Saturday presented itself with the opportunity for Eire Og to create history by qualifying for the semi-finals of the intermediate championship for the first time. A win for either Garryowen or Eire Og would put them into the semi final to face Thomas McCurtains.
Eire Og got off to a whirlwind start aided by the breeze. Points from Tony Rogan, Joe McMahon and John Coyle amongst others gave them an eight point lead before Garryowen registered a score. Two quick fire goals including a penalty very nearly had parity restored before a Coyle free opened up a 2 point lead. With the final play of the half, Ciaran McElhinney set up Gabriel Dennehy to flick to the net to give the Haringey-based side a 5 point lead at half time.
The second half was a far cagier affair with the neither team looking to give any space. A third goal for Garryowen brought them back within a score which shortly dwindled down to two points. Up stepped Mike MacDonagh to catch a break and after a mazy run, showcased his Pirlo/Padraic Joyce-esque abilities with a cross field pass to set up substitute Steve Hyland for a well taken point. Garryowen responded with 2 frees to leave the minimum between the teams. It looked like Garryowen, who trailed throughout, would steal it at the end but the final pass went narrowly past the post and Eire Og saw out the match to win 1-13 to 3-6.
Best for Eire Og were Pat Tobin, Gabriel Dennehy and the unerring free taker John Coyle. The club would also like to thank Meggie Murray for her score updates and pictures for those near and far that could not attend the match in Greenford. Thanks Meggie and same again next week!
