The crowd at MacHale Park were treated to a real appetizer on Saturday evening last as the Sarsfields and Mountbellew/Moylough teams traded blows and went toe to toe in what was a pulsating Leo Kenny Cup Final.
A stern breeze was behind the Galway side for the first half, and they duly made the better start, kicking the opening 2 scores of the game, raising both the white and green flag in quick succession. 1-01 to 0-00 didn’t leave our lads panicked, and they soon began to find their rhythm , as a Joe McBrien point either side of two Maye frees left just a point between the sides after 15 minutes of the game. The teams went on to exchange scores, before Mountbellew enjoyed a short spell of dominance, and went on to open up a 4 point margin.
Gareth O’Donnell, Aidan Higgins and particularly Patrick Walsh were beginning to wrestle away dominance in the middle third from the Galway side, and we were more than holding our own at the back, where the likes of Dara McMeel and Enda McLoughlin were not in the humour for giving away anything soft in terms of scores.
Charlestown lost stalwart Kevin Deignan a few minutes before the interval to injury which saw Paul Ward introduced, and he immediately started to make his presence felt, getting his hands on some valuable possessions as the half drew to a close.
Another Colm Maye free saw us close the gap to three points, and given the strong breeze against them, our fellas knew they were well and truly in the game at half time, despite trailing 1-05 to 0-05.
When the teams emerged for the second half, we immediately set out our stall and intent, David Caffrey firing just wide of the goal, after a sweeping move up-field involving the lively Tommy Meehan and the Duracell bunny that is Gareth O’Donnell!
To their credit, the Galway side continued to fight the good fight, and despite Charlestown starting to dominate possession and territory, they were proving dangerous on the counter, and with 20 minutes left on the clock, the margin was the same as it was at half time.
David Caffrey was moved back to corner back at this stage, and he nullified the threat he was sent to nullify, proving again who he is held in such high regard around the county. The score of the game was kicked on 42 minutes by rampaging wing back Alan Woods for the town, and this really seemed to kick the Charlestown troops into life and a renewed challenge was about to ensue. Maye again found his range a few minutes later, and the teams were all square.
As the large crowd filtered in for the main event, they were treated to a real ding dong final quarter, as both teams treated this as a must win affair. Mountbellew were not going down without a fight, and latched on an impressive break away score, and despite our dominance, it was starting to look like we would not get our noses in front. The introduction of Kiefer Craig brought fresh impetus to the Charlestown attack, and he was unlucky not to register his name on the scoreboard with his first effort. We did draw level however on 59 minutes, when a Maye free sailed over from in front of the stand, which was now nearing full capacity.
With extra time looming, the teams continued to trade blows, and it was turning out to be a real epic. Joe McBrien, who was a constant thorn in the side of Mountbellew, had what appeared to be the last chance to win it but when he was about to pull the trigger he appeared to be fouled. No free given however and surely that was that.
Not so. Not on Joe’s watch, as he went on to raise the last white flag just a few seconds later after a booming kick-out from Charlestown goalkeeper David Sloyan bypassed the middle third and fell to our talisman on the day. He struck it sweetly and Charlestown led for the very first time!
Another 2 minutes additional time remained on the clock and all credit to Mountbellew they threw everything at the Charlestown defence, who stood strong and held out admirably, the likes of Gerry McLoughlin, Patrick Walsh and Aidan Higgins putting the bodies on the line to ensure victory on the day.
The final whistle blew, and we were ahead when it mattered most, and the Leo Kenny Cup is sitting proudly on Colm Maye’s mantle piece!
Our lads will be hoping this win kick starts their season as a few important league games lie ahead over the next few weeks. They had some fine performances on the day, Alan Woods and Patrick Walsh were particularly impressive throughout. Gareth O’Donnell was always to the fore too, linking defence and attack while also marshaling a very talented centre forward in the Mountbellew ranks. Colm Maye also put in a huge hour in the middle of the field, while up front, Paul Ward’s energy, and Joe McBrien’s movement were excellent throughout. Aidan Higgins was his usual composed and influential self, and he probably would have been happier to play an extra half hour!!
A great win and a great performance. Well done to all involved!
