Tourlestrane 1-16 Curry 0-12

Tourlestrane have retained Junior A status for the 2023 season following their seven point win over neighbours Curry in Nace O’Dowd Park.

Despite the final score line, this was a well contested battle with Tourlestrane failing to stretch their lead beyond two points for the majority of the game from once they got ahead.

It took a while for Richard Kennedy’s side to get going as it was Curry who came out of the blocks flying. Greg Maher opened the scoring before two Bertie Gallagher frees put Curry 0-3 0-0 up after seven minutes.

Tourlestrane, donning their reversed away jerseys, were given a firm wakeup call and replied with five points in six minutes. Running from deep, Cian Surlis, Rian Bailey (2) and Cathal Fleming all pointed well.

For the last ten minutes of the first half it was very nip – and – tuck, as the sides exchanged well taken points. Oisin Frizzel landed the ball to the back of the net for Curry, alas his cool right footed finish was ruled out for over carrying.

Fearghal Brennan and Enda Walsh also scored well in the opening half, aided by the experienced Kevin Giblin at full forward.

David Brennan, top scorer for Tourlestrane on the day, hit two frees before half time to stretch the margin before Gallagher struck again for Curry to bring the lead back to a solitary point. 0-8 to 0-7 at the break.

Tourlestrane started to click up front as Brennan and Bailey added a further brace each to extend their lead. Wing forward Cormac Dolan was impressive under the high ball, and took key possessions to kickstart the Tourlestrane attack.

Darragh McDonagh and Gary Walsh were at the heart of Curry’s attack from deep, and showed great desire and heart to supply the forward line. Again, it was Gallagher who pointed frees for Curry to keep them in touching distance – he finished with 0-9 on the day.

The chance to bury the game came for Tourlestrane ten minutes from time as Bailey played a nice one – two with Darren O’Hara before bearing down on goal, his shot did beat Oisin Hannon but full back Blaine McIntyre got back well to stop the ball from crossing the line.

The Tourlestrane bench proved pivotal in the closing minutes to see out this game. Enda Kelly played his usual role sweeping up possession around midfield, Darren O’Hara came off the bench to kick two points, and Thomas Henry reeled back the years with a point in his first appearance back in his home jersey.

In the second minute of added time, Cian Surlis put the icing on the cake, following a good passing move up the field, he slotted to the net with his left foot.

Again, the final score does not reflect the effort of this Curry team, who see themselves relegated to the Junior B grade for the 2023 season. Following thin losses in their group stage,

2020 Junior A champions Tourlestrane will look to give a better account of themselves next season.

Tourlestrane scorers:

David Brennan (0-6, 0-3f), Rian Bailey (0-5, 0-4f), Cian Surlis (1-1), Darren O’Hara (0-2), Thomas Henry, Cathal Fleming (0-1 each)

Tourlestrane team:

Jack Lundy; Diarmuid Dunne, Niall Durkin (C), Darren Leonard; Jon Durkin, Colin Neary, Adrian Walsh; Cian Surlis, Cathal Fleming; Stephen Clarke, Rian Bailey, Cormac Dolan; Danny Cawley, David Brennan, Conor Surlis.

Subs used:

Enda Kelly, Darren O’Hara, Thomas Henry.

Curry scorers:

Bertie Gallagher (0-9, 0-6f), Fearghal Brennan, Greg Maher, Enda Walsh (0-1 each).

Curry team:

Oisin Hannon; Conor Maher, Blaine McIntyre, Gerry Henry; Enda Walsh, Gary Walsh, Paddy Burke; Darragh McDonagh, Aidan O’Hora; Fearghal Brennan, Greg Maher, Colin Brennan; Bertie Gallagher, Kevin Giblin, Oisin Frizzel.

Subs used:

Declan Walsh, Sean Byrne, Andy Pearce.

Referee:

Keith Henry