Michaels had used the wind to good effect in the first half, with the county minor Nigel Regan kicking three frees and Martin O’Connell converting a penalty after Paul Curran was taken down in the 20th minute. This Boosted them to a 1-5 to 0-3 half time lead.
STRUGGLED
Seneschalstown, who were without David Dillon and Raymond Butler struggled and their forwards had particular difficulty breaching a highly committed Michaels defence in which Tom Halpin was outstanding throughout. Colm Coyle returned to action after a three-month suspension, but never got going until the second half. Seneschalstown looked in trouble when Martin O’Connell booted over a sixth point just after the restart, but Michaels failed to take advantage of a number of decent scoring opportunities. However, as Coyle became more active and started to play McCabe, Conor Macken, Phonsie Gilsenan and Graham Geraghty came more into the game Seneschalstown came back and scored the next six points on the trot. Two McCabe points (one from a free) and another by Macken left just the penalty between them and further points from McCabe, Padraig Coyle and substitute Johnny Wallers brought them level with two minutes remaining.
REBOUNDED
But almost immediately St. Michaels rebounded and Martin O’Connell shot over from a very difficult angle. Seneschalstown had numerous chances to win after that, but Finnegan lost possession with a goal at his mercy and then substitute Tony McDonnell and Padraig Coyle kicked wide from relatively easy angles.
It appeared as if Seneschalstown had blown it again, but with the last attack they saved the day with that McCabe tap over. It certainly wasn’t a championship winning performance.
St. Michaels thoroughly deserved a draw, with Halpin, and Martin and Michael O’Connell providing the strength up the middle, Raymond Lynch impressing at corner-back, with good support from Regan and Bernard O’Brien up front.
Seneschalstown – P. Darby; P. Donoghue, K. Macken, P. Finnegan; P. Gilsenan, G. Geraghty, J. Farrell; C. Coyle, M. Hickcy; C Macken (0-1), A. Finnegan, F. Brannigan (0-1); M. McCabe (0-5), P. Coyle (0-2), S. Dillon. Subs: J. Walters (0-1) for Dillon, T. McDonnell for Brannigan.
St. Michaels – Robbie O’Connell Raymond Lynch, Gabriel Curtis, Aidan McDonnell; Tom Moriarty, Tom Halpin, Ollie Cassidy; David Moran, Martin O’Connell (1-2); Bernard O’Brien (0-1), Paul Curran, Nigel Regan (0-3); Niall Gaffney, Michael O’Connell (0-1), Derek Crosbie.
Referee – Paddy Kavanagh (St. Ultan’s).
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MAY 8th 1993
‘MICHAELS ON TOP
St. Michaels 2-8, Cortown 1-7.
Two goals from Mark McMahon got St. Michaels off to a good start against Cortown in the Junior C FC at Drumbaragh on Sunday. The winners were 0-6 to 0-3 ahead at half-time and were well served by Jim O’Reilly, Karl O’Grady, McMahon and Joe Walsh.
Alan Heery, Kenny Henry, Benny Sheridan and David Lynch were best for Cortown.
St. Michaels – Noel Clarke; Gerry McCormack, Jim O’Reilly, John John Moran; Patrick “Poncho” Farrelly, Karl O’Grady, Thomas Owens; Damien McGivern (0-1), Joe Walsh; Daithí Regan (0-4), Declan Reilly (0-1). Martin Dolan; Christy Regan (0-1) Mark McMahon (2-1), Gerry Kealy. Subs – Jason Clarke for Kealy, Jimmy O’Hare for Regan.
Cortown – E. Brady; M. O’Brien, J. Brady, B. Henry; B. Rourke . A. Heery. J. Smith; M. Heery, D. Lynch (0-1); M. Reilly (0-1), B. Sheridan (0-1), C. McGrath (0-1); M. Henry (1-1), Johnny Brady (0-1), K. Henry (0-1). Sub – A. Walters for Joe Smith.
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MAY 15th 1993
LADIES FL
St. Ultans 2-11, St. Michaels 1-5.
St. Ultans took the division 1 league points with a stylish display against St. Michaels.
St. Michaels – Ailish Fitzsimons; Nora Clinton, Breda Halpenny, Sharon Monaghan; Veronica Reilly, Mandy Carr, Jacinta Meehan; Audrey Bennett, Gillian Bennett; Susan McGivern, Sharon Lynch, Lisa Keenan; Vivian Kearney, C. Cassidy, Orla McCabe.
St. Ultans – N. Coffey; N. Fitzsimons, J. O’Connor, T. Cahill; O. O’Rourke, J. O’Rourke, R. Mitchell; C. O’Malley, T. Sweeney; A. Bennett, L. Fitzsimons, H. Durkan; S. Halpin, M. Devine, C. Bennett.
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MAY 29th 1993
SIX MONTH’S FOR ‘MICHAELS PLAYER
Pat Rafferty (St. Michaels) was banned for six month’s at Monday night’s GAA Co. Board meeting. Rafferty was a substitute against Seneschalstown and during the game he emerged from the dug-out to contest a line ball decision against St. Michaels which apparently had been called the wrong way. When he attempted to wrestle the ball away from a Seneschalstown player in possession he was asked to refrain by referee Paddy Kavanagh, but became abusive and was ejected from the pitch.
St. Michaels delegates argued that it could not be termed an assault, but chairman Fintan Ginnity described it as “physical interference” and that merited six months.
Another St. Michaels official was reported for being abusive to referee Kavanagh, but this official remains anonymous. The club were asked to name the official in question, but in reply Gerry Kealy stated that there were five officials on the line that day, of which he was one. “I can bring the other four in here the next night, but everyone of us deny being abusive.”
NAME OR ELSE
Kealy said he was close to the Rafferty incident, but didn’t notice any other particular outburst of abuse, when Ginnity told them to name the ‘official’ or else, Kealy asked: “what more can I do”
A disciplinary inquiry will look into incidents during the Nobber / Drumbaragh junior B game in which five players were sent off and the same number were hospitalised. Three Drumbaragh players were sent off, while four from Nobber were hospitalised in a match which referee Tommy Tuite reported as “rough” and played in a “bad spirit.” Four of the dismissed players received the minimum two week ban, while Anthony Carry’s (Drumbaragh) case will be heard at the disciplinary meeting. Suspensions imposed – Pat Rafferty (St. Michaels) six months; Tony Grifferty (St. Mary’s), three months; James Tallon, Thomas Tallon (both St. Vincents), Kevin O’Rourke (Skryne), Liam Bellew (Castletown), all one month each; Philip McDermott and Willie Black (Drumbaragh), Michael Smith and Damien Sheridan (both Nobber), all two weeks each.
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JUNE 12th 1993
REILLY’S HAT-TRICK EARNS SAINT’S SUCCESS.
St. Michaels 3-8, Wolfe Tones 0-7.
St. Michaels qualified for the last 16 of the Junior C championship in Castletown on Friday when they outplayed Wolfe Tones for a deserved success due mainly to three fine Declan Reilly goals.
They were ahead by 1-6 to 0-6 at the interval and absorbed some intense second half pressure before pulling away for an impressive victory.
However, it required a couple of late Reilly goals to put some gloss on the display. Others to show up well included Joe Walsh, Jim O’Reilly, Gerry Kealy and Bernard Hand.
St. Michaels – Noel Clarke; Gerry McCormack, Jim O’Reilly, Pat O’Connell; Thomas Owens, Karl O’Grady, Patrick “Poncho” Farrelly; Martin Dolan, Joe Walsh (0-1); Daithí Regan (0-1), Damien McGivern (0-1), Jimmy O’Hare; Declan Reilly (3-4), Mark McMahon (0-1), Gerry Kealy. Subs – Bernard Hand for Regan, Jason Clarke for McGivern.
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JULY 17th 1993
IT’S ALL SO EASY FOR WALTERSTOWN
Walterstown 1-15, St. Michaels 0-6.
Walterstown gave the inevitable reply to Seneschalstown’s forlorn prayers as they destroyed St. Michaels in the SFC at Martry on Sunday evening. St. Michaels, already out of the championship, put up token resistance and that spelled disaster after only 10 minutes for the watching Seneschalstown faithful.
Sure, they would have liked to surprise and throw the group into turmoil, but if it was too taxing on their resources then why bother?
There was an obvious gulf in class as Walterstown, so solid at the back where Alan and Paul Browne and Paddy Reynolds were commanding, ripped through a losers defence which needed to foul to break the Black rhythm. And unfortunately for them (and Seneschalstown!) John Sheehan’s free-taking was top of the range. The former Bective player converted eight from eight attempts before missing one from an acute angle in the dying stages. It was a remarkable performance of consistency and one which Walterstown surely valued.
YOUTHFUL
Walterstown’s youthful midfield pairing of Joey Farrelly and Ciaran Harten more than held their own in the illustrious company of Martin O’Connell, who had switched from centre-forward, and Paul Curran.
With such an edge in vital areas, and of course appetite, Walterstown repeatedly pushed forward, with Frank O’Sullivan, Denis O’Mahony and Ciaran Reilly having much the better of the exchanges against their markers. St. Michaels drew first blood when Nigel Regan converted two frees as. the led by 0-2 to 0-1 after only three minutes. Faint hopes perhaps for Seneschalstown?
Not likely. Soon Walterstown were cruising to a place in the knock-out stages. Sheehan punished the Carlanstown outfit every time and with Harten, Farrelly, Paddy Reynolds, John McCarthy and O’Mahony leading a second quarter charge, they built up a 0-9 to 0-3 lead at their leisure.
The pattern hardly changed after the break. Sheehan’s 30th minute penalty, saved by Robbie O’Connell, was atoned for 12 minutes into the second half when O’Mahony cracked in a goal after Reynolds had made a crucial interception. By then the gap was too great even for the wildest of surprises. St. Michaels kept trying, with Gabriel Curtis and Tom Moriarty doing their best to prevent further onslaught and Niall Gaffney showing great composure to score two neat points. But for Walterstown this was no test for their new structure of youth and experience. Their worth has still to be evaluated. They had Niall Reynolds sent off near the end.
Walterstown – J. Gordon; D. Kennedy, P. Carr, N. Reynolds;. P. Browne, A. Browne, P. Reynolds; J. Farrelly, K. Harten; I. Kearney, J. McCarthy (0-1), J. Sheehan (0-9); F. O’Sullivan, D. O’Mahony (1-3), C. Reilly (0-2).
St. Michaels – Robbie O’Connell; Kevin Lynch, Gabriel Curtis, Ollie Cassidy; Tommy Moriarty. Tom Halpin, Raymond Lynch; Paul Curran, David Moran; Bernard O’Brien, Martin O’Connell, Nigel Regan (0-4); Niall Gaffney (0-2). Christy Regan, Aidan McDonnell.
Referee – Eugene McDonnell (Nobber).
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FEBRUARY 22nd 1992
MEATH F.L ONE
St. Michaels 0-9, Skryne 1-6.
