St Brigids 3rd’s v St Pauls
Musgrave Park 22/04/10
Following the resounding U-16’s win v Lamh Dhearg, the St Brigids 3rd XV took to the field to play an experienced St Paul’s team, with a number of former senior players in their line up.
The Malone Gaels fielded an experimental starting XV of Oisin (Rock) Donnelly, Brendan Corrigan, Patrick (Brian) O’Driscoll, Andrew (Tank) Duffy, Michael (Scotty) McLaughlin, Brian (NAMA) Loughran, Nicky Murphy, Michael (Dawg) Donnelly, Denis (Solid) Stack, Keelan (Comeback kid) McCrudden, Niall (Barney Rubble) Conway, Ryan (The only) Mackle, Paul (Capt) McIntyre, John (Big Lad) McQuillan, Niall McAleer. They were ably supported from the bench by Michael (Itching to get on) Laverty, John Matthews, Don Wallace, Declan McCann, Thomas (Slice) Kane & Conal Devine.
From the off the home side set their stall out looking for a fast free flowing game. The midfield diamond combination of Brian Loughran, Barney Conway, Mickey Donnelly & Denis Stack dominated possession throughout, leading to early scores for Stack himself (0-2), & Barney Rubble (0-1). St Pauls were quick to fight back with points of their own from the centre half forward, & following a good run forced an excellent save from Oisin The Rock. The home side retaliated straight immediately with an excellent run by Keelan McCrudden, & following further scores from Keelan (pen), Ryan Mackle (0-2) & Denis, went into the break 0-7 to 0-6 ahead.
Despite a good half of football & much positivity in their play the Malone Road Gaels failed to convert so much of their possession into points & consequently changes were made in order to drive home their advantage in the second half. On came Michael Laverty, Declan McCann & Thomas Kane with the impact being immediately made as super sub Laverty drilled home a well taken goal to stun the St Pauls players. The game thereafter really opened up with scores coming from Keelan (0-2), Dennis (0-2), Decky with his first score for the club, Brendan also with his first score for the club (& god knows why he was doing a Ricey McMenamin for from the back line), Scotty & Barney.
St Pauls only managed 2 points in the second half & were flattered with a goal a few moments from time in fading light due to a confusion in the home defence, however the game finished a resounding 1-16 to 1-08 for the Malone Rd boys, giving them 2 wins out of 3 this season.
Special mention should be given to Thomas Kane for providing both the players & spectators with what may turn out to be the miss of the season – a shot from 4 metres out with only the keeper to beat (who, incidentally had turned his back on the shot), managing to hit the keeper on the side of the leg / knee, missing what was effectively a complete sitter! He did however try to make up for this by taking the next free opportunity, but the less said about that the better!!
All in all, it was an excellent display by the 3rds team, & will have given our Senior Team Manager Eunan, who watched from the side line a lot of food for thought as he revisits his “work in progress” senior team panel. Strong performances from the entire full back line in their first outing in these positions, but especially Andy Duffy at Fullback, Denis Stack in midfield & Michael Laverty once he came on are to be commended, & will give both the seniors & reserves management an idea of the quality coming into & through the club.
A final thanks to Paul McIntyre for his endless hard work, & Benny O’Neill & Eamonn Convery for their continued support of the squad.
