Hertfordshire Bank of Ireland Senior Football Championship reports and forthcoming fixtures Glen and Dympnas through to final Holders Cambridge Parnells were dethroned at Cotlandswick on Sunday when surprise package, Glen Rovers defeated them in the SFC semi-final 1.08 to 0.09. The final is on Sunday 14th at Cotlandswick. The heavy rain in the second half failed to dampen this exciting game. The holders had their chances to win. Pádraig Finn, star of many of Parnells' victories missed a penalty in the opening quarter when he blazed wide. The five closing minutes of first half were Parnells' brightest spell. Finn pointed from a free in the 27 minute from 45 metres which floated over from an acute angle. Darren Ó Loane added two. He latched on to a pass from midfielder, John Regan to score. Then he was on hand to relieve the surrounded Finn of the ball and duly pointed to leave Parnells leading by 6 points to 5. Glen had their opening points from Gary Connolly and Dara Greenen. Backs dominated with Dominic Ó Reilly and Paul Behan effective in the Rovers' defence. Behan's brother, Paul played at no 6 in the opening half but a swap with full back, Neilius McCarthy at half time saw improved displays from both. Parnells' 'keeper Xavier D'Anglemont Tassigny could not be faulted for Gary Lane's 2nd half goal that gave Glen the lead. In front of him Kieran Fahy, Colm Fannon and Martin Ó Connell battled all day. Six minutes had gone when Connolly levelled. But Parnells' star midfielder, Martin Coleman edged his side in front two minutes later. The rain was torrential when Ó Loane from way out in the corner curled a beautiful shot over the bar and the holders were beginning to play like champions. However, a lust for goals and long range shots failed to reap rewards. Rovers sensed they were in with a chance. Lewis Toomey began a move that found Connolly who offloaded to Andrew Carey who scored. One could sense the boost it gave the Watford side. The crucial score was big Gary Lane's goal which gave the Glen the lead. Lane and Finn exchanged final points to leave Glen Rovers winners. The Watford and Luton final should draw a huge crowd to Cotlandswick. Reiteóir Paddy White (St Colmcilles) St Dympnas win comfortably The opening semi-final saw St Dympnas have a surprisingly easy win over Éire Óg by 2.10 to 1.01. The Oxford side had no 11, Johnny McMann dismissed the third quarter and it proved a big loss. But Dympnas had dominated play up then and were leading by six points to no score. Dympnas would have welcomed a sterner test. They expected a much tougher game knowing the Oxonians approached the game full of optimism. The lighting pace that Dympnas began the game ensured the Oxford side never settled. Luke Moloney, Steve Doran, Derek Steele and Shane Gallagher scores helped Dympnas lead 1.08 to no score at half time. A Pierse McGlynn goal and a Thomas Gaughan point were all Éire Óg could muster in the 2nd half. They did well at midfield where Christian Perks and Lee McAllister had a tremendous tussle all afternoon with Dympnas' Darren Ó Donnell and Damien Moloney. But it was the Dympnas' defence where Éire Óg's efforts perished. Dympnas half line of Steve Byrne, Kevin Killeen and Kevin Cauldfield was imperious. Paul Coady coped well with what came his way and the full back line of Micheal Ó Kane and Prendegast brothers, Norman and John was rock solid for Dympnas. The 10th minute goal of the second half clinched the game for Dympnas when Luke Moloney shot reached the corner despite Ryan Davies' best effort at parrying the ball away. Ralph Jones could not be faulted in his display. Other Oxford players to shine were James McGlynn and Pádraig Folan. Réiteóir Chris Henegahn (Cambridge Parnells) Herts GAA Saturday 06 September at Cotlandswick Fé 16 Football Championship semi-finals St Dympnas v Glen Rovers, 2pm, (N Griffin) St Colmcilles v St Colmcilles, 3.30pm (M MacManamon) SFL St Colmcille v Cambridge Parnells, 5pm Sunday 07 September At Oxhey Park Glen Rovers V Éire Óg, 3pm (C Heneghan) At Sundon Park St Vincents v St Dympnas (1pm) (K Armstrong) On Friday 12 September, Herts' County Board is holding a Race Night at the Irish Centre, Cotlandswick, St Albans commencing at 7.30pm. The event is in aid of under-age development. Further information may be had from Seán Carney on 07976 230327 or Willie Joyce 07801 748817. Tweet

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