Wind-assisted St. Michaels built up a 1-6 to 0-2 interval lead, but were hauled , back by a Liam Hayes-inspired home side al Skryne. Hayes switched from centre-back to midfield where Skryne were struggling and, along with Dcclan Browne, guided the hosts to a well-earned draw.
A Bernard O’Brien goal after seven minutes boosted St. Michaels after they had conceded two early points and with Martin O’Connell, Tom Halpin and the goalscorer doing well they looked strong at half-time.
Hayes was best supported by Donnacha Quinlan, Ivan Lynch, Colm O’Rourke and James Battersby.
St. Michaels – Nigel Regan; J.J. Moran, Martin O’Connell, David Moran; Tommy Moriarty, Tom Halpin, Aidan McDonnell; Michael O’Connell (0-1), Paul Curran (0-1); Niall Gaffney, Matthew Reilly. Bernard O’Brien (1-2); Gabriel Curtis, Ronan Curran. Christy Regan (0-2). Sub: Pat Rafferty for C. Regan.
Skryne – P. Kinsella; D. McSorley, S. Lynch.; K. Pentony; D. Quinlan, L. Hayes, I. Lynch; L. Pentony, D. Browne; C. Lynch (0-1), C. O’Rourke (0-4), T. Donnelly (0-1); J. Battersby (0-2), S. Whyte, D. Smyth (0-1). Subs: M. Reilly for Smyth, K. O’Rourke for Quinlan.
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APRIL 18th 1992
O’CONNELL RAMPANT
St. Michaels 1-9, Navan O’Mahonys 0-7.
Martin O’Connell gave the club performance of his life as St. Michaels shocked Navan O’Mahonys in the SFC at Nobber on Sunday.
O’Mahonys had their problems – the retirement of Joe Cassells, the decision not to bring David Beggy home and leaving Colm Kane and Derek Doonan on the line, apparently because they had played soccer that morning.
But there was not a greater problem than the brilliance of O’Connell, who single-handedly smashed apart anything the former champions had to offer.
O’Connell was everywhere. When his side needed scores he was there. When they needed a ball caught in the middle he was there. And when O’Mahonys, with Kane reinstated, pressed for parity in the closing stages he was most definitely there.
There may not be life after Cassells in O’Mahonys, but it was curious not to see Beggy returning from Scotland. The favourites were always struggling to contain O’Connell. Even when they stretched into a 0-6 to 0-3 interval lead there were signs that O’Connell would deliver a big performance.
The saints hit 1-2 without reply on the restart. Curran miskicked when shooting for a point and found Curtis who crashed a goal home with a first-timed effort. O’Connell added two points from play and a free before Finian Murtagh replied. But O’Connell’s form was relentless. He knocked over three of St. Michaels next four points and Christy Regan got the other one to push his side six points clear and beyond recall. Even allowing for their absentees, O’Mahonys were a huge disappointment. Newcomer Brian Cody from Galway was solid, while Smyth, Murtagh and Davy Nelson were also impressive. O’Connell had most support from Paul Curran, Tom Halpin, Robbie O’Connell and Jim O’Reilly. But who said one man couldn’t win on his own?
St. Michaels – Robbie O’Connell; Kevin Lynch, Jim O’Reilly, John John Moran; Tommy Moriarty, Tom Halpin, Aidan McDonnell; Martin O’Connell (0-7), Bernard O’Brien; Raymond Lynch, Paul Curran, Gabriel Curtis (1-0); Pat Rafferty, Michael O’Connell, Christy Regan (0-2). Sub: Jimmy O’Hare for Lynch.
Navan O’Mahonys – D. Smyth, B. Smyth, A. Reilly, C. Ratty; C. O’Bric, B.Cody, B. Reilly (0-1); N. Dunne, C. Smith; B. O’Grady (0-1). P. Mahon, B. O’Reilly (0-1); F. Murtagh (0-2), F. McEvoy (0-1), D. Nelson (0-1). Sub: C. Kane for C. Smith.
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MARCH 14th 1992
CONFUSION OVER UNDER – 17 TITLE
An appeal by St. Michaels against a Minor F. Board decision to award Nobber the under-17 FL division 2 North title was upheld at Monday night’s Co. Board meeting.
The teams were scheduled to meet last December in the final, but St. Michaels requested a postponement and, with Nobber’s consent, it was granted. But a week later Nobber were left waiting as St:. Michaels failed to show up again and, as referee Niall Foran threw in the ball to start the game, Nobber were awarded the title. But St. Michaels appealed on the grounds that the fixture sent out was out of order. Gerry Kealy, the St. Michaels secretary, pointed out that the address was written in English on an envelope and it was sent to Gabriel Curtis, who is not secretary of the club.
Minor Board secretary, Ultan Fitzpatrick, said that this was always the way he had presented fixtures to St. Michaels, but Fintan Ginnity said he had to uphold the appeal because Kealy was known to Meath Co. Board as secretary of
St. Michaels. “When someone wants to whip you they’ll do it using any stick,” Ginnity said. St. Michaels originally claimed that they couldn’t fulfil the second fixture because it was so near Christmas and many of their players were going away and were unavailable.
But Minor Board chairman, Johnny Sullivan, said that the under-15 and under-17 competitions were set out to give young players games. The emphasis wasn’t always on winning.
SUSPENDED
Sullivan also pointed out that two St. Michaels players were suspended at the time the matches were fixed.
Ginnity told Fitzpatrick that the only way he could stand by their decision was proof that Kealy wasn’t secretary of St. Michaels.
Pat O’Neill then claimed that this “was a contradiction in standards,” as the Co. Board had no proof of this fact either. The final will have to be re-fixed unless the Minor Board find something to rule otherwise.
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APRIL 18th 1992
NOBBER END LONG RUNNING SAGA
Nobber 1-8, St. Michaels 1-7.
The long running saga which was the 1991 U-17 FL division 3 came to an end on Sunday night – and in the eyes of Nobber supporters justice has been done.
The final was fixed and re-fixed, with St. Michaels refusing to play on both occasions, and when Nobber were awarded the title the Carlanstown-Kilbeg outfit appealed and triumphed on a technicality. It was a fitting reward for Nobber, who had won all their matches, including an earlier round victory over St. Michaels, and it was the club’s first underage county title. St. Michaels took a two point lead despite playing against the diagonal wind, but Nobber’s reply was swift with a Martin Curtis free, three splendid Aidan Larkin points and another free, this time from Shane McCabe. Nobber led by 0-5 to 0-3, but St. Michaels were soon level and it looked as though they would clinch the title. But Nobber were resolute and with Jackie Maguire, Richard Murphy and Malcolm. McDonnell forming an impressive half-back line and Trevor McDonnell and Padraig Reilly solid behind them scores conceded were kept at a premium.
Goalkeeper Pat Mclnerney was also in fine form, but 10 minutes into the second half all the action was at the other end as Nobber tacked on 1-3 without reply. Larkin buried his 18th goal of the season, while Thomas Tierney hit three points, one a magnificent effort from play after a great move involving Larkin and McCabe.
David Meehan, David Moran, Raymond Lynch and David Regan got the bit between their teeth for St. Michaels and went about eating into Nobber’s lead. The results were instant. Declan Reilly crashed home a goal and two points were added. But Nobber never wavered in a Titanic finish and also had a “goal” disallowed. Nobber’s defence was outstanding, but the real thrust for victory came from captain Curtis and Aidan Larkin.
Nobber – P. McInerney; T. McDonnell, P. Reilly; J. Maguire; R. Murphy, M McDonnell; E. Murphy, M Curtis (0-1); E. Carolan, T. Tierney (0-3), S. McCabe (0-1) D. McCartney, A. Larkin (1-3) Subs: A. Curtis for Carolan, D. Monaghan for Mclnerney, S. Kellett for A. Curtis.
St. Michaels – Ronan O’Reilly; Donal Keenan, David O’Brien; David Meehan, Raymond Lynch, Gary Clarke, Nigel Regan (0-2), David Moran (0-2) Daithí Regan (0-3), Michael McGivern Derek Crosby, Daithí Reilly, Declan Reilly (1-0).
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MARCH 9th 1991
CHAMPIONSHIP BOOST FOR IN FORM ST. MICHAELS.
St. Michaels 3-8, Slane 2-6.
Round one to St. Michaels. The Carlanstown outfit are due to meet Slane in the first round of the SFC and put one over on their opponents in the Meath F.L. division 1 on Sunday. With wind advantage St. Michaels were the dominant force in the first half, with Gabriel Curtis and Ronan Curran both netting to give them a 2-5 to 1-2 interval lead.
Slane played better in the second half, but didn’t do enough to reduce the gap. John O’Brien got both goals, one from a penalty, while James Murphy, Aidan McDonnell and Jimmy Farrelly showed up well for the winners.
St. Michaels – Christy Regan: James Murphy. Jim O’Reilly, Conlith O’Brien: Tom Moriarty, Tom Halpin. Aidan McDonnell: Michael O’Connell (1-0). Joe Walsh: Niall Gaffney (1-1), Martin O’Connell (0-2), Jimmy Farrelly (0-1): Gabriel Curtis (1-1), Robbie O’Connell (0-2). Ronan Curran (1-0). Subs – Jimmy O’Hare (0-1) for Curran, Brendan Moran for Curtis. Ollie Cassidy for Murphy.
Slane -G. Hand; F. Feeley, R. Wogan. D. Heavey: P. Fogarty. N. Kearns. L. Crinion: P. Martyn (0-1). C. Gough (0-1); P. Mooney, J. O’Brien (2-2), K. Heavey (0-2); W. Harding, F. Markey. F. Fitzpatrick. Subs – G. Downey for Mooney, K. Timmons for Fitzpatrick.
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MARCH 3rd 1990
‘MICHAELS TOO HOT FOR POOR CORTOWN
St. Michaels 0-10, Cortown 0-2.
Hosts Cortown had no answer to the power and strength of Martin O’Connell who guided St. Michaels to a division 2 FL victory on Sunday.
Thomas Halpin and John Joe Moran were outstanding for the Saints in defence as they built up a 0-5 to 0-0 interval lead.
Last years intermediate champions should have made much more of the midfield dominance which O’Connell and Paul Curran enjoyed. However despite the deplorable conditions, they pulled well clear in the final quarter.
St. Michaels: Christy Regan, James Murphy, Jim O’Reilly, Jackie Lynch, Pat O’Connell, Tom Halpin, J.J. Moran, Martin O’Connell (0-4), Paul Curran (0-3), Aidan McDonnell (0-1), Robbie O’Connell (0-2), Bernard O’Brien, Gabriel Curtis, Michael O’Connell, Joe Walsh. Subs: Ronan Curran for Walsh, Niall Gaffney for O’Brien.
Cortown: G. Daly, P. Kane, L. Keane, B. Henry, D. Lynch, L. Rennicks, S. Brady, F. Smith, D. Henry, K. Henry, F. McFadden, P. Henry (0-2).
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MAY 19th 1990
MOYNALVEY SHATTER MICHAEL’S ( St. Michaels first SFC match )
Moynalvey 1-13, St. Michaels 0-5
Any thoughts St. Michaels had of making a dream SFC debut were shattered at the first hurdle by marauding Moynalvey in Dunderry on Sunday night writes Conall Collier.
