Owenmore Gaels 1-13 Eastern Harps 0-10
Our mens team lifted the clubs first Championship at adult since 1969 on Saturday evening when we saw of the challenge of Eastern Harps in a deserved victory in Markievicz Park.
Harps settled the quickest after a typically cagey opening getting the first two scores of the game. Aaron Nicholson got us off the mark from a free out on the left after Michael Casey’s run was halted illegally. Nickolson quickly followed this up with one from play after he turned over a harps defender. We moved into the lead when Jason Farrell crept forward from centre back to swing over, created from a Brian Mahon catch in the middle.
Our dominace continued, driven on by Gerard Doyle and Simon Cashman in the engine room. Ryan Philips introduced himself into he game with fantastic finish to the net via the crossbar after a brilliant team move involving Neil McLoughlin, Rhys McMorrow, Mahon and Casey. Nickolson and Philips hit frees to put us in a commanding lead before Mahon hit a super score from out on the right wing.
A shell shocked harps responded with a point. Philips almost produced a replica of his earlier score but this time the crossbar kept out his shot. The chance set up by McMorrow and Doyle pressure in the middle of the park. Nickolson then hit a great point from play. Harps hit their fourth before Casey pointed a free after he was fouled off the ball. The half time whistle went with us in a commanding 1-8 0-4 lead.
Eastern Harps started the second similar to the first, hitting the first 3 points. A superb Mahon turn-over and pass into Casey set up our first of the half for Captain Peter Wynne. Ronan Sweeney was introduced for McLoughlin as we looked to get back control of the game. Harps hit 2 more to move within 3 points.
Alan Flynn came in for McMorrow. He made an immediate impact with a great pass inside to Casey who struck an excellent score from a tight angle. Flynn then got on the scoresheet with an outstanding point from outside the 45′.
Gavin Phelan then made a great save to deny harps a goal, they put the rebound over the bar. Casey stuck another from play to keep us out of reach. A quick counter attack saw Sweeney’s run halted illegally, Casey nudging the free over. Harps rallied, but we saw out the last few minutes with some disciplined defending. The final whistle was blown to scenes of jubilation from the superbly vocal supporters as our 46 year wait was finally over.
Best on the day for the Gaels was Brian Mahon who was excellent at wing-forward in only his second game for the first team. His intensity in the tackle and direct running stood him out as the games outstanding player. His minor colleagues Cian Whiteside, Rhys McMorrow and Ryan Philips were also excellent, showing maturity beyond their years in such an important game. However the old guard also stepped up to the plate when required. Aaron Nickolson was excellent, especially in the first half when we needed a cool head to get us going on the scoreboard. Alan Flynn changed the game on his introduction, swinging the game back in our favour. There is a nice balance of youth and experience in this team.
The season is not over for the team yet. We travel to Dublin next weekend to take part in the Judes 7 a-side tournament. This is an invitational tournament where we will be honoured to represent Sligo at the tournament. We can win the domestic treble when we take on St. Marys in the Abbott cup final, and also represent Sligo in the Connaught championship away to Galway on the 18th of October. So still plenty to play for!
Team: Gavin Phelan, Tom Layden (Shane Dooner), John Core, Gareth Lavin (Eoghan Kilroy), Cian Whiteside (Stanley Harte), Jason Farrell (0-1), Peter Wynne (0-1), Gerard Doyle, Simon Cashman, Brian Mahon (0-1), Rhys McMorrow (Alan Flynn 0-1), Neil McLoughlin (Ronan Sweeney), Michael Casey (0-4 2F), Aaron Nickolson (0-4 2F), Ryan Philips (1-1 1F) (Adrian Egan)
Subs: Gerry Dooner, Shane Maye, Kyle Taheny, Ross Farrell, Dylan McMorrow, Glen McCormack, Senan Sheenan, Brendan McCann, Shane Kerr, Seamie O’Connell, Ethan McLoughlin