Conor Killeen reports

Under 21 FC

Gaels Breeze to Semi Final

Shannongeals 0-13
St Michaels 1-3

Shannongaels stormed to victory when they overcame a
Edenderry/ Ballyfore combination on Sunday morning
last in Durrow.

This game turned out to be a physical encounter with
heavy hits flying in from both sides. Things got very
heated ten minutes into the match when Darren Finn was
left on the floor and St Michaels were reduced to
Fourteen men.

After this incident Shannongaels gained control
although St Michaels took the lead with the opening
point.The Shannonsiders soon got into their stride and
Jason Kelly rolled up his sleeves and dominated the
centre of the field.

Shane Kelly opened the Shannonbridge/St Rynaghs mens
account when he converted an excellent free. Soon
after Kieran Flannery made a blistering fifty yard run
to off load to Darren Finn who scored a great point.

The Reds did manage to fight back with a couple of
points but trailed by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval.

The second period saw the Gaels power ahead and make
full use the wind and good service to the full forward
line gave Paul Deeley plenty of ammunition to fire a
total of six points. Deeley was well assisted up
front by Rory O Connor and Shane Kelly.

Edenderry did stage a comeback by scoring a goal
midway through the second half and try as they did for
a second or third, goalkeeper Michael "Chesty" Hough
was in fine form and denied St Michaels on a number of
occasions.

Shannongaels now await the result of an open draw to
see who they play in the Semi Final. This is the one
title that has eluded Shannonbridge GAA club. I
wonder could this be the year they claim the title for
the first time.

M Hough, K Flannery(0-1), K NOrton, W Kenna, S
Clancy,J Rafferty,D Finn(0-1),J Kelly,E Kelly(0-1),R
O'Connor(0-2),S Kelly(0-1),P Deeley (0-6), D Corbett,
D Flatterty(0-1), subs M Reynolds, K Butler, P
Flatterty, D Flatterty.