Even without a number of key defenders and a half fit Liam Harnan, Moynalvey completely outclassed their opponents in every department and held them scoreless until the first minute of the second half when Robbie O’Connell’s pointed free gave last year’s intermediate champions brief hope. Harnan, who played with a heavily strapped thigh, lined out at full-forward, but adopted a roving role and drew Jim O’Reilly completely out of position and left loads of room for Adrian O’Halloran, Cathal Sheridan and P.J. Walsh.
In midfield Aidan Crickley was the maestro and Martin O’Connell played second fiddle throughout, but Crickley’s partner, Jim Corcoran, also made a significant contribution, covering back in defence when necessary.
IMPRESSIVE
It was Moynalvey’s ability to work for each other and run off the ball which caused their opponents so much trouble. O’Halloran was particularly impressive and opened his side’s account with a fine sixth minute point after Paddy Kelly’s free found John Ennis.
Further scores followed from Walsh, Declan Smith and Crickley for a 0-4 to 0-0 first quarter lead. During that period both Paul Curran and Robbie O’Connell set the trend for the losers with a couple of bad wides.
A lot of St. Michaels efforts fell short of the target where their full-forward line achieved little against Paul Harnan, Paul Regan and John Byrne.
After 20 minutes Gabriel Curtis was withdrawn, but his replacement, Ronan Curran, fared no better and Curtis was introduced again early in the second half.
BRENDAN MELIA
In goals Brendan Melia’s handling was superb, while his colleagues found each other with pin point accuracy as they moved the ball speedily and built up a 0-8 to 0-0 interval lead.
Straight after the resumption the Kilbeg – Carlanstown side scored their first ever senior point and Robbie O’Connell added another minutes later.
Further points were exchanged before Melia advanced quickly to avert a dangerous situation following a good move involving James Murphy, Robbie O’Connell, Paul Curran and Michael O’Connell. Moynalvey regained control with points from Crickley and O’Halloran for a 0-11 to 0-3 third quarter lead. With 10 minutes remaining John Ennis found Harnan who finished to the net.
In the final minute, Michael O’Connell had his name taken by referee Paddy Kavanagh for a needless tackle on O’Halloran. Moynalvey are unlikely to read too much into the result,- -but they must be pleased with their scoring rate.
Moynalvey – B. Melia; P. Regan, P. Harnan, J. Byrne; J. Cunningham, P. Kelly, M. Regan; A. Crickley (0-4), J. Corcoran; J. Ennis, A. O’Halloran (0-6), C. Sheridan (0-1); P.J. Walsh (0-1), L. Harnan (1-0), D. Smith (0-1). Sub. J. Gilsenan for Sheridan.
St. Michaels – Christy Regan; Jackie Lynch, Jim O’Reilly, James Murphy; Pat O’Connell, Tom Halpin, J.J. Moran; Paul Curran (0-1), Martin O’Connell; Aidan McDonnell, Robbie O’Connell (0-3), Bernard O’Brien; Joe Walsh, Michael O’Connell, Gabriel Curtis (0-1). Subs. Ronan Curran for Curtis, Curtis for McDonnell, Justin Stafford for Moran.
Referee – Paddy Kavanagh (Harps).
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JULY 21st 1990
FACILE VICTORY FOR ‘MICHAELS
St. Michaels 3-15, Moynalty 2-3.
St. Michaels trounced Moynalty in a Division 2 FC match by 15 points after they had led by 1-9 to 0-0 at the interval.
St. Michaels –
Noel Clarke; David Moran, Gerry McCormack, Conlith O’Brien; Kevin Lynch (0-2), Ollie Cassidy, Declan Reilly; Charlie Farrelly, Jason Clarke (1-0); Niall Gaffney (0-5), Damien McGivern, Jimmy O’Hare (0-1); Bernard Hand (1-0), Martin Dolan, Gerry Kealy. Subs. – Pat O’Brien (1-3) for Gaffney, Cossie McGivern (0-4) for D. McGivern, Raymond Lynch for Clarke.
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JULY 21st 1990
COMBINATION TRIUMPHANT
Tones / Michaels 1-7, Dee Rangers 0-8
A Wolfe Tones / St. Michaels combination held on to beat Dee Rangers and capture the MFL title at Kells on Friday night.
In an exciting second half the combined forces reduced an interval deficit, took the lead and then defended it in the closing stages.
Dominic Moran got the all important goal, while Malachy Thompson’s four pointed frees were crucial. Thompson was particularly impressive for the winners, with James Mulvaney, Alan Glennon, Kevin Lynch, Niall Gaffney and Jimmy O’Hare assisting well.
Wolfe Tones / St. Michaels – Jason Clarke; Declan Reilly, J. Mulvaney, A. Shivnan; R. Meehan, J. McKeever, A. Glennon; Kevin Lynch, Bernard O’Brien (0-1); Niall Gaffney, M. Thompson (0-4), Jimmy O’Hare: J. Clair (0-2), Dominic Moran (1-0), M. McFadden Sub: D. Muldoon for Shivnan.
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MAY 25th 1985: ( Meath Weekender )
MARTIN’S POINT THE HIGHLIGHT
St. Michaels 1-5, Navan O’Mahonys 0-2.
A brilliant run and point by county player Martin O’Connell two minutes from the end was one of the few highlights of Sunday’s IFC game in Kells in which St. Michaels took the scoring chances better than a wasteful O’Mahony’s side.
The winners had their share of misses and Martin O’Connell, who started at right half-forward and finished at midfield, and his brother Robbie were more guilty than most. However O’Mahony’s will wonder how they didn’t score a goal or two. Instead they would end up with a paltry two points for the second time in three outings in the current competition.
Neither side showed worthwhile form in a game spoiled by too much bunching and littered by mistakes. In the circumstances t was no surprise that the only goal came by accident rather than design. That was four minutes into the second half when a free by Martin O’Connell from around 45 metres sailed through the Navan ‘keeper Liam Stanley’s hands and into the net. It was only the third score after St. Michaels led by 0-2 to 0-0 at the break thanks to points from Michael and Martin O’Connell in the 10th and 19th minutes. O’Mahony’s went tantalizing close to goaling three times in the first half with shots from David Beggy and Paschal O’Reilly going narrowly wide and a Michaels back taking another attempt off the line.
The losers did not rectify their blank until the 42nd minute when Davy Carolan pointed. Dermot McDermott soon improved their tally but that proved to be their last score. Carolan drove a simple free wide and Padraig Fitzsimons failed to connect with an O’Reilly cross with an open goal in front of him.
Robbie O’Connell who missed two scoreable frees in the first half, eventually got on the mark from a placed ball. The winners added two more points in the last couple of minutes with Martin O’Connell’s spectacular effort followed by the concluding score from Paul Curran.
The unpleasant weather made matters quite difficult for the players and St. Michaels officials who persisted in standing along the sideline made the task of following the play hard for the two reporters present.
St. Michaels: Christy Regan, Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy, Patrick Stafford, Jimmy Farrelly, James Murphy, Joe Walsh, Robbie O’Connell, Paul Curran, Michael O’Connell, Jimmy Rafferty, Martin O’Connell, Justin Stafford, Martin Stafford.
Navan O’Mahonys: L. Stanley, P. McEvoy, H. Finnegan, D. Murtagh, P. O’Brien, J. Creavin, B. Smith, P. Mallon, C. Murray, P. Fitzsimons, D. McDermott, D. Beggy, M. Moran, P. O’Malley, D. Carolan. Subs: D. Nelson for Creavin, G. Dunne for Moran.
Referee: Eugene McDonnell ( Nobber )
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NOVEMBER 23rd 1985
O’CONNELL SUPERB
St. Michaels 1-8, Ballivor 0-9.
Inspired by a brilliant display from midfielder Martin O’Connell, St. Michaels came from a 0-5 to 0-6 interval deficit to defeat their senior opponents Ballivor at Athboy in the Feis Cup Football on Sunday.
The turning point arose in the 40th minute when O’Connell netted for the intermediate side from a penalty after full-forward Jim Tighe had been fouled.
Goalie Noel Clarke, Robbie and Patrick O’Connell and Padraig Cassidy did well in defence for St. Michaels and Michael O’Connell, Christy Regan and Martin Stafford looked most dangerous up front. to 0-6 interval deficit to defeat (heir senior opponent Feis cup F. on Sunday.
Ballivor’s defeat would have been much heavier but for the efforts of their goalie Martin Byrne and of right full-back Michael Kelly. P. J. Kelly tried hard at midfield and Gerry Dempsey and Johnny Corrigan threatened most often in attack.
Curiously, St. Michaels started the game with only 13 players and had to draft in two men in civvies to make up their complement.
Scorers:
St. Michaels: Martin O’Connell 1-4, C. Regan 0-2, Michael O’Connell, Martin Stafford 0-1 each.
Ballivor: G. Dempsey 0-4, J. Corrigan, P. Dixon 0-2 each, J. Farrell 0-1.
St. Michaels: Noel Clarke, John Brady, Robbie O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy, Justin Stafford, Pat O’Connell, Pat Moran, Martin O’Connell, Joe Walsh, Christy Rehan, Michael O’Connell, Martin Stafford, Paddy McIntyre, Jim Tighe, Aidan McDonnell.
Ballivor: M. Byrne, M. Kelly, S. Cunningham, J. Connor, D. Whyte, M. Doyle, D. Hannon, J. Rattigan, P.J. Kelly, G. Dempsey, J. Corrigan, T. Sherrock, T. McKeown, P. Dixon, J. Farrell. Subs: P. Cunningham for Sherrock, J. Kelly for McKeown.
Referee: Paddy Brady, Navan O’Mahonys.
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JULY 18th 1987
ST. MICHAELS THE MASTERS
St. Michaels 1-10, Dunderry 1-6.
The fifth-minute switch of St. Michaels full forward Joey Walsh to mark Dunderry midfielder Phil Fay at Kells on Friday night was decisive in earning the Kilbeg/Carlanstown combination a place in the knock-out stages of the IFC.
Fay had dominated and powered Dunderry to a 0-3 lo 0-1 lead. But Michaels gained midfield control subsequently with Walsh and Martin O’Connell in fine form, and the winners scored 1-2 just before the interval to leave them 1-6 to 0-3 ahead.
Good performances from defenders Robbie O’Connell and Pat Rafferty helped them hold onto their lead in a sodden second half during which Brian and Niall Rennick, Fay and Tommy Dowd inspired a comeback .by the losers.
Two Dunderry “goals” were disallowed before Niall Rennick netted in the dying minutes and Justin Stafford (St Michaels) was sent off.This result leaves Dunderry three points down but they still could qualify if St Michaels defeat Duleek in the last round.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – Pat Moran 1-0; Martin O’Connell, Christy Regan 0-3 each; Pat Rafferty 0-2; Paul Curran, Joey Walsh 0-1 each;
Dunderry – N. Rennick 1-1; R. Rennick, P. Fay 0-2 each: M. Conroy 0-1.
