IFC rel quarter final: Michaels retain status with ease
September 11, 2023
Matthew Halpin breaks from defence for St. Michaels during the IFC relegation quarter final against Dunderry at Moynalty
St. Michaels 2-10, Dunderry 0-08
St. Michaels retained their Intermediate status when they defeated Dunderry in this relegation quarter final played before a large attendance on Moynalty's well manicured grounds on Friday evening last.
St. Michaels were the better team by far but their winning margin could have been less had it not been for some excellent goalkeeping by Conor Gilsenan who also saved a penalty in the dying minutes.
St. Michaels made the better start with Shane McCormack crowning a dominating opening period when scoring a great goal and point to give his side a 1-3 to 0-2 lead after 19 minutes. Jakub Bidzinski split the posts with an excellent effort after just 30 seconds, McCormack followed with his minor five minutes later before Brian O'Reilly struck his opener three minutes later.
Declan Reilly who put in a great hours work hit a brace in as many minutes midway through the second quarter before Davy Lynch sent over his sides final score of the half when put through by Bidzinski to lead by 1-6 to 0-3 at the changeover.
Dunderry were first on the board when play resumed with a point after 20 seconds while McDonnell opened his account from a placed ball four minutes later. Trailing by six points one would have felt that Dunderry's day was done but they commenced a comeback slotting over three unanswered points to cut the deficit to just three at the end of the third quarter.
McCormack then awoke the St. Michaels lads from their slumber with a point from open play, Ronan Lynch and McDonnell (f) followed up with minors following Dunderrys last score of the game which was from a free on 48 minutes.
Davy Lynch struck the final score of the match for St. Michaels before Dunderry were awarded a penalty which was brilliantly saved by 'keeper Conor Gilsenan.
Two great stalwarts of the St. Michaels club, brothers J.B. & Felim O'Reilly announced that they were hanging up their boots for the final time immediately after the game. We wish them both well in their retirement, they have been brilliant servants to our club.
St. Michaels team and scorers: Conor Gilsenan; Ben Reilly, Ciaran O'Reilly, Harry Dunne; Daniel Murphy, Matthew Halpin, Brian O'Reilly (0-1); J.B. O'Reilly, Felim O'Reilly; Shane McCormack (1-2), Shane McDonnell (1-1), Declan Reilly (0-2); David Lynch (0-2); (0-1), Ronan Lynch (0-1). Sub: Ray Reilly for R. Lynch.
Referee: Brendan O'Brien.
Report and photo: Pascal Reilly PRO.
