Last Saturday, August 15th, the Division 3 League Final saw Shannon Gaels take on championship winners St. Faithleachs at 6pm in Kilmore. The match - like their championship encounter - was a very tight affair with the second half in particular nail-bittingly close.
From the throw-in, St. Faithleachs were determined to set a fast pace - with their dominance through players like half back John Mulligan causing serious problems for the Gaels lads.
Shannon Gaels were trailing at one stage by four points but through good scores by Daniel Marron and a splendid goal by Matthew McDermott, at the half time whistle a single point separated both sides.
Gaels emerged the stronger at the start of the second half and took a four point advantage thanks to terrific goals by Niall Morohan and Matthew McDermott who were working effectively up front.
Shannon Gaels were much more impressive in this half with players such as Shane McDonnell, Daniel Marron, Matthew Mulvey and Conor O' Dowd breaking down Faithleach's attack. Great kick-outs by Jimmy Burke in goals meant the ball was being fed into the half forward line.
Young David McDonnell was working tirelessly in defence but Diarmuid Murtagh - St. Faithleach's elusive corner forward - was using his strength advantage and always looked a threat on goal.
St. Faithleachs eventually capitalised on some shaky defending, blasting in a goal followed by a point in the space of a minute. Shannon Gaels answered with a super score by Michael Murtagh to reduce Faithleach's lead to one.
The Referee Ciaran Candon awarded a free to St. Faithleachs with five minutes to go, which Murtagh - their player of the match - converted to stretch their lead to two once again.
A free down the other end was sent wide by Shannon Gaels who at this stage were looking for another goal. A St. Faithleachs player was penalised for overcarrying and Matthew Mulvey set up Matthew McDermott for a killer goal. The umpires hesitated but once the green flag was raised the Gaels contigent went wild. The lead was again theirs by one precious point.
The joy was short lived though as St. Faithleach's John Mulligan powered forward through the midfield area after a poor pass by a Gaels player. Jimmy Burke was left with no option other than to break down the oncoming player - whereby the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Diarmuid Murtagh calmly placed the ball down and with silence filling the park he sprang forward and smashed the ball into the net. St. Faithleachs were ahead by two with thirty seconds remaining.
Jimmy Burke walloped the ball up the field finding Daniel Marron - player of the match - who made a final attack on Faithleachs defence, slamming the ball past Jonathan Garvey who had no chance of saving it.
Joy for the Gaels, heartbreak for the Lanesboro lads and mini-heartattacks for the spectators!!!!
Final Score:
Shannon Gaels 5-5
St. Faithleachs 2-13
Well done lads and coaches. Good luck in Garda Cup this Thursday against Elphin.
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