St. Michaels – Padraig Cassidy: Gerry McCormack, Robert O’Connell, Justin Stafford; Pat O’Connell, Jackie Lynch, Ollie Cassidy; Michael O’Connell, Martin O’Connell; Pat Rafferty, Paul Curran, Aidan McDonnell; Pat Moran, Joey Walsh, Christy Regan.
Dunderry – J. Brady; P. Gough, M. Conroy, P. Gibbons; B. Rennick, O. Callaghan, R. Rennick; P. Cahill, P. Fay; N. Rennick, D. McGurty, M. Farrelly: T. Dowd, D. Hickey, B. Fulham. Subs. – Terry McDonagh for Farrelly.
Referee – Vincent Lynch, Kells.
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APRIL 1st 2000
POWERFUL DISPLAY BY ST. MICHAELS
St. Michaels 1-14, Trim 0-8.
St. Michaels, and in particular Daithí Regan, turned in a power packed second-half display as they overturned a 0-3 to 0-4 half-time deficit before running out comfortable winners over a Trim side which was short county players Darren Fay and Ronan Fitzsimons.
Despite missing those two key figures, the town side gave as good as they got in the first half and deserved their one point interval lead. However, they came up against a different side after the break as St. Michaels nudged clear after a scoring exhibition from Regan and excellent performances from Bernard Greene, James Lynch, Sean and Niall Gaffney and James Lynch.
Darren Mullen and Alan Smith were best for a Trim side, which has recorded just one win from four games.
St. Michaels: David O’Connell; Shane O’Connell, Tom Halpin, Thomas McQuaid; Sean Gaffney, Bernard Greene, Daithí Reilly; M. O’Connell (0-3), J. Lynch (0-1); Niall Gaffney (0-1), Anthony Briody, Daithí Regan (1-7); Johnny Reilly (0-1), David O’Brien, Ronan Farrell. Subs – John Sheridan for McQuaid, N. O’Kane for Briody, Ronan Rogers for Farrell.
Trim: C. Dempsey; J. Forde, M. O’Leary, T. Canty; D. Mullan, Richie Fitzsimons, B. Smith; D. McGuinness, K. Meehan (0-1); M. Lowther (0-1), P. Gilsenan (0-4), M. Power; S. Murphy, M. Byrne (0-1), A. Smith (0-1). Sub – J. Cusack.
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FEBRUARY 26TH 1983.
MOYNALTY SIDES SUCCEED.
Moynalty scored a double victory over St. Michaels in the Meath F.L. at Moynalty winning both the div. 2 (Cooney Cup) and div. 4 matches.
Moynalty 2-8, St. Michaels 2-3.
In division 2 (Cooney cup) Moynalty suffered an early setback but came from behind to win comfortably.
The visitors however were without the services of Sean Briody and Martin and Robbie O’Connell who were on duty with the Meath S.F. Team.
Moynalty – F. Gargan; J. McKenna, F. Doyle, P. McKenna; T Lynch, A. Clinton, H. Lynch; B. Smith, P. Nevin; S. McEntee, G Hennessy, T. Smith; J. Curley, M. Casey, G. Sheridan. Sub. – P Smith for P. McKenna.
St. Michaels – Jimmy Gaffney; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell. Padraig Cassidy; Michael Vaughan, Jackie Lynch, T. Rogers; John McCormack, Michael O’Connell; Christy Regan, Jimmy Farrelly, John Rogers; John Brady, Barney Gaffney, Ollie Cassidy.
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MOYNALTY 4-5, ST. MICHAELS 0-6.
Although the home side got off to a shaky start in this division 4 match also, they weathered the early pressure and cruised to a very comfortable victory in the end.
Moynalty: – P. Farrell; G. Mulvaney, F. Doyle, T. McKenna; J. Cassidy, S. Lynch, P. Smith; B. Smith, P. Cahill; J. Murchan, B. Farrelly, J. Curley; J. Lynch, G. Shandan, S. Dolan.
Sub. – K. Smith for T. McKenna.
St. Michaels: – Jimmy Gaffney; Tommy Gaffney, Michael Reilly, John Brady; Conlith O’Brien, Michael Vaughan, Ollie Cassidy; Martin Dolan, Thomas Rogers; John Joe Rogers, Damien Carolan, Paul Curran; Pat Moran, Paddy Mclntyre, Bernard Hand.
Subs. – Finbarr Hand for P. Moran; Bernard McPhillips for F. Hand.
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JUNE 4th 1983
DUNSANY HOLD ST. MICHAELS
St. Michaels 2-7, Dunsany 1-10.
Unfancied Dunsany caused something of a sensation when they drew with St. Michaels in the I.F.C. at Trim last Sunday.
Dunsany, who led by 1-7 to 1-2 at the interval, were unlucky not to take both points as they were 1-10 to 1-5 ahead with four minutes left. But a Michael O’Connell goal and points from his brother, Robbie, saved St. Michaels blushes.
Dunsany’s dominance for most of this game was built on the outstanding form of Jimmy O’Rourke at midfield. He played inter-county panellist Robbie O’Connell out of the match and was well supported by his partner, David Smyth, forwards Christy McCabe, Christopher O’Neill and Noel Mangan, and Noel Smyth in defence.
The tag of favourites obviously affected St. Michaels who struggled to find their rhythm and, but for the efforts of defenders Pat and Martin O’Connell and Padraig Cassidy they could have been in much worse trouble towards the end.
With their midfield eclipsed, it was left to forwards Martin Stafford, Pat Rafferty and Michael O’Connell to keep the Carlanstown – Kilbeg combination in the hunt. Robbie O’Connell netted from a penalty after his brother, Michael, had been fouled in the first half, but Martin O’Connell was not as successful with his effort after Pat Rafferty had been fouled in the square. The Dunsany ‘keeper, Liam Foley, parried his shot but Martin O’Connell knocked the rebound over the bar Charlie Killion goaled for Dunsany in the first half.
Scorers:
Dunsany– C. McCabe (0-4), C. Killion (1-0). M. Curran (0-3), David Smyth,T.Horan, C O’Neill (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – R. O’Connell (1-4), Michael O’Connell (1-0), Martin O’Connell, P. Rafferty, J. Walsh (0-1each).
Dunsany – L. Foley; D Murphy. S. Horan. P. Walsh; D Cottrell, N. Smyth, N. Mangan; David Smyth, J. O’Rourke: C. McCabe, T. Horan, C. O’Neill; J. Gilsenan, C. Killion, M Curran.
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy: Gerry Stafford; Martin O’Connell. John McCormack; Robbie O’Connell. Joey Walsh; Christy Regan, Jimmy Farrelly, Ollie Cassidy; Martin Stafford. Michael O’Connell, Pat Rafferty. Subs: James Murphy for McCormack. Jackie Lynch for Cassidy.
Referee – John Doherty (Athboy).
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JUNE 25th 1983
TOP CLASS FARE AS MICHAELS SUCCEED
St. Michaels 2-4, Meath Hill 1-1.
St. Michaels took a decisive step in their bid to add their junior triumph of last season when they defeated Meath Hill in one ot this year’s most entertaining and exciting I.F.C. games, at Castletown last Friday evening. This game would have silenced the critics of domestic football in Meath. Both teams took full advantage of the conditions – the weather was ideal and the pitch in perfect order – to serve up some outstanding fare which had the huge crowd enthralled for the hour.
The only un-redeeming feature of this tie, however, was the standard of finishing which at times did no justice whatsoever to the free flowing play. Meath Hill’s first defeat in this campaign was as much due to their own inability to take chances – they hit 16 wides over the hour – as to the solidness of the Michaels defence.
IMPROVEMENT
The Carlanstown – Kilbeg outfit showed a big improvement on their last outing, when they drew with Dunsany, and served up due warning that when the injured Robbie O’Connell returns they will be a very strong force in the championship run-in. Their defence performed diligently especially in the second-half when they were under severe pressure. Prominent in this respect were Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Jackie Lynch and Justin Stafford.
Joe Walsh was a tower of strength at midfield and was well aided by Martin O’Connell in the first-half and later by Jimmy Farrelly when he swapped with the youngest of the O’Connell brothers.
TREMENDOUS
Michael O’Connell had a tremendous game. As a roving full-forward in the Jimmy Keaveney mould, he caused the losers defence all sorts of problems and played a significant part in his side’s 0-2 to 0-0 interval lead. He scored one of the points and was involved in the move which led to Christy Regan converting a free after Farrelly had been fouled. A typical example of the see-saw nature of this game came in the 12th minute when a John Cunningham shot was cleared by the Michaels defence and from the resultant ball up-field Michael O’Connell was foiled by Meath Hill’s ‘keeper, Jimmy Lee.
St. Michael’s boosted their chances with a goal two minutes into the second-half when Michael O’Connell gathered the ball on the end-line and centred to Pat Rafferty who shot to the net from close range.
BEST SPELL
Meath Hill replied with their best spell of the game. Cunningham, who was moved to partner the impressive Tom Matthews at centre-field, opened the scoring with a point before Gerry Gunne was fouled in the square and Tony Boyle netted from the penalty. Their atrocious finishing, however, let them down in the end and, despite the efforts of Pat Matthews, Frank York, Cunningham and Gunne the Mikes sealed victory with a Michael O’Connell goal four minutes from time after Regan and Joe Walsh had increased their lead with points. O’Connell netted from a Regan free after a good clearance by Martin Stafford and in the last minute came close to putting the icing on the cake when he hit the crossbar from 30 metres.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – Michael O’Connell (1-1), P. Rafferty (1-0), C. Regan (0-2), J. Walsh (0-1).
Meath Hill – T. Boyle (1-0), J. Cunningham 1).
St. Michaels: – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy; John McCormack, Jackie Lynch. Justin Stafford; Joey Walsh, Martin O’Connell; Pat Rafferty Jimmy Farrelly, Christy Regan; Ollie Cassidy, Michael O’Connell, Martin Stafford.
Meath Hill: J. Lee; D. Griffin, H. Maguire, K. Martin; M Breslin. P. Matthews, F. York: L. McCabe, T. Matthews; G Gunn, M. Kierans. S. Boyle; T Boyle, J. Cunningham, M. J. Martin. Subs. – J. Maguire for M.J. Martin, J. McMahon for Breslin, M. York for Kierans.
Referee – Barney McCluskey (Simonslown Gaels).
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JULY 16th 1983
MICK’S RUN RIOT IN SECOND HALF
St. Michaels 2-13, Moylough 0-5.
St. Michaels maintained their challenge for a place in the l.F.C. Quarter finals by scoring a convincing victory over Moylough at Kells last Saturday.
For a while it looked as though this match would not take place due to the late arrival of Moylough players and the absence of the appointed referee, but Patsy Cahill, Moynalty, who was in attendance agreed to officiate and the game finally began at 8.45, three quarters of an hour late.
Although Michaels won by a substantial margin they didn’t take the lead until the third quarter.
After a very dull first half Moylough led by 0-5 to 0-4. The Mikes were slow to settle and were unable to make effective use of their possession, totalling five wides in the first quarter.
