On Friday evening, Dundalk Gaels travelled down the Echo Road to take on local rivals, Clan na Gael in a Division 4 League encounter. This local derby had it all, goals galore, a red cards and chances for both sides to win right up until the final whistle!
The Gaels started brightest in the game and following a well taken goal by Stephen Sharkey they led by a couple of points midway through the first half. The Clans though came back at the Gaels and the Ramparts men had goalkeeper John Burlingham to thank for ensuring the green and golds didnt register a green flag in the first half. The remainder of the first half was a tight affair and the Gaels went in ahead at half time by 2 points on a score of 1-7 to 0-8.
It was the second half when the game really burst into life though. The Clans scored two quick goals in succession to put themselves ahead. Shortly after this the game was delayed for a period of time as one of their goalscorers, number 12, had to be stretchered off following an accidental collision near the Gaels 13 metre line. With the Gaels pushing forward to try and pull a goal back, the Clans struck another green flag to open up a sizeable lead. Yet again the Gaels continued to push but their hopes were given a major blow when midfielder Conor Morgan was sent off for a second bookable offence following an off the ball incident in the Clans square. The 14 men however raised their game and substitute Ronan Shields struck a goal for the away side to bring the game back to a one score affair. With the final whistle in sight, Stephen Sharkey had an opportunity right at the death to level proceedings following a great run. However, he dragged his shot wide of the far post with the keeper beaten. Not long afterwards, the referee blew the final whistle and the home side held on against the 14 men for a hard fought victory. The final score was Clans 3-13 Gaels 2-13.
Gaels: John Burlingham, Nicholas O'Callaghan, James Lynch, Shane Dorr, Adrian Rafferty (0-1), Gary Shevlin (0-1), Shane Rice (0-1), Niall Hearty (0-2), Conor Morgan, Dylan Martin (0-3), Paul McCarve (0-3), Stephen Sharkey (1-2), Matthew Agnew, Aaron Culligan, Jonathon Minnock
Subs: Ronan Shields (1-0)
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