Davitts 1-13

Padraig Pearses 0-8

Davitts were crowned the intermediate kings of Connaught on Saturday in Kiltoom and rewrote the history books with a superb display of football that will forever be remembered by their huge crowd of passionate supporters, who played their part on this momentous day for the club.

Davitts started brightly and early points from the magnificent full forwardline trio of Aidan McTigue, Fergal McGrath and Michael Conroy settled the nerves as Davitts dominated the opening twenty minutes of this game. Further points from Conroy, Johnno Clarke and a Paul Carey special had the Mayo champions ahead by 0-7 to 0-3 with ten minutes remaining in the first half but then the Davitts lads seemed to switch off as Pearses rattled off four unanswered points to level the game. Team captain Conroy put Davitts in front with an excellent line ball, the last kick of a great first half, to leave his side ahead, 0-8 to 0-7 at halftime.

The second half of this game belonged to Davitts who completely took over after the first ten minutes of the half. The magnificent midfield partnership of Paul Carey and Ronan McNamara took over this sector and the defence, now bolstered by the experienced Alan Roche, snuffed out any threat to Mark Diskin’s goal. Points by Conroy (2), McGrath and McTigue had Davitts ahead by 0-12 to 0-8 when Ronan McNamara’s well struck 45 deceived the Pearses defence and ended up in the net to send the massive travelling support into dreamland, knowing that there was absolutely no way back for the Roscommon champions, with only eight minutes remaining. It was fitting that Conroy scored the last point, a 30 metre free kick after he was fouled, to seal the issue.

This was a day when Davitts had 19 stars on the pitch. Mark Diskin was assured in goals, marshalling his defence superbly. Colm Roche, Frankie Barrett and the outstanding Kevin “Diego” Gallagher (pictured) formed an impressive full back line while Alan Roche was excellent when introduced early in the second half, using his strength and experience to great effect. In the half back line Colm Boyle had another wonderful game ably supported by Johnno Clarke and James Cummins. Ronan McNamara and Paul Carey dominated midfield for most of the game and either could have been named man of the match. Pat Coyne had probably his best game for the club at wing forward while Dave McDonagh and Keith Prendergast completed a hard working half forward line. Aidan McTigue and Fergal McGrath were superb up front but Michael Conroy, the official man of the match, showed yet again why he is rated by most people as the best forward in Mayo, with a breathtaking display. Keith Glynn was very impressive when introduced early in the second half, while Carlos O Gara and Liam Kearns both played their parts in this famous win.

A huge thank you to team the management team of John Treacy, Ja Trench and our magnificent leader Peter Warren who has shown us all that dreams really can come true.

Davitts team: Mark Diskin, Colm Roche, Frankie Barrett, Kevin Gallagher, Johnno Clarke (0-1), Colm Boyle, James Cummins, Ronan McNamara (1-0), Paul Carey (0-1), Keith Prendergast, Dave McDonagh, Pat Coyne, Aidan McTigue (0-2), Fergal McGrath (0-2), Michael Conroy (0-7). Subs used: Alan Roche, Keith Glynn, Carlos O Gara, Liam Kearns.

The other subs who form this magnificent panel are David Mitchell, Josh Ronayne, Martin Cosgrove, Michael Waldron, Tommy Nolan, Shane Mitchell, Tommy Mitchell, Mark Ronayne, Michael Ronayne and Seamus Roche.

The club will celebrate this wonderful year’s achievements at the Dinner Dance which will be held in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on January 6th. The All-Ireland semi-final against the Leinster champions will take place at the end of January.

• By darraghmc
• In Match Reports