Moylough made very few mistakes and Pat Traynor was their most useful player. He scored three points and had a hand in the other two, but solid defending by Gerry McCormack and Justin Stafford prevented Moylough from having a larger lead at the break.
St. Michaels, who scored 1-9 without reply in the second half, were much livelier on the resumption and within 30 seconds Pat Rafferty brought the sides level with a lovely effort.
A converted 45-metre free by Martin O’Connell after 38 minutes gave the Kilbeg-Carlanstown combination the lead for the first time and points followed from Ollie Cassidy (two) Michael and Martin O’Connell and substitute Robbie O’Connell (three) leaving St. Michaels 0-13 to 0-5 ahead.
Jimmy Farrelly iced St. Michaels cake in the last five minutes when he netted twice. The first followed a fine run down the right wing by Christy Regan and the second came after a pass from J.J. Rogers. Martin O’Connell, Joey Walsh, Regan and Cassidy contributed most to this victory, while Traynor was the only Moylough player to offer worthwhile opposition.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – J. Farrelly (2-0), Martin O’Connell (0-4), R. O’Connell (0-3), Michael O’Connell, O. Cassidy (0-2 each), C. Regan, P. Rafferty (0-1 each);
Moylough – P. Traynor (0-3), M. Guirke, P. Reilly (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy; John McCormack, Jackie Lynch, Justin Stafford; Joey Walsh, Martin O’Connell; Christy Regan, Jimmy Farrelly, Pat Rafferty; Martin Stafford, Michael O’Connell, Ollie Cassidy. Subs. – Robbie O’Connell for M. Stafford, J.J. Rogers for Rafferty.
Moylough – J. Grail; K. Boyle, D. Grail, E. Growney; N. Boyle, M. Growney, S. Dolan; F. Reilly, O. Melia; M. Guirke, P. Reilly, P. Traynor; F. Flood, S. Fox, M. Gibney. Sub. – J. Flood for F. Reilly.
Referee – Patsy Cahill (Moynalty).
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MARCH 13th 1982.
ST. MICHAELS DOWN HILL
St. Michaels 1-9, Meath Hill 1-6.
St. Michaels scored a narrow victory over Meath Hill in a hard fought Spring F.L. (div. 2) game at Carlanstown last Sunday. With Michael O’Connell scoring 1-3 the winners trailed by 1-3 to 1-4 at the break and clinched victory with five points from Robbie O’Connell in the second-half.
Best for St. Michaels were Michael and Robbie O’Connell, John McCormack and Jack Lynch while Tony Boyle and Tom Matthews showed up to good effect for the ‘Hill.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – M. O’Connell (1-3). R. O’Connell (0-5), C. Regan (0-1).
Meath Hill – T. Boyle (1-2), T, Matthews (0-2), J.. Cunningham. M, Martin (0-1 each).
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APRIL 3rd 1982
SHARPER ST. MICHAELS SINK DRUMBARAGH
St. Michaels 0-9, Drumbaragh 0-3.
A fitter and sharper St. Michaels recorded their expected victory over Drumbaragh in the first round of the J.F.C. at sunny Kells last Sunday. They can train on from here they must surely justify their short-priced odds and go one step further this year and take the title which they failed narrowly to do last season writes Tom Mooney.
From the moment Jimmy Farrelly clipped over a lovely point in the 25th second, there was seldom any doubt that St. Michaels would win and they looked home and dried when they led 0-6 to 0-1 at the interval. This lead should have been greater, but, after Billy Carry handled on the ground in the 28th minute, full back Pat O’Connell blazed over the bar.
Two other O’Connell brothers Robbie and Martin added a point each and Jackie Lynch with a lovely effort from over 40 metres and Justin Stafford, following a fine run by Jimmy Rafferty completed the Kilbeg – Carlanstown combination’s first half tally.
St. Michael’s performance was well balanced though half-backs Lynch and John McCormack, Robert O’Connell and Joe Walsh at midfield and Jimmy Rafferty and Jimmy Farrelly in attack looked particularly effective.
PONDERED
It was obvious that some of the Drumbaragh players had only pondered the desirability of serious
training, but their greater strength enabled them to dominate the opening 10 minutes of the second half when Harry Murphy, John Forde, Aidan Carry and Sylvie Rennicks formed a midfield “diamond” held the upper-hand and Connolly looked threatening up front.
Connolly pulled a point back for Drumbaragh but the “Mick’s” regained the upper-hand and Michael O’Connell restored their four point lead. Rafferty increased this lead with a left footed effort under pressure and, though Carry countered from an acute angle, Michael O’Connell had the final say when he tapped over following a centre from his brother Martin who was up in the unaccustomed role of centre-forward. Michael O’Connell should have had a goal in the dying seconds but he failed to connect to a Rafferty centre.
INCIDENTS
Although it had been feared that there could have been some violence in this game following a fracas between the two sides in a similar “derby” a few weeks earlier, there were only isolated incidents last Sunday. This was partly due to the strict refereeing by Paddy Kavanagh and due to the repeated instructions to the players both before and during the game from the respective officials.
As in the preceding Carnaross – Cortown match, three players were sent off but there were no ugly scenes similar to the ones that marred that match, ? Black Drumbaragh and Paddy Rogers St. Michaels were sent off. The dismissal of Rogers seemed harsh as he seemed to be trying to avoid trouble, but Kavanagh said after the game that the St. Michaels man had committed an offence and deserved his marching orders. The offence was not visible from the dug-out. In the dying seconds, a second Drumbaragh player J. Connolly who had been booked only minutes earlier was sent to the line also.
Scorers:
St. Michaels: Michael O’Connell 0-2, J. Farrelly, R. O’Connell, Martin O’Connell, J. Lynch, J. Stafford, P.O’Connell and J. Rafferty 0-1 each.
Drumbaragh: J. Connolly 0-2, N. Carry 0-1.
St. Michaels: Sean Briody, Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy, James Murphy, Jackie Lynch, John McCormack, Robert O’Connell, Joe Walsh, Jimmy Rafferty, Martin O’Connell, Jimmy Farrelly, Justin Stafford, Michael O’Connell, Paddy Rogers.
Drumbaragh: P. Farrelly, ? Smith, P. Carry, B. Carry, ? Black, H. Murphy, ? McGovern, J. Forde, Aidan Carry, Anthony Carry, S. Rennicks, H. Forde, J. Connolly, C. Carry, D. Mulvany.
Subs: M. Smith for McGovern, N. Carry for H. Forde.
Referee: Paddy Kavanagh, Bohermeen.
PS….missing a few of the Drumbaragh initials, feel free to let me know who they are…Pascal.
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APRIL 24th 1982
LOUIS BLUES WINS BATTLE OF THE SAINTS
St. Louis Blues 1-7, St. Michaels 0-8.
St. Louis Blues defeated St. Michaels in a lively division 2 F.C. encounter at sunny Kilberry on Sunday last.
With John Walsh and Brendan Maguire showing up well, the winners held a 0-6 to 0-3 advantage at the break. Although Oliver Cassidy shot over for St. Michaels immediately after the interval the winners were dubiously awarded a penalty shortly after when Barney Allen was adjudged to have been fouled and Walsh netted the spot-kick.
St. Michaels came back strongly but missed many clearcut chances, the most notable of which was when Damien Carolan had only the goalie to beat but shot wide with five minutes remaining. John Walsh added a fine point from play on the hour to clinch a good victory for the Blues.
Walsh, Maguire and John Crosbie impressed for the winners while Gerard McMahon, Carolan and Barney Gaffney showed up to good effect for Michaels.
Scorers:
St. Louis Blues – J. Walsh (1-3), B. Maguire, M. Brady, P. Reilly, B. Weldon (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – G. McMahon, C. Regan (0-3 each), O. Cassidy, M. Dolan (0-1 each).
St. Louis Blues – T. Elliott; J. Crosby, S. Finney, B. Reilly; J. Fox, D. Carpenter, J. Finnegan; B. Weldon, P. Reilly; D. Dwyer, B. Allen. B. Maguire; F. Owens, J. Walsh, M. Brady.
St. Michaels – Jimmy Gaffney; J O’Brien, Barney Gaffney, Michael Vaughan; P. Stafford, Barney Lynch, Michael Reilly; Martin Dolan, Charlie Farrelly; Martin Stafford, Christy Regan, Damien Carolan; Gerard McMahon, Padraig Cassidy, Ollie Cassidy. Subs. – E. McDonnell for O’Brien, Thomas Rogers for P. Stafford, Eugene Farrelly for P Cassidy.
Referee – Ultan Fitzpatrick (Fyanstown).
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MAY 8th 1982
ST. MICHAELS MARCH ON.
St. Michaels 0-5, Kilmainham 0-1.
With John McCormack, James Murphy. Justin Stafford and Michael O’Connell playing well St. Michaels defeated Kilmainham in this J.F.C. game played in wet and windy conditions at Kells last Sunday.
Despite playing into the strong breeze Kilmainham with David Tierney in tremendous form on the forty, shaped well in the early stages and it wasn’t until the 10th minute that St. Michaels went ahead with a point from their top forward Michael O’Connell.
Further points from Robbie O’Connell (free), Jimmy Rafferty and Michael O’Connell boosted the winners to a 0-4 to nil interval lead. They switched Jackie Lynch to right corner-forward and Justin Stafford to centre half-back for the second half and this move proved decisive in enabling them to hold on for a four points victory. David Tierney, Denis Newman, T. Nelson and Danny Black were best for the losers.
Scores:
St. Michaels – Michael O’Connell (0-2), R. O’Connell. J. Rafferty, Martin O’Connell (0-1 each).
Kilmainham – D. Newman (0-1).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody: Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy: James Murphy. Jackie Lynch. John McCormack: Joe Walsh, Robert O’Connell: Jimmy Farrelly. Martin O’Connell. Jimmy Rafferty: Justin Stafford. Michael O’Connell. Paddy Rogers.
Referee – Ultan Fitzpatrick (Fyanstown).
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JUNE 5th 1982
ST. MICHAELS SUCCEED IN ENTERTAINING TIE
St. Michaels 3-9, Ballinabrackey 2-7.
A physically stronger St. Michaels side had to fight all the way to overcome a spirited challenge from a young and understrength Ballinabrackey outfit in this J.F.C. tie at Trim last Sunday.
In a very entertaining and exciting, game play flowed freely from end to end and St. Michaels began to pull away only in the last quarter when a delightful lob from Martin Stafford hit the back of the net and set them on the road to victory. Considering they were missing inter-county player J.J. McCormack (exam-tied), Pat Cooney (injured) and regular full-back Kevin Quinn (work tied) this was quite a good performance from a very young Ballinabrackey side. When they return to full strength they should be a force to be reckoned with in the junior grade.
