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Clann na Gael storming finish CLANN NA GAEL 3-12 -
BROS PEARSE 1-8
McCullogh Cup final
A storming second-half performance from Clann na Gael saw them overcome
Intermediate champions Brothers Pearse and clinch the McCullogh cup in
Ruislip on Sunday afternoon.
Despite trailing by five points at the interval, the East London side
fired 2-11 after the break, whilst restricting their opponents to just
one second-half point.
Fergal Horgan was in inspirational form for Clann na Gael, scoring seven
points, and was central to all his sides’ attacking plays.
Brothers Pearse battled gamely, but a string of missed frees ultimately
cost them the game.
Played on a heavy and draining pitch, it was Brothers Pearse who started
the brighter, with captain Mark Gillane opening their account with a superb
point from distance. Horgan responded with a point, but was guilty of
some glaring misses as his side struggled to get a foothold in the game.
Sensing their opponent’s vulnerability, Brothers Pearse stepped
up a gear, and used the wind to pepper high balls into their full-forward
line, which resulted in three quick-fire points.
Clann na Gael momentarily restored parity on 20 minutes when a low Ger
Morten shot from distance somehow found its way into the Pearse’s
net. But two minutes later the green flag was raised at the opposite end
of the pitch. Another high ball dropped into the Clann na Gael area, with
Mark Muholland on hand to stab the ball past Damian Fitzpatrick.
Clann na Gael trailed 1-6 to 1-1 at the break, but began the second-half
at breakneck speed, with Horgan knocking over three quick points to reduce
the deficit. Mick McGann responded with a close-range free, which would
turn out to be their only score of the second period. The Gaels drew level
midway through the half, with what was arguably the score of the game.
Horgan, yet again was the architect, cracking over a superb long-range
score from the left touchline.
On 50 minutes Clann na Gael put the game beyond doubt. Shane Slattery
left his marker for dead before unleashing a low drive to the Pearse’s
net.
Anthony O’Brien added a third goal for Clann na Gael late on, when
his attempted point crept under the crossbar, to put the seal on what
turned into a comfortably victory for his side.
Clann na Gael: F Horgan 0-7, 3f; S Slattery 1-1; G Morten, A O’Brien,
1-0 each; P Butler, M Cahill, J Woods, M Coone 0-1 each.
Brothers Pearse: M Gillane 0-4; M McGann 0-3, 1f; M Mulholland 1-0; D
O’Brien 0-1f. |
