February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Connie Kelly
Absolutely magnificent were the two words heard most often at opening day at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton on Sunday, Aug. 1. People came out in droves to meet and greet each other and they were not disappointed with what they saw. A regulation-size playing field 160 by 80 yards that would rival Croke Park itself, with a smaller field close by and a third to be ready for the North American playoffs in the year 2000.
Cork, 2-15, Galway 4-8
In a high-scoring senior hurling game it all came down to the last minute of play. James Kinsella tied the game at 4-8 for Galway to 2-14 for Cork with a well-taken goal. But the game’s man of the match, Cork’s Keith Murphy, took full advantage of the wide open space and he sent over the winning point with only seconds remaining.
This was to be Cork’s second win over Galway in two days as their juniors also overcame a late challenge by Galway on Saturday on a score of 2-8 to 0-12.
McAnespies 3-14, St. Pat’s 0-3
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In senior football we saw another fine display put on by the Aiden McAnespies team against a spirited St. Pat’s. It was only a contest for the first 20 minutes or so and then it turned into an exhibition. Joe McNally was contained somewhat in the first half by Conor Flaherty, but came back to register two goals in the second half. Ross Hainsworth added 1-5, Nigel Regan, Barry Fay, Matt McGlennon and Padraig McKenna added points.
Donegal 6-5, St. Pat’s 0-1
St. Pat’s juniors did not fare too well in the opening game of the afternoon, losing to Donegal. Martin McArdle of Donegal will go down in GAA history books as the man who scored the first point in Canton and Patrick McGill of Donegal had the first goal scored, while "Big" Joe Morrissey of St. Pats will hold the honor for his club’s first point and that was how the first half ended 1-1 to 0-1.
The youthful legs of Donegal took over in the second half and they ran out easy winners 6-5 to 0-1.
Other games
Mayo got a walkover St. Columbkilles. In senior football, Connemara Gaels also got a walkover St. Christophers. Both games were played in a very friendly fashion.
The Kerry juniors keep their hopes alive with a very good win over Wolfe Tones 1-9 to 0-9. The Tones had a half time lead of 0-7 to 1-3. Kerry looked a little better in the second half but not without an excellent performance from their backline of Seamus Buckley and Timmy O’Neill. Man of the match goes to veteran Denis Murtagh with 7 of his team’s total for the Tones.
Women’s football
Roscommon were very unlucky not to have at least shared the points having led throughout the game with Tir na nOg. Ann Maria Cahill tied the game at 2-5 to 1-8 with just two minutes remaining but Theresa O’Mahony proved to be Tir na nOg’s hero with her performance and last point of the game 2-6 to 1-8.
Best for the losers, Caroline Donnelly, Sharon McGovern, Maria McGrail and Marie Naughton and for Tir na nOg, Theresa O’Mahony, Eileen Sayers, Ann Marie Cahill, Caroline Newton and woman of the match Maureen Fahy.
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Plans are already in the works for the Oct. 15 official opening of Canton. All Ireland winner 1999 and runners-up in football and All Ireland Hurling winners will play 1998 All-Stars. Also, the pick of Boston will play either the pick of New York or the pick of North America.