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McMahon to the rescue
 By
Larry Cooney
A point by Fergus McMahon two minutes from time saved All-Ireland champions
Robert Emmets from defeat against St. Gabriels in their opening round
of their title defence at Ruislip on Saturday.
Having to line out with just four of the panellists who made history in
Croke Park last March it was still an impressive achievement for a new-look
Robert Emmets side against the team who are sure to be among the front
runners for this year’s Championship title.
Robert Emmets opened the scoring with a third-minute point from one of
their remaining star players Mark Trainor.
However two points in a minute from a Martin Finn free and Liam Hoyne
nudged Gabriels in front by the eighth minute.
There was still little or nothing between the teams after 20 minutes with
Fergus McMahon hitting three points including one free to leave the score
0-5 to 0-4 in favour of the All-Ireland champions.
However a goal from Mark Trainor eight minutes before the interval followed
by two more pointed McMahon frees in reply to a Finn free on the stroke
of half-time gave Robert Emmets a flattering five-point lead when then
the score was 1-7 to 0-5.
However St. Gabriels now had the advantage of the elements and despite
Fergus McMahon cancelling out Liam Hoyne’s early point six minutes
after the restart the champions were now beginning to come under intense
pressure.
The switch of full-forward and topscorer Martin Finn to a much deeper
role played handsome dividends for the Gabriels with four unanswered points
from the Corkman, including one from a 65 to tie the scores with 10 minutes
remaining.
With the momentum now firmly with the Gabriels it seemed only a matter
of time before they would take the lead and claim a notable victory.
A fine passing movement between Anthony Keane, Liam Hoyne and Michael
O’Meara resulted in O’Meara putting his side into the lead
for the first time since the seventh minute.
However the Emmets refused to capitulate. In a frantic finish John McGaughan
somehow managed to gather possession within sight of the Gabriels posts.
The Emmets man off-loaded to McMahon who sent over an equaliser with four
minutes remaining. Both teams had opportunities to snatch a late winner
but a draw was perhaps a fair result to the best match of the opening
round of the Championship.
In the remaining first round tie Granuaile conceded a walkover to Kilburn
Gaels after failing to muster a team. |
