Minors v Swinford – Match Report
Swinford had home advantage in the Minor League Div 3 Semi-Final on Friday evening and defeated Davitts by 4-12 to 1-9. While Swinford were the better team on this occasion, the scoreline flatters them somewhat. The key moment in this game was the black carding of Davitts midfielder Jack Rodgers early in the second half with a point separating the sides.
Swinford, playing against the wind, started brightly and went three points up after five minutes. Davitts responded well with Cathal Hennelly, Evan Ronayne (2) and Richie O Connor pointing before Evan Ronayne’s long range point effort deceived the Swinford goalie and ended up in the net. Swinford, thanks to some very sharp forward play, scored 1-2 themselves to take the lead. Three superb points converted by Gerald Griffin, Cathal Hennelly and Evan Ronayne had Davitts ahead by 1-7 to 1-6 at the break after a well contested first half.
Two early second half points by the homeside were followed by Jack Rodgers dismissal. Within three minutes, Swinford had extended their lead to eight points with another point and two quickfire goals. With weather conditions worsening Davitts fought hard and Cathal Hennelly, now operating at midfield, scored a fine point to lift the siege. Swinford were in the driving seat now and in the last ten minutes they tagged on two more goals as they advanced to the final to meet Ballina. All Davitts could muster in response was a Shane Treacy point.
Davitts best players were Patrick Keadin, Michael Mangan, Padraig Mangan, Gerald Griffin, Evan Ronayne, Shane Treacy and Cathal Hennelly.
Davitts: Caolann Mullee, Dylan Keadin, Dylan Higgins, Patrick Keadin, Michael Mangan, John Kilkenny, Padraig Mangan, Jack Rodgers, Richie O Connor (0-1), Gerald Griffin (0-1), Evan Ronayne (1-3), Cathal Hennelly (0-3), Shane Treacy (0-1). Subs used: Jamie Mullee, Denis Fahy and Seanie Bourke.