With maximum points from four games St. Michaels look set to emulate their performance of last year and reach the junior decider. In players like the O’Connell brothers Martin, Robbie and Michael they possess potential match winners who could help them to go one further this time around and take the title. However, they must improve their defence which looked all at sea at times in this fast moving game. The losers enjoyed the better of the early exchanges with Kevin Conlon, Pat Dalton and Packie Hogan particularly impressive. Points from Conlon, John Donoghue and Hogan in reply to a similar score from Martin O’Connell left Ballinabrackey 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after 10 minutes. Conlon added to this lead shortly afterwards when he took a Pat Jude pass ans shot to the net from 20 metres. Two goals from full-forward Michael O’Connell boosted the winners immediately afterwards. The first came when he blocked Tom O’Connor and shot to the net from close range. The second was the perfect finish to a brilliant passing movement involving Ollie McNamee and John Donoghue. These two scores brought a renewed urgency to St. Michael’s play and Gerry McCormack and Joe Walsh inspired the renewed charge. After Robbie O’Connell had added to the winners’ lead with a ‘pointed free Ballinabrackey pulled level with two points from Hogan and Charlie McCarthy to leave the half-time score level, 2-2 to 1-5. After Martin O’Connor and Hogan had exchanged points on the resumption the winners raced into a five point lead with Joe Walsh and Robbie O’Connell shooting over and Stafford’s lob increasing their tally to 3-5 at the end of the third quarter.
A brilliant move involving Conlon, McCarthy and Donoghue was finished with expertise by Tom Swords who shot to the net from close range, to draw the losers closer after 50 minutes. However, St. Michaels pulled away over the fast 10 minutes with points from Robbie (three) and Michael O’Connell ensuring their victory. Hogan completed the losers tally with a late point.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – Michael O’Connell (2-1), R. O’Connell (0-5), M. Stafford (1-0), Martin O’Connell (0-2), J. Walsh (0-1).
Ballinabrackey – P. Hogan (0-4), K. Conlon (1-1), T. Swords (1-0), J. Donoghue, C. McCarthy (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy; James Murphy, Justin Stafford, John McCormack; Joey Walsh, Jimmy Farrelly; Martin Stafford, Martin O’Connell, Robbie O’Connell; Jackie Lynch, Michael O’Connell, Christy Regan. Sub. – Barney Gaffney for Farrelly.
Ballinabrackey – S. Moore; J. Swords, T. O’Connor, B. Lucey; G. Coffey, P. Judge, D. Flynn; P. Dalton, K. Conlon; P. Hogan, M. Conlon, T. Swords; O. McNamee, C. McCarthy, J. Donoghue. Subs. – J. Cooney for M. Conlon, G. Harte for K. Conlon, M. Flynn for J. Swords.
Referee Frank Sheridan (Seneschalstown).
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JULY 3rd 1982
MICHAELS QUALIFY IN J.F.C.
St. Michaels 2-10, Martinstown-Athboy 0-1.
As the scoreline indicates, St. Michaels had little difficulty in beating Martinstown/Athboy in this J.F.C. clash at Pairc Tailteann, Navan, last Sunday and clinching a place in the knock-out stages. It was a dull and scrappy match, however, with little for the spectator to cheer about.
From the start in was obvious that St. Michaels were the stronger side. Robert O’Connell and Joe Walsh dominated at midfield and, although the Martinstown-Athboy backs defended resolutely, there was little they could do against a very sharp attack.
St. Michaels had scored six points without reply at the break, their points coming from Martin Stafford, Martin O‘Connell, Paddy Rogers, Christy Regan, Michael O’Connell and Robert O’Connell. Martinstown/Athboy could have been further behind but for a series of fine saves by Charlie Smith and a penalty miss by Robbie O’Connell.
The second half continued in the same manner, though the losers deservedly broke their duck in the 12th minute through Robert McCann. One of the outstanding moments of the half was a brilliant individual goal by Robbie O’Connell, who crashed the ball into the net after a fine run.
Jimmy Rafferty, Robbie O’Connell and Martin O’Connell each pointed before Walsh finished with a flurry scoring 1-1 in the last two minutes. Best in the winners un-stretched defence were Gerry McCormack and James Murphy while Martinstown/Athboy were well served by Smith, Christy Murray, Donal Hayes, McCann and Pat Farrelly.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – R. O’Connell, J. Walsh (1-1 each). Martin O’Connell, M. Stafford (0-2 each) Michael O’Connell, P. Rogers, C. Regan, J. Rafferty (0-1 each)
Martinstown-Athboy – R. McCann (0-1).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Barney Gaffney; James Murphy, Jimmy Farrelly, John McCormack; Robbie O’Connell, Joe Walsh; Paddy Rogers, Martin O’Connell, Jimmy Rafferty; Martin Stafford, Michael O’Connell, Christy Regan.
Sub – Jackie Lynch for Michael O’Connell.
Martinstown-Athboy – C. Smith, K. McCormack, J. Heaney, J Lynam; E. Kelly, C. Murray, P. Farrelly D. Hayes, R. McCann, B Finnegan, S. Cassells, E. McGovern; B. Mullen, M. McDonagh, S. McGovern. Sub. – J. Leavy for Heaney.
Referee – Barney McCluskey (Simonstown Gaels).
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JULY 17th 1982.
BAD BLOW FOR ST. BRIGIDS
St. Brigids 0-7, St. Michaels 1-4.
St. Michaels and St. Brigids produced an entertaining and absorbing J.F.C. game at Ballinlough last Sunday which kept alive the interest of the crowd right until the last minute when Vinnie Walsh pointed for the Brigids to level the scores. Consequently the teams must meet again or toss to decide first and second in their group as both had qualified for the quarter finals before the match.
This game is more likely to be remembered for an unfortunate incident four minutes into the second half when a St. Brigids forward, Jim Maguire, sustained a broken leg. The game was held up for almost 45 minutes while an ambulance was sent for and on resuming the memory of what had just happened seemed to install a sense of caution into both sets of players.
St. Brigids enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the first half when, playing with the advantage of the strong wind, they scored 0-4 in reply to a point from Martin O’Connell. Hugh Gilsenan, Sean Tracey, Ollie Gilsenan and Noel Hussey accounted for the Brigids scores.
GOOD EFFECT
With Gerry McCormack, James Murphy, Jim Farrelly, Robbie O’Connell, Martin O’Connell, Martin Stafford and Barney Gaffney showing up to good effect, Michaels took the initiative in the second-half. Points from Jim Rafferty and Martin O’Connell preceded a brilliant movement involving Joe Walsh and Damien Carolan which finished with Barney Gaffney shooting to the net from close range. After Eamonn Tuite and Gilsenan had drawn the sides level again Gaffney put Michaels back into the lead with a point before Walsh snatched that dramatic equaliser.
P. McCabe, Paul Browne, M. Browne, M. Maguire, Hussey, Hugh Gilsenan and Peter and Gerry Farrelly tried hardest for St. Brigids.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – B. Gaffney (1-1), M. O’Connell (0-2), J. Rafferty (0-1).
St. Brigids – H. Gilsenan (0-2), E. Tuite, N. Hussey, V. Walsh, O. Gilsenan, S. Treacy (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – S. Briody; G. McCormack, P. O’Connell, J. Stafford; J. Murphy, J. Farrelly, J. McCormack; R. O’Connell, J. Walsh; J. Rafferty, Martin O’Connell, M. Stafford; C. Regan, Michael O’Connell, B. Gaffney. Subs.: D. Carolan for Regan, M. Dolan for P. O’Connell.
St. Brigids – B. Daly; P. McCabe, B. Briody, P. Browne; M. Farrelly, M. Browne, E. Tuite; M. Maguire, N. Hussey; V. Walsh, H. Gilsenan, S. Treacy; P. Farrelly, O. Gilsenan, J. Maguire. Subs.: M. Blake for J. Maguire, G. Farrelly for Hussey.
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JULY 24th 1982.
‘WOOD FAR TOO STRONG
KILMAINHAMWOOD 3-10, ST. MICHAELS 0-1.
With Jim Rooney, Michael Clarke, Sean Farrelly, Philip McCormack, Christo Shankey and Frank Corbally showing up to good effect Kilmainhamwood trounced St. Michaels in this division 2 F.C. game at Kells last Sunday.
This victory puts the ‘Wood through to the quarter-finals of the competition. They were always on top against weak opposition for whom Thomas Rogers, Oliver Cassidy, Eddie O’Donnell and Patrick Stafford tried hard.
Scorers:
Kilmainhamwood – C. Shankey (1-2), M. Farrelly, F. Corbally (1-1 each), Pat Clarke, Paul Clarke, J. Corbally (0-2 each).
St. Michaels – E. O’Donnell (0-1).
Kilmainhamwood – P. Mooney; B. Curtis, M. Clarke, J. Rooney; P.J. McCluskey, S. Farrelly, S. Gilsenan; Pat Clarke, J. Corbally; Paul Clarke, O. Browne, P. McCormack; M. Farrelly, C. Shankey, F. Corbally. Subs.: O. Plunkett for Pat Clarke.
St. Michaels – Jimmy Gaffney; Barney Lynch, Padraig Cassidy, Derek Maguire; Pat Moran, Michael Vaughan, Charlie Farrelly; Eugene Farrelly, Eddie O’Donnell; M. Dunne, Patrick Stafford, Paul Curran; D. Lynch, J. Carolan, Tommy Gaffney. Subs.: Thomas Rogers for Lynch, Ollie Cassidy for Dunne.
Referee – Jim Cahill (Drumbaragh).
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OCTOBER 2nd 1982
ST. MICHAELS THE CHAMPIONS.
Courageous Battle By Gallant Furze Side
St. Michaels 2-6, Seneschalstown 1-7.
St. Michaels, last years beaten finalists justified their ante-post favouritism by defeating Seneschalstown in the JFC decider at Navan’s Pairc Tailteann last Sunday writes Tom Mooney.
They were odds-on going into Sundays game against a Seneschalstown side which had astonished many by reaching the final and which was very unlucky not to astonish even more.
The Yellow Furze side did not deserve to lose , they looked fitter, sharper and more determined for most of the game and the craftiness of their veterans frequently enabled them to outwit their opponents who seemed over confident in some ways, extremely nervous in others and generally lacked the dash which has become their trademark.
St. Michaels seemed like a very ordinary side for 55 of the 60 minutes and it was only in the closing stages when threatened by the jaws of defeat that they managed to raise their game sufficiently to stamp their authority on the match.
DOOMED
Five minutes from time they were trailing 1-4 to 1-7 and looked doomed for defeat but then Robbie O’Connell clicked into top gear, inspired his colleagues to move into overdrive and they added 1-2 without reply to scuttle a rapidly tiring Seneschalstown outfit.
While St. Michaels must be congratulated for winning the first championship in the club’s short history and atoning for last years bitter disappointment one must sympathise with Seneschalstown. Unfancied almost throughout the campaign they proved the punters wrong and with a little bit of luck would have shocked the Carlanstown Kilbeg combination. Foremost in the sympathy stakes must be the oldest member of the team, Ollie Geraghty, and one of the youngest Michael Monaghan who contributed enormously to Seneschalstown’s performance.
LIFE BEGINS
Geraghty seemed to prove Mae West’s dictum, “life begins at forty” as the 40 years plus veteran did untold damage in the Micks defence and scored a glorious goal. The first half was scrappy but the second was thrilling and exploded in a climax of excitement as St. Michaels fought back from the “dead” to gain victory. Seneschalstown dominated the first half, though they had the backing of a stiff breeze and the elements they could not be blamed for St. Michaels playing second fiddle.
