Charlestown 2-9 Davitts 1-12

Davitts and Charlestown drew this Senior League Div 1A game played in Charlestown on Saturday evening. A young Davitts side made most of the running in the first half and raced into a 1-7 to 0-3 lead, the goal coming from Donal Ronayne after great work from man of the match Cathal Hennelly.
Charlestown finished the game strongly and at the end of the day both sides were probably happy with the draw although things are getting a bit tight down at the bottom of the league table.

Outstanding for Davitts were Cathal Higgins, Padraig Mangan, Donal Ronayne, Paul Carey, Josh Ronayne and Cathal Hennelly, a player who, along with Mangan, will be a strong contender for a spot on next year’s county minor side.

Davitts: David Mitchell, Colm Roche, Cathal Higgins, Kevin Gallagher, Padraig Mangan (0-1), Alan Roche, Donal Ronayne (1-0), Paul Carey (0-2), Michael Waldron, Josh Ronayne (0-5), Keith Prendergast (0-1), Seamus Roche, Thomas Waldron, Cathal Hennelly (0-2), Liam Kearns (0-1). Subs used: Sean Waldron, William Freeley, Juan Pablo Kirrane.

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Davitts satisfactory Senior League Div 1D campaign ended with a home defeat by Kilmeena in an exciting game played on Saturday. Kilmeena had the wind advantage in the first half and led by five points, 1-6 to 0-4 at halftime. Davitts first half scorers were Michael Hynes, Liam Griffin, Tommy Brogan and Tommy Waldron.

Davitts played much better in the second half with the introduction of Frank Lyons and Paddy Glynn adding much needed power to the attack. Indeed Lyons scored a great goal minutes into the second half, after a sweeping move involving Michael Hett, Noel Heneghan and Joe Mangan. A Tommy Brogan point from a 45 metre free kick left just a point between the sides but Kilmeena replied with a goal of their own after a defensive mix up involving John Hennigan and goalkeeper Padraig Mitchell. Amazingly, Davitts goaled again moments later, when John Noone cleverly lobbed the Kilmeena keeper. This was as good as it got though and while Davitts battled bravely to the end, Kilmeena ran out deserving winners on a 2-10 to 2-7 scoreline. Others to impress for Davitts were Michael Stephens, Pat Cummins, Sean Bourke, Tom Garvey and the very impressive Frank Clarke.

Davitts: Padraig Mitchell, Tom Garvey, John Hennigan, Noel Heneghan, Liam Griffin (0-1), Michael Stephens, Pat Cummins, Frank Clarke (0-1), Michael Hynes (0-2), Tommy Brogan (0-2), Tommy Waldron (0-1), John Noone (1-0), Sean Bourke, Michael Hett, Joe McNamara. Subs used: Frank Lyons (1-0), Paddy Glynn, Louis Prendergast, Tony Robinson and Mattie Keane.

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Davitts 1-8   Breaffy 0-11

Davitts and Breaffy shared the two Senior League points in Ballindine on Sunday after a hard fought match. Breaffy were missing several regulars with next Sunday’s County Final in mind while the homeside were without a few key players although Colm Boyle did come on for the second half.

Breaffy showed much more purpose throughout the first half and points from Eddie Conroy, Finian Canavan and Rory Martyn (2) had them four up after seven minutes. Davitts outstanding midfielder Paul Carey pulled one back in the 15th minute and the evergreen Marty McNicholas was on target a minute later to restore Breaffy’s four point lead. Josh Ronayne opened his account in the twentieth minute and Tom Canavan and Colm Kelly pointed before the break to leave Breaffy ahead by 0-7 to 0-2 at halftime and looking good for a victory.

The introduction of Colm Boyle on the restart had a major effect on the proceedings and he lifted his teammates and the vocal home crowd. He set up a point for Josh Ronayne in the first minute and Ronayne pointed again from the kickout  to narrow the gap to three. The game’s crucial score came in the fifth minute when Boyle picked out Andrew Peters with a superb pass and he finished majestically to the net past a helpless Rob Hennelly to level the game. McNicholas put Breaffy ahead in the 13th minute and Davitts Keith Prendergast equalised three minutes later. Carey and Owen Carney swapped points before Finian Canavan put Breaffy ahead again with seven minutes remaining. Carey pointed a superb equaliser and scored what looked like the winner with two minutes remaining. With seconds remaining Breaffy were awarded a forty five (after the umpire and ref had signalled it wide!) and Rob Hennelly made no mistake to earn his side a draw with the last kick of the game.

