Maigh Cuilinn 3-7

Dunmore 1-12

By Ivan Smyth at Kenny Park

NEIL Walsh’s punch to the net deep into stoppage time helped Maigh Cuilinn avoid a huge upset at Kenny Park on Sunday evening.

Even though Maigh Cuilinn momentarily led in the second half after falling nine behind at the interval, Dunmore MacHalersc appeared to have done enough to secure at least a share of the spoils when a Colm Costello mark left his side a point in front approaching the third out of the four allocated minutes of injury time. Subsequently, disaster struck from a Dunmore perspective.

Dessie Conneely cut in on his right foot but saw his point effort drop short. Walsh crept in behind full back Declan Rattigan and beat Connor Gleeson to the punch. Despite the brave effort of Sean Murray the umpires reached for the green flag. Even though Luke Murray then slotted over from long range, Dunmore were left reeling after the ultimate sucker punch.

The rollercoasters located beside Kenny Park last Sunday evening provided the perfect summary of this game. Dunmore were akin to a kid being let loose to sample the Fun Fair as they enjoyed every minute of a dominant first half, operating without fear or any semblance of pressure.

Meanwhile, Maigh Cuilinn, who were without Sean Kelly, were left dizzy after experiencing a fair degree of turbulence in the opening 30 plus minutes of action.

However, with great expectation comes even greater pressure and Dunmore were unable to handle the heat in the final period. They were held scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the second half as Maigh Cuilinn gradually began to restore some degree of confidence through their ranks. They kicked 2-4 without reply, the goals coming from Paul Kelly and Walsh to momentarily lead.

The winners scored 1-3 in the first 17 minutes of the second half but also registered six wides in this period. Quite simply Maigh Cuilinn were still operating a few levels below their optimum and even though David Wynne spent the early stages of the second half in the dugout after his first half black card, last year’s county finalists were p now laying this game on their terms.

After their excellence on the ball in the first half, a nervy Dunmore coughed up cheap turnovers. They only kicked two wides in the first 25 minutes of the final half, as they struggled to create chances against a pumped up and more physical Maigh Cuilinn outfit.

Pictured: Dunmore MacHales’ Ruairi Walkin is surrounded by Aidan Claffey and Eoin Gallagher of Maigh Cuilinn during Sunday’s Senior Football Chanmpionship tie at Kenny Park. Photos: David Cunniffe.