PATHETIC
Most of their members ranged from poor to pathetic and only for the efforts of their outstanding right corner back Gerry McCormack and to a less extent James Murphy on the same flank, St. Michaels could have been overrun. Ably supported by Terry McDonagh, Billy Collins dominated at midfield and Phonsie Gilsenan, Mickey Collins and Jim Farrell dealt capably with whatever passed those two. Having so much possession most of the Seneschalstown forwards had plenty of opportunities to look good and this they did – at least in the approach work. Gerry Clarke, Frank Sheridan, Monaghan and Patrick Darby and of course Geraghty, frequently had the St. Michaels defence under intense pressure, but for all that, managed to lead by only 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval.
Joe O’Brien, Sheridan, Collins with a lovely effort from 45 meters and Darby accounted for their first half points, but they should have added a goal. A Darby shot beat Sean Briody in the winners goals, but Murphy cleared off the line.
Both of St. Michaels first half scores came from pointed frees from Robbie O’Connell following fouls on his brother Michael.
Someone obviously told their players some “home truths” at the interval as within 12 seconds of the resumption they snatched the lead. Jimmy Farrelly who had been switched from midfield during the first half, was restored to that position at the start of the second half. He caught the throw-in and his delivery came to Paddy Rogers who lashed a great effort under the diving body of Ramie McGovern. But Monaghan equalized after Geraghty had been fouled and then encountered a Christopher Regan point to leave the sides level again 0-6 to 1-3 after 39 minutes.
Monaghan obliged again after another foul on Geraghty and although the O’Connell brothers obliged again to draw the sides level once more in the 50th minute – Michael was fouled and Robbie slotted over – there were huge danger signs warning St. Michaels. A lovely flick from Sheridan put Geraghty behind the defence, he first timed past the advancing Briody and as the ball was rolling wide of the empty net the in – rushing Darby just failed to tap it inside the post.
DANGEROUS
Later Murphy did very well to cut out an extremely dangerous centre when a goal looked “on” and so well were Seneschalstown playing that another shock looked on the cards when Geraghty netted. He fielded a Darby centre beautifully, turned and lashed to the net to put Seneschalstown 1-7 to 1-4 ahead in the 51st minute, a lead they held until the 55th. But then Robbie O’Connell earned his pay as captain and although he started in the surprise position of right half forward, he was switched to midfield in the second half. He commanded his sector in the last stages and was ably assisted by Farrelly who found a new lease of life.
GREAT GOAL
A great goal by Joe Walsh who had been moved forward from midfield, sparked off that dramatic and exciting finish. He latched on to a loose ball and from 25 meters crashed a rasping shot off the underside of the bar into the net. Robbie O’Connell wasted two good chances of points by trying to lob the ball into the square before he eventually slotted over, he then started a move, carried on by Walsh which ended with Michael O’Connell notching an insurance much to the rapture of the St. Michaels fans.
After the game, Brian Smyth, chairman of the Co. Board presented the Matthew Ginnity Cup to Robbie O’Connell captain of the victorious St. Michaels team. The cup was donated to the Co. Board by the late Mick Hilliard to perpetuate the memory of a man, the uncle of minor board secretary Fintan Ginnity, who had been interned in the Curragh along with the former T.D. And Minister.
Scorers:
St. Michaels: Robbie O’Connell 0-4, Joe Walsh, Paddy Rogers 1-0 each, Christy Regan, Michael O’Connell 0-1 each.
St. Michaels: Sean Briody, Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Padraig Cassidy, James Murphy, Jackie Lynch, John McCormack, Joe Walsh, Jimmy Farrelly, Robbie O’Connell, Martin O’Connell, Paddy Rogers, Jimmy Rafferty, Michael O’Connell, Christy Regan.
Subs – Justin Stafford for Lynch, Barney Gaffney for Rafferty.
Team Management: Coach: Shane McEntee, trainer: Paddy McIntyre.
Scorers:
Seneschalstown: O. Geraghty 1-0, M. Monaghan 0-3, B. Collins, F. Sheridan, P. Darby, J. O’Brien 0-1 each.
Seneschalstown: R. McGovern, P. Gilsenan, M. Collins, S. Cummins, D. Sheehy, M. Dillon, J. Farrell, T. McDonagh, B. Collins, G. Clarke, F. Sheridan, M. Monaghan, P. Darby, O. Geraghty, J. O’Brien.
Sub: M. Connell for O’Brien.
Referee: Bernard McCluskey Simonstown Gaels.
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MAY 30th 1981.
DUNBOYNE FAIL TO ST. MICHAELS
St. Michaels 0-7, Dunboyne 0-6.
St. Michaels defeated Dunboyne by the narrowest of margins in this thrilling and highly sporting J.F.C. second round game at Kilmessan last Sunday.
Having played with the advantage of the wind, Dunboyne, for whom Declan Toole, Paddy Mclntyre, Ciaran Clince, Roger Walters and Bernard Smyth showed up well, led by 0-4 to 0-3 at the break.
But for some superb defending by St. Michael’s full-backs Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell and Justin Stafford, Dunboyne would almost certainly have been further ahead at this stage.
St. Michaels moved into top gear on the resumption due mainly to the brilliance of Robbie O’Connell, John McCormack and Jimmy Farrelly. Though Dunboyne came back in the closing stages the Carlanstown/Kilbeg combination, who were also well served by their outstanding ‘keeper Sean Briody, James Murphy, Jackie Lynch, Michael Reilly, Paddy Rogers and Martin O’Connell, held out for victory.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – R. O’Connell (0-4), J. McCormack, P. Rogers, M O’Connell (0-1 each).
Dunboyne – B. Smyth (0-3). C. Walters (0-2). C. Clince (0-1)
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack, Pat O’Connell, Justin Stafford, James Murphy Jackie Lynch, Michael Reilly; Robert O’Connell, John McCormack; Jimmy Rafferty, Jimmy Farrelly, Paddy Rogers, John Joe Rogers, Christy Regan, Michael O’Connell. Sub. – Martin Stafford for P. Rogers.
Dunboyne – P. Walters; M. McAuley, D. O’Toole. S. Boylan; P. Finn, P. Mclntyre C. Clince; R. Walters, A. Reilly; M. Craig. B. Smyth. C. Walters; S. Hobbs, T. Buckley, O. Gannon.
Referee – Austin Geoghegan, Batterstown.
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JUNE 13th 1981
MICHAELS GOOD RUN CONTINUES.
St. Michaels 2-7, Skryne 0-5.
St. Michaels boosted their J.F.C. points tally to a full complement of six from three outings when defeating Skryne in an entertaining encounter at Pairc Tailteann, Navan, on Friday evening of last week.
Though the winners had eight points to spare at the end, Skryne gave them a good run for their money for a long way. However, the younger and fitter Michaels side finished the stronger and clinched victory with two goals in the last quarter.
Michaels led by 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval. Then Skryne hit back in the third quarter to draw level before Paddy Colgan scored the winners first goal midway through the second half. The second goal came in the last seconds when Paddy Rogers netted.
Michaels wing half-backs, minor Martin O’Connell and veteran Michael Reilly were outstanding. Others to show up well were backs Gerry McCormack and Pat O’Connell, Robbie O’Connell and John McCormack at midfield and Jimmy Rafferty, Paddy and J. J. Rogers and Paddy Colgan in attack.
‘Keeper Gerry Caffrey, Paddy Browne, Padraig O’Rourke, Phil Savage, Christy McCabe and Jimmy Greally were best for Skryne.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – P. Colgan. P. Rogers (1-0 each), M. O’Connell (0-4) J. Rafferty, J.J. Rogers. J. Farrelly (0-1 each).
Skryne – C. McCabe (0-4). D. Carty (0-1).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody; Gerry McCormack. Pat O’Connell. Justin Stafford; Martin O’Connell, Jackie Lynch. Michael Reilly; Robbie O’Connell. John McCormack; Jimmy Rafferty. Jimmy Farrelly, Paddy Rogers; John Joe Rogers. Paddy Colgan. Martin Stafford. Sub: Barney Gaffney for Colgan.
Skryne – G. Caffrey; R. Mooney, M. Gaynor. P. J. Conway; P. Brosnan, P. O’Rourke, P. Murphy-; M. O’Rourke C. McCabe: P. Savage, N. Daly. D Carty: J. Byrne. M. Lynch. J. Greally Subs: C. Maguire for P. O’Rourke, P. O’Rourke for Mooney, C. Browne for Byrne
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JUNE 27, 1981
O’CONNELL OUTSTANDING
St. Michaels 2-13, Rathmolyon 3-5.
With midfielder Robert O’Connell in brilliant form, St. Michaels extended their winning streak to four games by overcoming Rathmolyon in an exciting J.F.C. game at Martry last Sunday.In what was a superb team performance by St. Michaels. O’Connell was well supported by John McCormack, controlled midfield throughout and scored eight points. Michaels led by 0-8 to 1-3 at half-time, with Paul Ennis netting for Rathmolyon.
Paul Ennis, Denis Farrell, John Gorry, Dermot Ennis and Paschal Kells showed up very well for the losers.
Scorers: St. Michaels – R. O’Connell (0-8), J. Rafferty. J. Farrelly (1-0 each), B. Gaffney (0-2). P. Rogers. J. J. Rogers. P. Cassidy (0-1 each). Rathmolyon: P. Ennis (2-0). D. Farrell (1-2), D. Ennis. J. Gorry. P. Kelly (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – Sean Briody: Gerry McCormack. Pat O’Connell. Justin Stafford; Martin O’Connell, Jackie Lynch, Michael Reilly; John McCormack, Robbie O’Connell; Jimmy Rafferty, J. Farrelly Paddy Rogers; J.J. Rogers, Barney Gaffney, Padraig Cassidy. Sub. – James Murphy for Lynch.
Rathmolyon – M. Smith; P. Ford., P.J. Harnan; M. Halloran, B. Regan, J. Ennis, N. Hunt, D Ennis, P. Lawless; J. Gorry, D. Farrell, D. Regan, P. Ennis, P. Kelly, J.J. O’Rourke. Sub. – G. Jones for Hunt.
Referee – Tom Browne (Martry).
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OCTOBER 17th 1981
ST. MICHAELS FANCIED TO DEFEAT MOYNALVEY
Just two years after winning the division 3 F.C. Moynalvey will bid to move up another grade by defeating St. Michaels in next Sunday’s J.F.C. final at Navan, Writes PAUL CLARKE.
Judging by the entertainment served up in St. Michael’s semi-final victory over Carnaross and the sort of fast play Moynalvey usually adopt, this game has all the ingredients of a thriller and should be a very close affair.
As well as this both teams contain a number of highly talented players and have made enormous progress in recent years. St. Michael’s have already made a big impact in just two years of existence.
