Rockland takes J.J. McGovern knock out win Offaly 0-10 Rockland 1-11 Offaly and Rockland squared off in the final of the John Joe McGovern knock out cup final. Both teams were a contrast in styles. Offaly were backboned by a nucleus of veteran players like Brian Delaney, Vinny Gavin and Brendan Moran. While Rockland were made up of young Irish American players who have been together since under age football and have come through the ranks under the watchful eye of Manager Noel O'Connell. Rockland were the busier side in the early going and the scoreline reflected this as they led three points to one after fifteen minutes. Steve Spellman opened the scoring with a nice point from near the sideline. Offaly replied with a point from a free by Brendan Moran. Rockland answered with two points the first from Glen Roche from play and the second from Cian O'Brien after he was pulled down as he prepared to fire over. Another free by Brendan Moran cut the deficit to one as the first half was producing some fine open football. Eamon Coleman tied the game with a point from play with five minutes left in the half. Rockland struck back and they had the next three points as Offaly creaked under the pressure of Rockland constant running. Nick Mangan Jimmy O'Flynn and Dave Spellman were the point scorers. Offaly replied with a point from Mike Bryant. But just as the half was coming to a close Rockland had one last attack in them and sub Kieran McMahon was in the right place to fire home a goal, to see them go in at the break ahead by 1-6 to 4 points. Brendan Moran had the opening score of the second half from a free for Offaly. Rockland replied with a fine point from play by Cian O' Brien to restore third five point lead. Offaly perhaps sensing the game was getting away from them came to life in the forward line and had a point each from Liam Greenan and Dave Moley. Greenan point could very easily have been a goal as his shot just went screaming over the bar. Rockland had a point from Dave Spellman to give them a one goal lead with ten minutes left. Greenan had another point and the lead was now just two. Brendan Moran had Offaly next point a lovely effort off the left peg and we were anticipating a hectic last five minutes as the game was now there for the taking by both sides. It was Rockland who showed the hunger as Cian O'Brien was first to score and this was followed by a fine effort from wing back Neville. Brendan Moran kept Offaly in it with a point from a free with three minutes left. But Cian O'Brien again answered for Rockland with a fine point. That was the final score of a very exciting final and Rockland needless to say was ecstatic with their deserved win. Best for the winners were Cian O'Brien Chris Clarke Ciaran McMahon Sean McGrath and Sean Roche in what was a great team effort. For Offaly Brendan Moran Ger O'Neill Mike Bryant and Eamon Coleman were best Offaly Brendan Shea Brian Delaney Tony Hogan Liam Green Liam Sullivan John Fitzpatrick Steve Clancy Vinny Gavin Tom Romney Eoin Gormley Mick Kinneally Mike Bryant Dan Leavy Brendan Moran Eamon Coleman. Subs g O'Neill E Egan P Reynolds D Niley S Rockland Chris Clarke Sean Moughty James Donoghue Terence Moore Gary Ginley James Flynn Declan Neville Nick Mangan Glen Roche Emmet Woods Cian O'Brien Sean McGrath Sean Roche P.J. McGrory Steve Spellman Subs B Murphy k McMahon C Mangan B Cassidy J White T Furlong P Casey Tweet

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