Feis Cup final: Hanlon the hero as Gaeil prevail after extra time

July 26, 2015

Gaeil Colmcille's Ryan Farnham gets past James Geoghan of Na Fianna during the Feis Cup final at Pairc Tailteann.

Brian Hanlon was Gaeil Colmcille's match-winner as the Kells-side overcame Na Fianna in the Feis Cup final at Pairc Taitleann on Sunday.

Gaeil Colmcille ........ 0-15
Na Fianna .............. 1-11
after extra time

Scores were tied eight times (including six times in the first hour) before Hanlon's seventh point sealed the silverware for Lar Wall's resolute charges.

Going into the additional 20 minutes, the tide seemed to be with Na Fianna, who forced extra time with Ollie Lewis' last gasp goal.

The Baconstown-Enfield men hit the front twice in extra time and courtesy of an excellent Daniel Queeney point led by 1-11 to 0-13 at the break.

That was as good as it got for Eamon Barry's side as Gaeil Colmcille posted the only scores in the second period of extra time to claim the silverware for the first time.

Things might have been different for Na Fianna had Gaeil Colmcille 'keeper Justin Carry Lynch not advanced and spread himself well to deny Dalton McDonagh in the ninth minute of extra time.

Hanlon (free) levelled matters in the 13th minute of extra time. Brave defending from James Geoghan and Anthony Neary denied Gaeil Colmcille attempts at goal.

What proved to be the cup-winner arrived in the 78th minute when Hanlon dispossed Dean Henrick before sending over from a central position.

Meath County Board Chairman Conor Tormey presents the Feis Cup to Barry Tormay, captain of Gaeil Colmcille.

Gaeil Colmcille won by eight points when the side met in round three of the SFC Group C two months ago. This time Na Fianna started well and were never headed in the first 30 minutes and led by three points, 0-7 to 0-4, on one occasion.

Hanlon (free) had the last say and Gaeil Colmcille were 0-5 to 0-7 off the pace at the break while weather conditions continued to improve.

Na Fianna were unlucky not to goal at the town end in the 35th minute when Shane Barrett's fisted attempt from Jamie Queeney's delivery crashed against the crossbar.

Scores were tied twice in the third quarter as the intensity picked up from a low key base. Na Fianna hit fhe front for the final time in normal time with Dean Henrick's 46th minute effort.

Cormac Keegan's long range free tied the scores , for the fifth time, in the 54th minute. Gaeil Colmcille kicked-on, taking the lead for the first time, with a trio of points including two from Stevie McManus, one well-worked from a Keegan free. Hanlon turned provided for his side's 12th point with McManus finishing the move. Then came Lewis' goal from close range.

Gaeil Colmcille - Justin Carry Lynch; Cormac Ferguson, Robbie Flanagan, Liam Ferguson; Paul Tormay, Barry Tormay (C), Stephen Reddy; Barry Smith, Cormac Keegan (0-3, 2fs); Seanie Curran (0-1), Martin Barrett, Keith Reilly; Stevie McManus (0-3), Brian Hanlon (0-7, 4fs), Ryan Farnham. Subs - Mickey Foley (0-1) for Farnham (54), James Reilly for Reddy (60), Shane Freeman for Keegan (et), Evan Sheridan for McManus (79).

Na Fianna - Michael Collins; John Baldwin, Christy Cosgrave, James Geoghan; Anthony Neary, Brian Queeney, Dean Henrick (0-1); Ollie Lewis (1-1), Daniel Queeney (0-2, 1f); Ethan Devine (0-2 45s), Dalton McDonagh (0-2), Conor Downey; Barry Clancy (0-1), Jamie Queeney, Shane Barrett (0-2fs). Sub - Damien Downey for Clancy (65).

Referee - Liam O'Brien (Duleek-Bellewstown).


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