Moynalvey reached the semi-finals of this competition last season but were shocked by Moynalty while St. Michaels, a combination of Carlanstown and Kilbeg players, went out one stage earlier when losing to Rathmolyon.
On forrn there would appear to be very little between the teams. They are both unbeaten in the competition to date and play the same type of attacking football which can provide great entertainment.
The O’Connell brothers, Robbie, Pat and Michael form the back-bone of the St. Michaels team and on the evidence of his performance in the semi-final, Michael, the youngest of the three, will need close watching.
He was one of the top players on this year’s Meath minor team and his strong, forceful play combined with his tackling qualities make him a player of outstanding promise.
TROUBLED
Robbie has been troubled by injuries this season but, if fully fit, he will be a vital asset at either midfield or in the half-forward line, while his free taking abilities have proved decisive in the past. The third brother, Pat, has caught the eye of the county senior selectors this season and, providing he has recovered sufficiently from a hand injury, he should greatly strengthen the defence from the fullback spot. Moynalvey are particularly strong down the middle. Liam Harnan is a sturdy full-back, Pat Brien will give little away in the pivotal position. Pat Kelly and Tony Hoban can be relied upon to win a fair share of possession at midfield while Cyril Maguire and Robbie Melia will take watching up front.
While this has the ingredients of a close and exciting tussle I feel that St. Michaels may just have the edge.
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SEPTEMBER 5th 1981
MOYNALTY NO MATCH FOR ST. MICHAELS.
St. Michaels 2-7, Moynalty 0-2.
St. Michaels qualified for the semi-finals of the J.F.C. by defeating Moynalty in a one-sided encounter at Kells last Sunday. Michaels who were forced to line out without the injured Robbie O’Connell, started strongly and led by 0-3 to 0-0 after eight minutes, thanks to points from Barney Gaffney (two) and Jimmy Rafferty.
Moynalty opened their account in the 12th minute, when Mickey Casey blocked down an attempted clearance before shooting over. Points from Christy Regan and Paddy Rogers boosted the “Saints” to a 0-5 to 0-2 interval lead.
Gerry Doyle was on target for Moynalty from a narrow angle in the 28th minute. The losers, who shot wide 10 times altogether failed to score during the second half.
BEYOND DOUBT
The winners, although they failed to add to their interval advantage until the 45th minute, when Paddy Rogers was on target, put the issue beyond doubt with two late goals. Shortly after midfielder Martin O’Connell pointed 12 minutes from time, Jimmy Rafferty netted from close range and Pat O’Connell blasted to the net from the penalty spot to give Michaels a morale boosting victory. John McCormack was in outstanding form for the winners and received effective support from Martin O’Connell, Rafferty. Paddy Rogers and Gaffney.
Centre-back Anthony Clinton was easily the losers best player but received effective support only from Tom Lynch.
Scorers:
St. Michaels – J. Rafferty (1-1). P. O’Connell (1-0). B. Gaffney and P.Rogers (0-2 each). C. Regan. M. O’Connell (0-1 each).
Moynalty – M. Casey. G. Doyle (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – S. Briody; G. McCormack. P. O’Connell. J. Stafford; J. Murphy. J. Lynch. M. Reilly; M. O’Connell. J. McCormack; J. Rafferty. C. Regan, P. Rogers; J.J. Rogers. B. Gaffney. J. Farrell Sub. – R. O’Connell for Lynch.
Moynalty – P. Farrell; J. McKenna. T. Nevin. T. Lynch; H. Lynch. A. Clinton, T.P. McKenna; P. Nevin. F. Doyle; S. McEntee. G. Curran, C. Reilly; G. Doyle, M. Casey. T. Sullivan.
Sub. – J. Murchan for Curran.
Referee – Bernard McCluskey (Simonstown Gaels).
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NOVEMBER 7th 1981
HARNAN, CRICKLEY AND MELIA’S IMPRESSIVE
Moynalvey 1-7, St. Michaels 0-4.
If the rules of horse racing applied to Gaelic football St. Michaels would have had to face a stewards enquiry to explain how they could dead heat in one outing and be beaten by a distance by the same opposition within 14 days.
In last Sunday’s replay of the J.F.C. final at Navan’s Pairc Tailteann, St. Michaels who threw away several clear cut chances of victory in the drawn game a fortnight earlier, looked to be in a class below Moynalvey who were fitter, sharper and more determined and who played much more coherently throughout. St. Michaels approach to this game proved their own undoing. Some of their players adopted a physical approach on a few occasions early on. This seemed to have an unsettling effect on the Kilbeg – Carlanstown combination while Moynalvey, by and large concentrated on playing the ball and getting on with the game. As a result, the “Mikes” failed to combine as a team and very rarely gave the impression that they might repeat their comeback of the drawn match.
SETTLED
Moynalvey settled to the task in hand quickly. They looked very solid in almost every department. Their defence in which Liam Harnan, Martin Murray, Peter Farrell and Jim McNally were particularly effective was rarely stretched and at no stage looked likely to concede a goal. Although Robbie O’Connell tried hard at midfield for the losers, the stylish Benny Keogh gave Moynalvey a slight edge in this sector while each of the winners forwards shaded the verdict over their immediate opponents for most of the hour. Robbie Melia who wreaked so much havoc in the drawn game again adopted a roving role, but he was not as devastating this time partly because Pat O’Connell marked him very tightly, but probably more because the pitch seemed greasier and didn’t suit Melia’s tricky brand of play.
Two of the older hands on the team did much to guide Moynalvey’s fortunes and create openings for their colleagues. Richie Melia, all through, and Cyril Maguire, particularly in the second half, played intelligently, making themselves available for passes and putting the ball to good use.
IMPORTANT
Probably the Aiden Crickley – Martin O’Connell duel was one of the most important factors in deciding the outcome of the game. In the semi-final and drawn game, O’Connell had been brilliant at right half-back for the combined side. But he failed to get into the game until late in the hour, while Crickley prized open the defence repeatedly in the first half and early stages of the second.
While the encounter was nowhere near as entertaining as the drawn match, the hectic pace, some lovely long-range scores by both sides, the needle in the early stages and the determination of St. Michaels in the last quarter kept interest alive for much of the hour.
Moynalvey led by 1-5 to 0-1 at the interval. The first four points were all sweetly struck. Moynalvey’s Benny Keogh accounted for two of them, one from 40 metres and the other from 30m Jim McNally added another which boosted Moynalvey into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after 18 minutes. St. Michaels effort was clipped over by Paddy Rogers on the run. That score, in the eighth minute, countered Keogh’s opening point and was the only time that the losers were on level terms. They managed only one more point in the following 38 minutes.
HARMLESS
Meanwhile Moynalvey continued to tighten their control on the game. Following a foul on Maguire, Robbie Melia put the south Meath side 0-4 to 0-1 ahead in the 23rd minute and shortly afterwards Melia sent in a low harmless-looking free which the defence fumbled badly and presented Richie Melia with an easy chance of tapping the ball across the line.
One of the features of the match was the length which Liam Harnan was achieving from frees and kicks-out and it was from a placed ball that his mighty effort dropped to Richie Melia behind the defence and Crickley shot over to complete the winners first half tally.
Another feature of the first half was the number of intrusions onto the field of play by two of the Moynalvey officials. One in particular, ran on at least eight times. Any excuse seemed good enough whether it was to administer solace to his players, one of whom fell to the ground clutching his head when neither I, nor anybody around me, could understand how he could have been hit; to give advice to his players or. to whisper “sweet nothings” to the referee. Even the “little brown dog” was jealous.
BIZARRE
One of this official’s flights onto the centre of the stage was provoked by a bizarre incident in the 13th minute. Richie Melia fisted a centre goal-wards and the defence got itself into a tizzy – not for the only time in the game – as Dennis Farrell fisted the ball into the net. The umpire looked at referee Paddy Kearns before hesitatingly waving the green flag. But, when it became clear that the goalie had been injured, the referee consulted with his umpires before disallowing the goal.
St. Michaels had trailed by 0-4 to 1-7 at half-time in the drawn match, but had fought back to earn a replay. However, although their interval deficit last Sunday was only one point greater, the likelihood of a similar rally didn’t seem possible although they had the advantage of a stiff breeze to come. They had shown very few signs of putting their game together in the first half and were unable to prize open the Moynalvey defence.
They could have been in much worse trouble within minutes of the resumption when Crickley flighted a centre perfectly to the far post but the in rushing Farrell fisted into the side netting.
Shortly afterwards Jimmy Rafferty began to make an impact. Following a long searing run, he clipped over a fine point to reduce the deficit to 0-2 to 1-5. Another dangerous run came to a halt when the same player was fouled in front of the posts, but Robbie O’Connell was wide and with that miss went whatever chance St. Michaels might have had of staging a fightback. By the time the losers scored again, Moynalvey had completed their tally with points from Robbie Melia and Richie Walsh, Melia’s effort was awarded in front of the posts for a foolish late tackle on Crickley out near the sideline after he had kicked the ball. O’Connell, after he himself and Rogers had been fouled added two points in the 47th and 48 minutes to haul back their deficit to six points again but, Moynalvey broke whatever momentum St. Michaels were building by introducing a number of substitutes in the final stages and the match died to all intents and purposes, although the losers tried to the end.
After the game, Colm Cromwell, vice-chairman of the Co. Board, presented the cup to Liam Harnan, captain of the victorious Moynalvey team.
Scorers:
Moynalvey – Richie Melia (1-0), Robbie Melia, B. Keogh (0-2 each), J. McNally, A. Crickley, R. Walsh (0-1 each).
St. Michaels – R. O’Connell (0-2), P. Rogers, J. Rafferty (0-1 each)
Moynalvey – B. Melia; M. Murray. L. Harnan, P. Harnan; P. Farrell, P. O’Brien, J. McNally; B. Keogh, P. Kelly; R. Walsh. C. Maguire. A. Crickley; D. Farrell, Robbie Melia, Richie Melia.
Subs – P. Regan for D. Farrell. T. Hoban for Walsh, E. Lynch for Richie Melia.
St. Michaels: S. Briody: G. McCormack. P. O’Connell. J. Stafford. M. O’Connell. J. Lynch, J. Murphy; J. McCormack, R. O’Connell; J. Rafferty. C. Regan. P. Rogers: M. Reilly. J. Farrelly. B. Gaffney.
Subs – J. J. Rogers for Gaffney, M. Stafford for Reilly.
Referee – P. Kearns (Castletown).
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APRIL 5th 1980
DRAW AT CARLANSTOWN
St. Michaels 0-5, Bohermeen 1-2.
St. Michaels and Bohermeen finished level in this spring division four football league game at Carlanstown last Sunday.
Bohermeen, who led by 1-1 to 0-1 at half-time, were best served by Tommy Casserly, Stephen Ball, Liam Harte and Jim Kavanagh. The home side had good players in Petey Cassidy, Barney Lynch, Martin O’Connell and Martin Stafford.
Scorers: St. Michaels – M. Stafford 0-2, D. Carolan, M. Dolan, C. Cunningham 0-1 each.
Bohermeen: S. Ball 1-0. F. Coffey, J. Kavanagh 0-1 each.
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