February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Eamonn Kelly
Bolands 2-11, Limerick 2-10
Harry Bolands qualified to meet Cuchulainn in the final of the senior hurling Chicago City Championship following a one-point win, 2-11 to 2-10, over Limerick in a highly enjoyable semifinal replay last Saturday. Two weeks ago, Limerick were criticized for complacency when they allowed a weak Harry Bolands team erase a third quarter thirteen point deficit and tie the game. In last Sunday’s replay, the reverse almost happened when a slightly stronger Bolands team who led from the opening moments of the game had to pull out all the stops to curtail a late Limerick rally which reduced a four-point deficit to one point before the final whistle was sounded.
Harry Bolands who were a lot more organized than in the drawn game got off to a dream start with a goal from Galway born veteran, Kevin Horan, in the opening minute. It was a tough blow for Limerick but after falling behind by 4 points their confidence was restored when Tom Sheehy goaled in the 20th minute. They mounted several attacks in an attempt to take the lead but were beaten back by a very solid Bolands defense. Just as the game entered the second quarter Bolands regained their four point lead when their full-forward Nial Gallagher, shot to the net from close range. Horan added one more point to give them a five-point lead at the interval.
After Limerick’s Damian Dooly put just four points between them with a minor score in the opening play of the second-half both teams exchanged points in a very even second half.
Just as Bolands were doing enough to hold on to their four-point lead the late Limerick rally resulted in an opportunist goal by Tony Doyle. However, this late rally fell short at the sound of the final whistle.
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The junior football encounter could not have been any closer as St. Brendan’s and Parnells fought for ownership of the Chicago championship trophy. While the game ended in a tie,
St. Brendan’s 0-12 Parnells 1-9
Parnells must be considered extremely fortunate to force a replay. They may argue that they enjoyed more possession than their opponents, which is true, but given their monopoly on possession they squandered an incredible amount of scoring opportunities. The game was tied on six occasions and only once did more than two points separate the teams. After a tame low scoring first half St. Brendan’s enjoyed a one-point lead at the interval, 0-5 to 0-4. They increased their lead when Brendan Coen pointed shortly after the turnover but a great rally by Parnells resulted in a fine goal by Stephen Burns in the 42th minute.
Parnells dominated play in the final quarter but atrocious shooting prevented them from increasing their lead. In fact, they relinquished their lead with five minutes to go when Coen pointed again to tie the game. Moments later Joe Keane put St. Brendan’s in front with a great point. It appeared all was lost for Parnells until Gordan Welden found the target to tie the game just before the final whistle.
St. Brigids 5-9, Erins Rovers 1-8
In a one-sided ladies football game St. Brigids had little difficulty in defeating Erins Rover to take the Phil McGinley Cup with a final score of 5-9 to 1-8. With a very strong first-half display the led at the half by 14 points, 4-4 to 0-2. Their goals came from Rose Horan, Rita Bradley, Julie McCormick and Colette Ravan. Their second half goal was scored by Nora Lawton while Mary McLaughin scored Erins Rovers lone goal.
Next week
Saturday, June 10
6 p.m. Junior Football, Parnells vs. St. Brendan’s
Sunday, June 11
2:15 p.m., Junior Football, John McBrides vs. Padraig Pearse
3:30 p.m., Senior Hurling, Limerick vs. Erin’s Own
4:45 p.m., Senior Football, Parnells vs. Wolfe Tones