When Davitts finally got going in this game they had excellent displays from Colm and Alan Roche, Cathal Higgins, Donal Ronayne, Paul Carey, Josh Ronayne, Thomas Waldron, Andrew Peters and Colm Boyle.
Breaffy’s top players were Rob Hennelly, David Gavin, Colm Kelly, Finian Canavan, Eddie Conroy, Brian Howley and Marty McNicholas.

Davitts: Adrian McNamara, Colm Roche, Cathal Higgins, Kevin Gallagher, James Cummins, Alan Roche, Donal Ronayne, Paul Carey (0-4), Michael Waldron, Josh Ronayne (0-3), Keith Prendergast (0-1), Carlos O Gara, Thomas Waldron, Andrew Peters (1-0), Liam Kearns. Subs used: Colm Boyle, Cathal Hennelly.

Breaffy: Rob Hennelly, David Cusack, Barry Jordan, Mark Livingstone, Padraig Collins, David Gavin, Colm Kelly (0-1), Robert Fadden, Finian Canavan (0-2), Matthew Ruane, Eddie Conroy (0-1), Rory Martyn (0-2), Marty McNicholas (0-2), Tom Canavan (0-1), Colm Lyons. Subs used: Owen Carney (0-1), Brian Howley, Anthony Lynn.

Referee: Gerry Carmody.

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Louisburgh 1-16  Davitts 2-4

Louisburgh qualified for the County U-21 B Final with an impressive nine point victory over Davitts in the Semi-Final played on Friday night in Bekan. On the strength of this performance they will provide formidable opposition to either Breaffy or Hollymount Carramore in the final.

Louisburgh, assisted with the wind, began the game impressively and had raced into a four point lead after eight minutes with scores from Kevin Gibbons (2), Paul McDonnell and Padraig Prendergast. A Josh Ronayne point and a goal from Liam Noone after Ronayne had done the spadework tied the game. Kevin Gibbons and Ronayne swapped points but Louisburgh finished the half strongly with some excellent points from Prendergast (2), Eamon O Malley, Thomas Needham and a goal and a point from Stephen Corrigan, to lead by 1-10 to 1-2 at halftime. Davits were not helping their cause with a series of unforced errors while Louisburgh were doing the simple things well.

The expected Davitts second half comeback failed to materialise as Louisburgh continued to control matters. They extendeded their lead through Prendergast and Gibbons and Ronayne and Noone replied for Davitts. Andrew Peters scored a fine individual goal for Davitts who were now trying to manufacture goals as the time was running out but great defending by the Louisburgh backs kept them at bay. Further points from Prendergast (2) and Paul McDonnell finished the job off for the West Mayo side.

Louisburgh had top class performers all over the field with Craig Gavin, John and Paul McDonnell, Eamon O Malley, Stephen O Malley, Padraig Prendergast, Stephen Corrigan and Kevin Gibbons (an outstanding forward) all in terrific form.

Davitts hardest triers on a night where little went right for them were Mark Ronayne, Josh Ronayne, Michael Waldron, Thomas Waldron and Andrew Peters.

Louisburgh: Alan Dawson, Craig Gavin, Padraig O Malley, Brendan Nicholson, John McDonnell, Eamon O Malley (0-1), Padraig Prendergast (0-5), Stephen O Malley, Thomas Needham (0-1), Paul McDonnell (0-3), Stephen Corrigan (1-1), James Gibbons, Kevin Gibbons (0-5).

Davitts: David Mitchell, Donal Ronayne, William Freeley, Mark Ronayne, Cathal Higgins, Cathal Hennelly, Michael Waldron, Josh Ronayne (0-3), Liam Noone (1-1), Andrew Peters (1-0), Tommy Clarke, Darren Connolly, Thomas Waldron. Subs used: Matthew Trench, Sean Waldron, Jack Rogers, Padraig Mangan.

Referee: Peter Geraghty.

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Davitts U-21 team advanced to the Semi-Final of the County B Championship with an impressive 2-16 to 0-4 victory over Kiltane in a game played in perfect conditions in McHale Park on Friday evening. After a slow opening quarter, Davitts got on top in all sectors with Josh Ronayne and Michael Waldron very impressive at midfield and the defence in a particularly mean mood.

