February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Chicago
Erin Rovers 2-7, St. Brigids 1-4
When the Senior women took to the field on Sunday at noon in Gaelic Park, the temperature was at its highest. The first half of this game (the first meeting in the Guinness Championship/Chicago League) was evenly contested. The Erin Rovers opened scoring with 1-1 before the Brigids got on the scoreboard with a point. But then the Rovers took control, racking up two more points when the Brigids broke through the Rovers defense, scoring 1-2 to finish level at the close of the first half.
The second half opened with both sides attempting to score goals, but the alert keepers on both sides denied the forwards. Christine Fetting finally opened scoring for the Rovers, as they looked the most eager team for victory. The Brigids making some good chances for themselves didn’t finish as the Rovers forwards continued to do throughout. Top scorers for Rovers was Christine Fetting 1-2 and for Brigids, Colette Rowan 1-2.
Wolfe Tones 1-13, Parnells 0-13
In Senior Football, the Wolfe Tones and Parnells provided a closely contested game right until the end. The Parnells provided the Wolfe Tones with a challenge to their unbroken record. The Parnells forward line broke through the usually tight defending of the Tones backs. The Parnells’ Kevin Madden, Peter McCann and Gareth Fitzsimmons were very accurate with their shooting, unlike the Tones, who squandered a total of nine wides in the first half.
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The Parnells were on top at the half 0-8 to 0-7. The Parnells came back in the second half to open a lead of 3 points before the young star for the Tones, Rory Mone, was awarded a penalty, which he succeeded to get past Emmet Haughian in goal. This tied the game and spurred the Tones on to win with 3 points to spare. The Parnells shot a total of six wides in the second half, compared with the Tones’ five. The Guinness Player of the Day was awarded to Rory Mone, who made his mark scoring 1-5.
Wolfe Tones 2-8, Parnells 0-9
The first Junior Football game of the day was between Parnells and Wolfe Tones. The Parnells opened the scoring with Frankie Sheridan’s first free. The Tones blasted four attempts wide before getting on the scoreboard. Once they settled down, the Tones took control of scoring and racked up 7 points to 3 by the end of the first half (similar totals on the wides: 9 to the Parnells’ 3).
In the second half the Tones came out with guns blazing. They scored two goals in quick succession to bury the Parnells. The Parnells fought on to narrow the margin but ran out of time. They scored six more points before the final whistle.
Frankie Sheridan and Noel Talty were top scorers for the Parnells, while Cathal Kearns, Lennie Higgins, Ronan Mugan and Alan Gallagher all contributed to the Tones’ win.
Brendans 1-16, Padraic Pearses 0-9
The second Junior Football game between the Padraic Pearses and St. Brendans was tight in the first half as the Pearses fought to stay in the running for a place in the finals. They went to the half up one point thanks to fine work of Sean Moore and Mossie Lyons. Halftime score was 0-7 to 0-6.
The St. Brendans goalkeeper, Kevin O’Shea, was kept busy throughout and pulled off some fine saves. Returning from the break the Pearses looked set to continue the lead, but Noel McDermott, James Treacy and Kevin Morgan began firing over points from all angles to finish in style.
Erins Own 4-17, Limerick’s 0-9
In Hurling, Erins Own’s full forward Colm Doherty’s constant hard work and scoring enabled them to win with 14 points to spare over Limerick. Sunday’s game was in contrast to the replay (first game was called off four minutes before the end because of a fracas) of the first round of the League on July 9 when Limerick ended up the leaders with 5 points to spare. These teams were neck-in-neck in the first half with only a point separating them at the half.
Erins Own dominated the second half, showing great heart and determination against this Limerick team, who fought hard but were not allowed room to take their scores. Doherty scored a total of 3-7.
Chicago Schedule, July 26
Noon. Junior Football, St. Brendans vs. John McBrides; 1:15 p.m., Hurling, Erins Own vs. Harry Bolands; 2:30 p.m., Junior Football, Padraic Pearses vs. Wolfe Tones; 3:45 p.m., Hurling, Cuchulainns vs. Limerick; 5 p.m.; Senior Football, Padraic Pearses vs. St. Brendans.
Chicago League leaders as of July 19 are: Junior Football, St. Brendans (12 points), John McBrides (6) and Wolfe Tones (6). Women’s Football, Erin Rovers (4) and St. Brigids (2). Hurling, Cuchulainns (7) and Harry Bolands (5). Senior Football, Wolfe Tones (9), St. Brendans (7).
Philadelphia
Young Ireland’s 3-7, Tyrone 0-10
Young Ireland’s, who were short a few key players, including Paul Kealy and Mickey Moore, had a very impressive 6-point win over Tyrone last Sunday in the Guinness Intermediate football championship.
In a very hard-hitting first half, Tyrone were the dominant team and were leading by 0-7 to 0-2 until a well-executed penalty goal by Murrough Calhawian in the 25th minute put just two points between the teams at halftime.
Young Ireland’s took control in the second half, thanks to a fine performance by Anthony Daly, who ended up with a personal tally of 1-5. Tyrone’s chances of a late rally were hindered when they lost the services of Martin O’Hallon, who was dismissed for a second booking by the referee.
Donegal 1-13, Kevin Barry’s 2-6
In a most entertaining Guinness Junior football championship contest Donegal overcame a fine challenge from Kevin Barry’s to gain a hard-earned 4-point victory. A major contributor to Donegal’s success was Dermot O’Donnell, who scored a total of 1-4. Also, Noel Doherty was their best defender.
Derry, Barrys win Philly opener
The North American county Board of the GAA began in Philadelphia two weeks ago with two hard-hitting games in both the intermediate and senior competition.
The intermediate games between Derry and Tyrone had a final score of Derry 2-7, Tyrone 2-4. The main contributors for Derry were Monty Kelly with two goals and Ciaran Barton with outstanding play in the middle of the field. Tyrone’s Martin O’Hallon also deserves mention for his fine performance.
The senior game between Kevin Barrys and Donegal brought Kevin Barry’s out on top with a win, 2-15 to 0-11. Man of the Match for Kevin Barry’s was Gregory McCartin. Donegal’s Tommy Higgins also had a good game in the middle of the field.
Philadelphia schedule, July 26
Noon, Under 14, Philadelphia vs. Boston; 1 p.m. Ladies Football, Emerald Eagles vs. Washington; 2:30 p.m., Intermediate Football, Young Ireland’s vs. Derry; 4 p.m., Senior Football, Kevin Barry’s vs. Donegal.
Western Division (San Francisco, San Jose)
Junior Football: Naomh Padraig 4-20, Sean Tracys 2-6; Kerry Sons of Boru 0-16 St. Brendans 1-7. Intermediate Football: Kerry Sons of Boru 1-21, Michael Cusacks 1-14; Sean McDermotts 3-16, St. Josephs 1-17; Shannon Rangers 2-14, Ulster 2-10.