O'Donovan Rossa club notes
August 19, 2010Newcestown who ply their trade in the junior 1 league and regarded as one of the pre-match championship favourites and boasting such illuminary figures amongst their very strong starting line up such as Cathach Keane (making a welcome return to competivive action after twelve months on the sideline) Jim O'Sullivan and Darren Heffernan, enjoyed a bright start notching the opening five points in quick succession as a depleted Skibb outfit failed to settle in the opening half.
Skibb's hopes of victory suffered an acute blow when influential full back Alan Keane was forced off with a leg injury. Mark Collins notched Skibb's sole point midway through the first half but the St John's outfit finished the first half strongly to eke out a deserved ten point interval lead.
The second half started in a very pedestrian manner as Newcestown's second team added two more points to open up a seemingly insurmountable twelve point lead with a quarter of the game remaining. The introduction of John Bohane at left half forward proved to be the fillip this young and rapidly emerging Skibb team required as he immediately injected a renewed sense of impetus and urgency into his team-mates who proceeded to produce a devastating performance in the fourth quarter which yielded four superb goals to clinch a memorable triumph.
With Shane O'Neill and Jack O'Driscoll now firmly in the ascendency in the half-back line and midfield trio Shane Hurley, John Paul Reen and Patrick Rossiter doing trojan work, Skibb were now pressing forward relentlessly. Mark Collins netted from an acute angle following good approach work from Noel Kearney. This was quickly followed by points from the afore-mentioned Noel Kearney and Liam Collins (2) before three consecutive goals per Liam Collins, Noel Kearney and a stunning last minute finish from John Hodnett ensured Skibb held a dramatic one point advantage entering the closing stages.
Newcestown laid siege to the Skibb goal in an desperate attempt to restore parity in a tense finale but they were repelled by a resilient Rossa defensive rearguard whose bravery and strength of character was rewarded with a narrow victory that was celebrated long and hard at the final whistle by both the players and their large support base alike. Every player deserves immense praise for their contribution in adding another proud chapter to the illustrious history of their club and for the sheer courage and determination they displayed in abundance to secure such an unforgettable triumph.
Final score, O'Donovan Rossa 4-4, Newcestown 0-15. Team: James McCarthy, Michael Coakley, Alan Keane, Shane O'Neill, Shane Hourihane, Jack O'Driscoll, Shane O'Donovan, Patrick Rossiter, John Paul Reen, James Reen, Noel Kearney, John Hodnett, Shane Hurley, Liam Collins, Mark Collins. Subs used: Gary O'Donovan, John Bohane. The junior 2 footballers now progress to a semi-final encounter against Clann na nGael.
The senior footballers moved into second place in the Kelleher Shield Division 2 league table courtesy of a strong second half performance which propelled them to a comfortable 2-16 to 0-10 victory against Kiskeam in Kilmurry last Sunday morning. Skibb now require two wins out of their remaining four league games to clinch promotion to the top tier. The senior footballers continue their league programme with an away fixture against Newcestown tonight, August 19, at 7.30pm.
The club would like to take this opportunity to wish Liam Collins well in his departure to Memphis, USA, to pursue a four year scholarship. Liam has been a key player for the club down through the years and he he is wished all the best from everyone within the club as he embarks on his dream.
Rossa Park has been chosen to host this year's South West junior A football championship final. This much anticipated final will be held on Sunday, September 5, with an evening kick-off.
There was no winner of the lotto draw which took place in the Fairfield Bar last Monday night for e8,250. The numbers drawn were 10, 15, 18 and 23. The consolation prize winner was Sarah Whyte. Next week's lotto draw will be held in the Horse and Hound Bar and will have a jackpot of e8,500.
John Bohane,
Secretary O'Donovan Rossa Tweet
