| Tempers fray after classic encounter
 Tir
Chonaill Gaels 0-11
Kingdom Kerry Gaels 1-7
London SFC
By Larry Cooney
A hugely-entertaining London senior Championship clash between Tir
Chonaill Gaels and Kingdom Kerry Gaels at Ruislip on Saturday will be
remembered for an alleged assault on a London inter-county star at the
end of the match
Within seconds of the final whistle blowing on Saturday afternoon
long-serving London county footballer Kevin Waldron is believed to have
been assaulted and knocked to the ground by a spectator adjacent to the
Tir Chonaill Gaels dugout.
Mystery surrounds the circumstances of what led to the alleged
altercation following a generally clean and well contested game between
the Championship holders and the 2004 champions. However news of the
incident rapidly spread between both squads as they prepared to warm
down.
Tempers became frayed as the finger of suspicion was repeatedly pointed
at the alleged culprit.
London GAA Chairman Larry O’Leary ordered the alleged culprit to leave
the ground as the man in question pleaded his innocence.
The exact nature of the injuries suffered by London star Waldron are not
yet known but the reputation of London GAA will not be aided by the
scenes at Ruislip on Saturday.
The County Board have confirmed they are to launch a full investigation
into the incident.
The game itself was a much better advert for the Gaelic football in the
capital.
County champions Tir Chonaill Gaels were made to fight all the way by a
Kerry Gaels team ravaged by injury but heavy on industry and it made for
one of the best games of this year’s Championship.
Three points without reply from David O’Brien and JP Boyle gave Tir
Chonaill Gaels the perfect start after nine minutes.
That was harsh on the Kingdom lads who enjoyed at least parity of
possession in this period but missed what chances came their way.
Although the Kingdom midfield partnership of Kevin Waldron and Stephen
Sheehan were clearly on top at this stage Tir Chonaill Gaels adopted an
effective short-passing game which resulted in setting up their early
scores.
Kingdom had to wait until the 18th minute when Aidan Dillane finished
off a fine four-man movement for their first point.
From the kick-out Sheehan set up Waldron for another fine point.
Suddenly Kingdom were playing with increased confidence and it was no
great surprise when corner-forward Danny Downey tied the scores a minute
later when picking off a fine point from the left corner.
However Tir Chonaill Gaels, led by inspirational captain and centre-back
Paddy McConigley, responded effectively and clinically.
Two pointed frees from John Cullinane sandwiched in between another
tremendous score from JP Boyle restored their three-point lead before
Aidan Dillane cut the deficit to two with a minute to go leaving the
Greenford side ahead by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break.
A sensational goal from Chris Hamill gave Kingdom a one-point lead
within a minute of the resumption.
It was just the boost the men in green-and-gold required but
unfortunately for them they were unable to take full advantage in the
third quarter.
Two points in a minute from David O’Brien and John Cullinane had
restored the Tir Chonaill Gaels lead after 36 minutes.
Aidan Dillane then set up Diarmuid Slattery for another equaliser after
42 minutes.
Tir Chonaill Gaels substitute Johnny McLoughlin and John Cullinane
opened up a two-point lead two minutes later before a brace of Colm
Foody frees ensured a pulsating finish as he tied the scores with just
two minutes left on the clock.
A draw looked a fair result at this stage but JP Boyle had the final say
as he slotted over the winning point to seal victory for Tir Chonaill
Gaels.
On this evidence the current county champions will be hard to beat as
they bid to retain their title.
In McGonigley, Boyle and Slattery they have players who are a cut above
this level and their strength in depth will be the envy of every other
team in London.
An Riocht Kerry Gaels are an excellent outfit, very strong in midfield
and with a few players set to return from injury, they will yet be major
players in this year’s championship. |