Davitts led by 1-6 to 0-2 at the interval with Josh Ronayne (1-2), Darren Connolly (0-2) and the outstanding Thomas Waldron (0-2) doing the damage up front. At the other end of the field, goalie David Mitchell dealt capably with anything that came his way while Donal and Mark Ronayne, Will I am Freeley, Cathal Higgins and Cathal Hennelly were superb in front of him.

Davitts never eased off after the break and a second goal by Darren Connolly after ten minutes killed off the Kiltane challenge. Andrew Peters was leading the attack well and his workrate and vision was very impressive as the whole team kept the pressure on their opponents right up to the final whistle. A string of points from Josh Ronayne (2), Liam Noone (2), Andrew Peters (2), Matthew Trench, Tommy Clarke and Thomas Waldron (2) completed the scoring.

This was a game where everything went according to plan for Davitts who will now face Louisburgh in the Semi-Final of this competition. All eighteen players that featured were excellent on the night.

Davitts: David Mitchell, William Freeley, Donal Ronayne, Mark Ronayne, Cathal Higgins, Cathal Hennelly, Michael Waldron, Josh Ronayne (1-4), Liam Noone (0-2), Andrew Peters (0-2), Matthew Trench (0-1), Darren Connolly (1-2), Thomas Waldron (0-4). Subs used: Padraig Mangan, Tommy Clarke (0-1), Ger McWalter, Jack Rogers, Jason Connolly.

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Davitts 2-11  Aughamore 2-10

Davitts ensured their Senior Championship status for next season with a very impressive victory over Aughamore in Ballyhaunis on Sunday. Aughamore got off to a flyer and goaled in the first minute with Darren Duffy, easily their best player, finishing emphatically after a Conor Beirne cross. Kenny Feeney with two fine points had them five ahead before Josh Ronayne got Davitts off the mark with two points. Duffy with three well taken points and another from Feeney, with Ronayne pulling two back for Davitts, had Aughamore five points up and seemingly cruising. To compound Davitts woes, their influential midfielders and team captain Ronan McNamara got a straight red card in the 20th minute. The sending off, as is often the case, seemed to work in Davitts favour as they upped their workrate substantially. Two points from Ronayne and Michael Conroy narrowed the gap to three at halftime.

Aughamore added three points via Duffy (2) and Brendan Jordan to go six up after eight minutes of the second half but then the game turned completely on its head.  Davitts took control around midfield with Paul Carey, Keith Prendergast, Colm Boyle, Alan Roche, James Cummins and Michael Conroy beginning to dominate possession in that area. Ronayne pointed in the 13th minute and then set up David McDonagh for a goal that Lionel Messi would be proud of. Conroy pointed in the 18th minute and young Thomas Waldron equalised a minute later. Declan Sweeney for Aughamore and Keith Prendergast for Davitts exchanged points but the crucial score came with four minutes of normal time left. Cathal Higgins intercepted a dangerous Aughamore attack and the ball ended up with Andrew Peters via Boyle and McDonagh. The young Davitts full forward escaped the clutches of David Kilkenny and finished clinically past Niall Walsh. The same player was dragged down three minutes later and Conroy made no mistake with the resulting free kick to put Davitts four up against all the odds. Darren Duffy completed the scoring with a goal two minutes into injury time after capitalising on Alan Freeman’s flick on.

Aughamore will be shell-shocked after letting this game slip from their grasp. Their best players were Iarla Carty, David Kilkenny, Alan Freeman, Kenny Feeney, Conor Beirne and Darren Duffy (one player that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side).
Davitts, who showed much more spirit and determination than their opponents, had heroes all over the field. It was a complete team effort and they fully deserved their victory after one of the gutsiest performances seen for some time.

Davitts: Adrian McNamara, Colm Roche, Cathal Higgins, Kevin Gallagher, James Cummins, Alan Roche, Colm Boyle, Ronan McNamara, Paul Carey, Josh Ronayne (0-6), David McDonagh (1-0), Keith Prendergast (0-1), Thomas Waldron (0-1), Andrew Peters (1-0), Michael Conroy (0-3). Sub used: Liam Kearns.

Aughamore: Niall Walsh, Niall Freeman, David Kilkenny, Colm Caulfield, Brendan Harrison, Iarla Carty, Colm Garvey, Enda Sweeney, Alan Freeman, Cathal Freeman, Kenny Feeney (0-3), David Kenny, Conor Beirne, Brendan Jordan (0-1), Darren Duffy (2-5). Subs used: Declan Sweeney (0-1), Fergal Boland.

Man of the match: Paul Carey (Davitts).

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