VGC Intermediate Football Championship R3

Éire Óg 0.10 – 1.06 CuChullains

Both teams entered the last round of the group stage of the London Intermediate football championship on 2 points apiece. Éire Óg went in to the encounter knowing that due to their superior score difference a draw or win was enough to see their passage through to the semi-finals. The North Londoners started the brighter of the two sides and notched over some early scores through Eamon Kelly’s dead ball prowess and the livewire Stephen O’Neill. CuChullain’s battled on and continued to notch a few scores against the run of play. Éire Óg went in at the interval leading by seven points to three and it was unlucky not have been by more as Joe McMahon had a contentious goal chalked off for a square ball.

CuChullains started the second half with far more purpose and began to gnaw away at the home side’s lead. The momentum seemed to be with CuChullains as their keeper slotted what could be considered a generous penalty to lead by one point. Another CuChullains attack resulted in a goal line scramble whereby Darragh Cotter had his own “Hand of God” moment only in this instance it was to prevent a certain goal. But, the drama didn’t stop there. Éire Óg were shown a black card entering the final quarter of the game but, despite this setback, showed great resolve and grit and battled on to level the game. Ger Crowley sealed the game late one for Éire Óg with an outstanding point to ensure the win.

Best on the day were Dave Hegarty who pulled off some vital saves in his final appearance for the club, Stephen O’Neill and Ger Crowley. We wish Dave Hegarty and his family all the best with his move home and thank him for his contributions to the club both on and off the pitch over the years. Next up for Éire Óg is a semi-final against St. Brendan’s in Greenford, 12 pm, Saturday 7^th November.

Éire Óg: D. Hegarty, P. Tobin, B. O’Dowd, N. Murray, R. Campfield, J. Whyte, D. Roarty, G. Crowley(0.01), D. Cotter, J. Keneghan, A. Rogan(0.02), S. McGrath, S. O’Neil(0.02)l, J McMahon(0.01),E. Kelly(0.04). Subs used. C. Conroy, R. Collins, C. O’Kane.