NACB Roundup Cuchulainn, Tones get big victories

By Eamon Kelly

Chicago

Senior Hurling

Cuchulainn 1-24, Erin’s Own 1-11

A strong second half display underlined Cuchulainn’s determination to retain their divisional senior hurling title as they swept Erin’s Own aside in a most entertaining game at Gaelic Park last Sunday. Despite the 13-point difference between the teams after 60 minutes, this was an excellent hurling game and there were several spectacular scores. At one stage in the opening half Erin’s Own enjoyed a 1-6 to 0-3 lead, their goal coming from Antrimman Eamonn McKee in the 10th minute. However, the champions, sensing possible defeat, regrouped at the beginning of the second quarter and began cutting off ball supply to Erin’s Own’s most dangerous forwards, McKee and Michael Bevens.

With P.J. Carley and Declan Buggy getting the upper hand at centerfield, Cuchulainn soon reduced the deficit with spectacular points from Corkman Dan O’Brien and the accurate freetaking of Patrick Fitzgerald.

After both teams finished on level terms at the interval, a thundering second half seemed to be in the making. However, Erin’s Own’s first-half aggressiveness fizzled on the turnover and Cuchulainn were in charge from the throw-in. Between them, O’Brien and Fitzgerald scored five points before David Burke registered Erin’s Own first second-half point, in the 12th minute. Erin’s Own generated a gallant rally after that score, but great defensive work by the Cuchulainn halfback line of Tony Spain, Aidren Bowes and Dave Ryan kept their forwards at bay. Then an opportunist goal by Cuchulainn’s centerhalf forward, Aidren Hutson, which put 11 points between the sides, ended the game as a contest.

Senior Football

Wolfe Tones 1-14, Parnells 0-8

While Wolfe Tones were deserving winners, the nine-point difference is not a true reflection of the closeness of the affair. Parnells, after a disappointing display against St. Brendan’s a couple of weeks earlier, put up a most gallant effort against an experienced team that is determined to recapture the Chicago and national titles they last held in 1999. Little separated these two teams for most of the contest, with only two points between them at halftime. Much credit is due to Parnells in the manner in which they recovered from a disastrous start, having fallen behind 0-5 to 0-0. Wolfe Tones scores came from Sean Folan, Padraig Coyle and Ronan Fitzsimmons.

With a great rally, Parnells answered with four consecutive points from Cormac Nelligan and David Shields. They continued to play constructive football and matched the Tones for the remainder of the half.

While Parnells stayed within four points for most of the second half, a great offensive movement by Wolfe Tones resulted in a perfect defense-splitting pass to Leigh O’Brien, who scored the game’s only goal in the 20th minute.

Junior Football

Wolfe Tones 1-12, Parnells 2-6

After both teams exchanged points for most of the opening quarter Declan Hayes of Parnells scored a fine goal in the 13th minute. Wolfe Tones reduced the deficit to the narrowest of margins with points from Dermot Cummins and Paul McGuinness, but within a couple of minutes a long ball delivered from centerfield deceived the Wolf Tones defense and ended in the net for Parnells to regain a four-point lead. A couple of converted frees enabled the Tones to pull within two at the half, 2-5 to 0-9.

While there were great exchanges in a closely contested third quarter, the first score was not recorded until the 46th minute, when Brian Malone pointed to extend the lead for Parnells. However, Wolfe Tones took control in the final quarter, scoring 1-3 without reply, their goal coming from Manus Gallagher seven minutes from the final whistle.

Midwest Division

Junior Football

Pitt. Celtics 1-12, Cleveland St. Pats 1-6

Detroit Tones 6-21, Buffalo Cuchulainn 2-1

Detroit Pearse 4-26, Buffalo Na Fianna 1-4

Western Division

Intermediate Football

San Jose 1-14, Sons of Boru 1-12

Junior Football

Sean Treacy’s 3-12, St. Brendan’s 1-8

Junior Football

Naimh Padraig 2-12, Sons of Boru 2-10

Junior Football

Michael Cusacks 2-9, Young Irelanders 0-9

Ladies Football

Fog City Harps 3-6, St. Joseph’s 2-4