Ballykinlar GAC Connolly Cup Final

Saul 2-09 Aughlisnafin 1-14

Both clubs fielded without several of their regular starting fifteen and this made for an interesting contest played out on a warm, but breezy, eveing in Ballykinlar.

The 'Fin, playing into the breeze, opened the scoring with Ciaran Rice stroking over from play. Calum Croskery doubled the 'Fin's advantage when he chipped over a 25 yard free off the ground after Shane McCann was hauled down. Saul levelled the proceedings with their full forward Conor Shields firing over and Conor Marron sending over a free. The 'Fin captain Paul Flanagan split the uprights after some great approach play to edge his side ahead before Shields grabbed a goal to give Saul the lead for the first time in the match. The 'Fin were playing some impressive football and took two points form their next three attacks. The 'Fin fullback James Brannigan broke upfield to slot over a superb score using the outside of his boot. Half back Sean Fitzsimmons was unlucky to see his effort carried wide by the stiff breeze but Rory Murphy nailed his effort to draw his side level again. It was end to end stuff and enjoyable to watch. Saul restored their advantage when the former Dundrum forward Brendan Cunningham drove over from the edge of the D. Sean Willoughby bore down on the Saul goals only to be hauled down before he pulled the trigger and Rice stepped up to clip over the 13 metre free. The impressive Shields put Saul ahead again and Conor Fitzsimmons also pointing moments later. Saul were threatening to pull away and with the wind at their backs the signs were ominous but the 'Fin were back on even terms when Shane McCann and Chris Doran lofted over great scores from distance after solo runs from deep. Marron grabbed his second of the game for Saul before Fin corner forward Sean Willoughby hammered over the last score of an enthralling half hour of football. Half time Aughlisnafin 0-09 Saul 1-06.

With the wind at their backs the 'Fin were looking poised to push on and win the second half but it was never going to be as straight forward as that with Saul taking the lead yet again. Marron got his third minor of the game and Caolan Magee also on target from a free. The 'Fin then dominated the scoring stakes over the following ten minute period scoring an unanswered 1-4. McCann sent over two monstrous efforts the second dropping from the sky to smack off the top off the crossbar. Half backs Doran and Fitzsimmons also breaking forward to drive over. The goal was scored by Rice from the penalty spot after Sean Willoughby was hauled down a second time, but this time it was inside the square. Willougbhy kicked over another great effort to gave the 'Fin a six point lead with 13 minutes remaining. Saul lost Philip Baker to a leg injury and the 'Fin saw Paul Flanagan leave the field with cracked ribs as the game entered the final quarter. Sean Flanagan replaced his cousin Paul while Ben Willoughby came on for Naoise Davey as the 'Fin looked to protect their advantage. Saul worked their way back into the game and a goal and a point left it a two point game as the clock ticked down. The 'Fin held on and were grateful to hear Peter Brannigan sound the long whistle to win a historic first piece of silverware at senior level since their re-formation in 2004.

Final score Aughlisnafin 1-14 Saul 2-09.

The 'Fin had many standout performers on show with Brannigan, Doran, McCann, Flanagan and Willoughby all catching the eye. Fin half backs Travers and Fitzsimmons also with impressive showings. Saul were best served Marron, Magennis, Tumelty, Cunninghan, Burns and Shields.

 

 

Aughlisnafin: M Malone, P McClean, J Brannigan (0-1), M Willoughby, S Fitzsimmons (0-1), C Doran (0-2), N Travers, S McCann (0-3), P Flanagan (capt.) (0-1), N Davey, C Rice (1-2, 1Pen, 1f), R Murphy (0-1), R Toner, C Croskery (0-1, 1f), S Willoughbhy (0-2) Subs: S Flanagan, B Willoughby, S Hazard

 

Saul: D Arnold, R Fitzsimmons, C Byrne, R Tumelty, T Magennis (capt.), T Russell, P Baker, C Marron (0-3), C Tumelty, C Magee (0-1), SP Burke, B Cunningham (0-1), R Burns (1-2), C Shields (1-1), C Fitzsimmons (0-1) Sub: C McGrath

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