N.Y. GAA Rangers topple Clare in hothouse

By Pierce O’Reilly

Rangers 1-12, Clare 1-5

The top two in Senior "B" football came face to face in the first game played Saturday evening at sun-drenched Gaelic Park. Favorites Clare were toppled by a much slicker and slighter home based side. Ranger’s wing forward Kevin O’Cearuil was fabulous over the hour and his ability to weave his way around defenders was a real treat. The Dublin native hit three excellent points in the first half and his general overall contribution eased the burden of not having regular weekender Mick O’Keefe.

Up front, Rangers had pace to burn, and with Dave Phelan, O’hEineachain and O’Cearuil all hitting first-half points, they took the lead. Clare looked flatfooted and failed over the hour to come to terms with the sweltering condidition

Full forward Barry Hughes hit an opportunity goal on the stroke of halftime to level the teams, but it mattered little when Rangers returned. The Irish-American-dominated side, with Rory Hussey outstanding at midfield, pushed further in front. Dave Phelan hit two great points with O’Cearuil hitting the all-important goal midway through. Gary Dowd and Hughes once again tried desperately to narrow the gap, but the Rangers were well on top as they entered the final furlong.

Rangers: B. Madden, M.McHugh, N. Kane, T. Birmingham, B. McGrath, C. Kellagher, F. O’Shea, R. Hussey, P. Dent, K. Cearuil, L. Og O’hEineachain, M. Sheridan, S. Concannon, D. Phelan, J. Murphy.

Clare: M. O’Connor, J. Downes, P. O’Connor, B. Cooney, T. Murphy, F. Griffin, N. Dillane, G. Dowd, S. Melley, E. McInearney, K. Quinn, T. Foley, J. Egan, B. Hughes, G. Doohan.