February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Derek McKenna scored three times to propel Astoria Gaels past Barnsworth Rovers, 3-0, on Sunday in their final game of the season. Astoria were champions of the division by virtue of their win on the previous week, but Rovers gave them a battle to remember.
The Gaels started strong. Nestor Allen on the left wing had a shot wide after making space, then Martin Reilly went close. Rovers attacked, but Steve DeHarde had a strong header to clear. John Beirne was doing a great marking job on Rovers best player and Kevin Nagle was now dominating midfield. After 20 minutes, Derek McKenna opened the scoring for Astoria with a blast from 20 yards. Five minutes later he added their second on a move that started from Reilly and Nagle.
The Gaels were cruising when McKenna completed the hat trick before the half. Nigel McKenna and Mickey Sweeney were brought on to start the second half while Ger Carty was now at full-back. Barnsworth pulled one back 15 minutes into the second half on a shot from outside the area. And after a save from Eugene Kyne in goal they got their second. Now it was 3-2, but Astoria shut the doors for the rest of the way. Astoria were best served by player of the year Joe Harris, Steve DeHarde at the back. Allen and Nagle at midfield were strong while McKenna did his job up front.
Lineout: Eugene Kyne, Joe Harris, Pat Mulrey, Steve DeHarde, Lloyd Canning, Mark Bourke, Derek McKenna, Martin Reilly, Ger Carty, Nigel McKenna, Mickey Sweeney, Ger O’Brien.