Western Gaels GAA Club notes

Back 01/10/2014 @ 14:24 | mainnews | Western Gaels GAA Club notes
Gaels reach SHC County Final
Western Gaels have reached their first county final since 2010 after defeating a stubborn and resolute Tourlestrane team on a scoreline of 1-12 to 2-11 at a sunny Tourlestrane on Saturday 20th last. Played in ideal conditions, the Gaels registered the first two points of the match thanks to scores from Aidan Morrison and Mark Gordon. Tourlestrane replied with one of their own before Eoin McDonagh found the net after he pulled on a ball inside the square a ball after some sloppy defending. A couple of long range efforts from Liam Ryan and further scores from placed balls from Aidan Morrison and Daniel Kirby saw the visitors lead at half time, with Rory Brennan keeping the home side in touch with converted placed ball efforts. The men from the west, playing in a changed strip, kindly provided by Castleconnor to avoid a clash of jerseys, led by 2 points at half time on a score line of 0-10 to 1-5.
Tourlestrane started the second half in positive fashion, knocking over 5 points in a row, racing into a three point lead. Back came the Gaels with a superbly taken goal from Mark Gordon. After catching a long ball in, the Enniscrone man spun his marker and finished to the net with great style. A tit for tat battle ensued for the remainder of the half with Tourlestrane again taking the lead, out-scoring the Gaels in the next 10 minutes two points to one. The decisive score came in the final ten minutes of the match. Young midfielder Tom Mahon collected a pass from James Hynes, took on the Tourlestrane defence and shot low past ‘keeper Jerome Quinn giving him no chance. This gave the Gaels a two point lead, but the drama was about to continue. Tourlestane full forward Rory Brennan tore in on goal looking for the winning score, but was fouled by defence just as he was about to pull the trigger. He took the resulting 20m free himself with his effort well saved on a packed goal line. Final score was Western Gaels 2-11, Tourlestrane 1-12.
Western Gaels team: M Fitzsimon, T Cawley, E McGowen, M Connolly, N Hannon, J Connor, K Carden, A Morrison, T Mahon, N Hynes, M McGowen, L Ryan, M Gordon, D Kirby, T Ryan. Subs: J Hynes.
Western Gaels take on reigning champions Calry/St. Josephs in the championship decider in Markievicz Park on Sunday 12th October at 13:45. This will be the first game of a double header before the Senior Football Final between Tubbercurry and St. Marys.