Latest News 07/11/2016

In perfect conditions in Coolard, the game was played at a fast championship pace, with no shortage of physicality or skill on show.

The first score of the game came from an excellent long-range kick from the home side’s Martin O’Mahony. This was followed shortly after by another point from distance, in fact, all their first half points would be long range efforts.

Following this, Asdee hit a purple patch, with some impressive passages of play seeing them get the next three scores on the board.

Their first point saw Mike Breen with a lovely finish to a flowing team move that started in their own full-back line. The equaliser came from a fine Darragh Keane free from 40 yards.

Asdee then took the lead for the only time in the game nearly halfway through the first half. Another sweeping team move saw Eoin Kennedy split the posts from 35 yards to give them a deserving lead.

Ballydonoghue responded with an equaliser before a pivotal few minutes of the game saw the home side rightly awarded a penalty for a foul by James Kelly. It was a big blow considering the fierce defensive work by Asdee’s defence to that point.

Paul Kennelly converted the kick to the bottom corner of the net. The penalty was compounded by the fact Martin Collins suffered a broken nose in the build-up, but he went on to finish the game with a very polished performance.

Ballydonoghue would then get a huge stroke of luck as Paul Kennelly’s shot from the sideline hit the upright & fell into Jack Foley’s hands, who finished the ball to the net.

However, Asdee responded valiantly, with impressive passing & support play, seeing them get 4 of the next 6 points.

Darragh Keane got another free from long range, before Martin Collins stormed up the field to finish another quality passage of play.

Another great free by Keane was followed by a Kieran Kelly point from 40 yards following his raiding run up the wing, bringing the sides to within 4 points.

The half time score saw Ballydonoghue leading 2-5 to 7 points, which certainly did not reflect the balance of play for the half, with both teams giving as good as they got.

Ballydonoghue got the start to the second half that Asdee probably needed, with Martin O’Mahony scoring almost straight from the throw-in.

Asdee then squandered a few scoring chances of their own before the home side extended their lead with 2 more points.

Then, Asdee received a huge blow when Kieran Kelly received a second yellow nearly half-way through the second half.

The extra man made scoring opportunities harder to come by for Asdee, but they still had many promising attacks where the final pass or shot let them down.

The strength of the home side’s bench also showed as the added pace & athleticism created gaps in 14-man Asdee’s defence.

Ballydonoghue had 2 black cards in this period, with Diarmaid Behan & Jack Foley both having to be replaced on the field.

Asdee then produced a cracking counter attack, finishing with Noel Long scoring a stunning goal into the top corner from 20 yards.

Ballydonoghue substitute Padraig Lyons made an impressive cameo, scoring 4 points from play, leaving the final score reading 2-14 to 1-7.

Overall, Ballydonoghue were certainly deserving winners and, it would be no surprise should they go all the way in this year’s championship.

Well done to referee Billy McElligott & his officials for maintaining control throughout.

For Asdee, they can hold their heads high, having showed, particularly in the first half, they are capable of matching up against a team two divisions higher than them.

It is hard to fault any player on the day, with all the defence performing admirably, the midfield of John Doran & Darragh Keane working their socks off & the inside forwards of Paul O’Carroll, Owen Tydings, Mike Breen & Eoin Kennedy all causing plenty of trouble for their markers & producing some great interplay.

Commiserations to the team & management. Thanks for all the effort during the year. We’ll no doubt be back for another crack in 2017.

Team: James Kelly, Eoin O’Carroll, Martin Collins 1pt, Con Carmody, Noel Long 1gl, Sean Keane, Kieran Kelly 1pt, John Doran, Darragh Keane 3pts, Micheal Walsh, Eoin Kennedy 1pt, Brian Coughlan, Paul O’Carroll, Owen Tydings, Mike Breen 1pt.

Subs: Michael Tydings, Matthew Hanlon, Keith McNamara, Cyril Dineen, Denny Dalton, Conor Coughlan, Ivan Tydings.