Harps storm
to victory
Eastern
Harps 1-10 St Molaise Gaels 1-8
Cathal
Mullaney
Eastern
Harps captured the Expert Electrical Under-16 Division One league crown in
gritty fashion following a two-point defeat of St Molaise Gaels at Connolly
Park, Collooney on Monday evening.
The
winners will reflect on a satisfactory effort, but for St Molaise Gaels, it was
a case of what might have been had they made the most of their early dominance,
where they forged a six-point lead.
1-3
to 0-0 ahead after 11 minutes, St Molaise Gaels totally dominated the opening
exchanges with Aaron Currid grabbing a fifth minute goal after he won a
turnover in the Eastern Harps goalmouth.
Points
followed from Luke Towey and the influential Dean Carroll (2), and put their
side into a commanding six-point lead.
However,
following these early exerts, Eastern Harps hit back with 1-6 without reply
before the break to put themselves in the ascendency. Seán O’Hara’s 27th
minute goal was the decisive score, with four Ciaran Hannon points also
asserting their dominance in this period. Indeed, two further goal chances were
thwarted by excellent saves from St Molaise Gaels goalkeeper Robbie Kelly
before half-time.
The
winners’ advantage was down to a single point by the midway point of the second
half after St Molaise Gaels pointed through Ollie White (2), Luke Towey and
Aaron Currid to counteract two scores from Ciaran Hannon and James O’Hara, but
this was as close as they would get.
A
frantic final quarter saw only three scores, with Hannon pointing twice in this
period for Harps to ensure they would clinch the Division One crown.
Eastern
Harps: Alan Davey; Tomás Taheny, Jake Stephenson, Brian O’Hanlon; Luke Taheny,
Owen Dwyer, Calum Byrne; Evan Lavin (0-1), Jonathan East; Cian Higgins, Ciaran
Dorian (0-1), Seán O’Connor; Seán O’Hara (1-0), James O’Hara (0-1), Ciaran
Hannon (0-7, 2fs).
St Molaise Gaels: Robbie Kelly; Calum O’Domhnaill,
Robbie Ryan, Brian West; Joe Owen, Conor Feighney, Josh Spellman; Dean Carroll
(0-2), Seán Snee; Aaron Shaw, Keelan Carty, Darragh Kelly; Ollie White (0-2),
Luke Towey (0-2, 1f), Aaron Currid (1-1). Subs: Jack Henry (0-1), Michael
Gilmartin.
Referee: Gerry Higgins