February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Eamonn Kelly
Several hours of continuous rain came close to causing the cancellation of last Sunday’s Central Division playing schedule. Rather than risk serious damage to Gaelic Park’s primary pitch the divisional board transferred the games to one of the secondary fields and the four-game schedule was completed.
Erin’s Own 3-13, Bolands 2-9
The North American Board hurling champions, Harry Bolands, not yet showing the strength of last year’s squad, lost their opening game to Erin’s Own with a final score of 3-13 to 2-9. While the weather conditions were not conducive to good hurling, this game, particularly the second half, provided good entertainment for the small attendance.
Playing with a rather strong wind in the opening half, Erin’s Own dominated in the early stages, building a score of 1-6 while keeping their opponents scoreless. The Bolands scored three points in the final four minutes of the half as did Erin’s Own who led at the interval 1-9 to 0-3. The only goal of the half was scored by Nigel Jennings (Antrim).
Harry Bolands were in command during the early stages of the second half. They opened with a goal from John Murphy followed by three consecutive points to reduce the gap to three points. However, a Paudie McShane goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter broke the Bolands momentum and Erins Own went on to a deserving seven-point victory.
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Wolfe Tones 3-12, Pearse 1-10
The 1997 North American Board senior football champs, Wolfe Tones, are giving every indication that they will be offering a serious challenge to regain the title this year. Following their excellent display in defeating St. Brendan’s the previous week, they were equally impressive in their win over Padraig Pearse last Sunday, 3-13 to 1-10. With the aid of the wind the Pearse were very much in the game in the opening half and only trailed by two points at the interval, 1-6 to 0-7.
The lone goal coming from Wolfe Tones’ Conor Mone (Monaghan). Led by his brother, Rory Mone, the Wolfe Tones’ forwards created many anxious moments for the Padraig Pearse defense in the second half. Within 10 minutes of the turnover they increased their lead to nine points and maintained that lead to the final whistle.
Parnells 2-3, Pearse 2-3
In a most entertaining Junior football game Parnells came from behind to tie Padraig Pearse when Chicago-born Brendan McCormack scored from the penalty spot in the closing moments of the game. The final score of 2-3 to 2-3 was a fair result. Both teams took advantage of the strong wind. Parnells were in total control in the opening half scoring 1-2 while keeping their opponents scoreless. The Parnells goal was registered by Seamus Moriarity (Kerry). Padraig Pearse were in charge for most of the second half, erasing the 5- point deficit and going in front by three points following goals by Alan McNee and Aidan O’Malley. In a thrilling final quarter, Parnells applied tremendous pressure to pull the game out of the fire forcing the penalty that tied the game.
McBrides 1-10, Wolfe Tones 1-8
Despite being played in continuous rain the opening junior football game between McBrides and Wolfe Tones was quite entertaining. A strong second-half performance by McBrides gave them victory with a final score of 1-10 to 1-8. Wolfe Tones were the better team in the opening half and led at the interval, 1-3 to 0-4. Their goal was scored by Sean Daley. Taking advantage of the wind in the second half, McBrides soon got on top. A goal from John Fox and three points from Garrett Woods contributed to their two point victory.
June 21 schedule
Noon, Ladies Football, Erins Rovers vs. St. Brigids
1:15 p.m., JF, John McBrides vs. St. Brendans
2:30 p.m., JF, Wolfe Tones vs. Parnells
3:45 p.m., SH, Limerick vs. Bolands
5 p.m., SF, Parnells vs. St. Brendans