Feis Cup: Tones hold off Rathkenny
February 23, 2015
Wolfe Tones 1-8
Rathkenny 0-8
Wolfe Tones seemed to be in trouble at half time as despite having the assistance of a strong wind they trailed by a point at half time on a 0-4 to 0-5 score line.
A much improved second half performance meant they progressed to the next round of the Feis cup. Both teams played a possession game in trying conditions and defences were generally on top which meant scoring chances were at a premium. Both teams however made the most of their chances in that first half with Rathkenny registering just one wide to Tones two. Cian Ward accounted for the Tones first half scores (3 frees, 1 '45)
Wolfe Tones improved dramatically in the second half and by the 53rd minute had added 1-3. The O Reilly brothers accounted for the points, with substitute Thomas adding 2 frees to a fine effort from play from brother Niall. The goal came after good combination play from 3 of the youngest Tones players. Substitute Daniel O Neill surged forward before passing to Thomas O Reilly who drew the last defender before off- loading to Brughach O Fionnagáin who finished to the net. Tones now led on a scoreline of 1 07 to 0 05 and seemed sure of victory. Shortly afterwards Rathkenny notched their first score of the second half. They had gone 25 second half minutes without a score thanks to some outstanding defence from the Tones with Eoghan Harrington and Stephen Sheppard prominent in the Tones rearguard. Cian Ward completed the Tones scores with a pointed free. Rathkenny added 2 further injury time points but it was too little too late.
Tones will be happy with this victory coming as it does after 2 league defeats. The game also saw the return of Ciarán Mc Loughlin and Stephen Corrigan who both contributed well. Young substitutes Thomas O Reilly and Daniel O Neill also made handsome contributions.
Wolfe Tones - David Nolan, David Coleman Stephen Sheppard, Sean Moriarty, Éanna Harrington, Eoghan Harrington, Conor Sheppard, Alan Callaghan, Niall O Reilly (0 01), Alan Fox, Niall Mc Loughlin, Ciaran Mc Loughlin, Gary Mc Fadden, Brughach O Fionnagáin (1 00), Cian Ward (0 05). Subs: Thomas O Reilly (0 02) for Gary Mc Fadden (25), Daniel O Neill for Conor Sheppard (HT), Stephen Corrigan for Ciarán Mc Loughlin (42), David O Neill for Brughach O Fionnagáin (54), Padraic Diamond for Alan Callaghan (56) Alan Mc Keever for Alan Fox (57).
