Ballinderry Shamrocks

CONLETH Gilligan’s low angled drill from the penalty spot was perfect, a goal in the second minute was a dramatic start to a brilliant Ballinderry display on the dangerous water-traps and mud of Pearse Park in Longford yesterday.

With it, the objections club officials had over the clearance given by Cork referee Michael Collins were dispelled and the performance their players gave in defying appalling conditions to beat Rathnew by five points vindicated pure ability over logic.

At the end of an absorbing contest the talk was not of the questionable decision to permit the tie to go ahead but of Ballinderry’s brilliance.

There was no argument that the better footballing team had won. A first All-Ireland final is the Shamrocks’ pay-off for a magnificent effort and great credit is due to both sides that produced what was without doubt a great match, a battle of slip-sliding skills, guts, grit and sheer attrition.

On St Patrick’s Day, the club will be at Semple Stadium in Thurles to cherish the greatest sporting occasion in their history against either Cork giants Nemo Rangers or Charlestown of Mayo.

From the off, Ballinderry manager Brian McIver played the tactical cards with the shrewdness of a poker expert. The decision to switch Enda Muldoon from midfield to full-forward from the throw-in and use Muldoon’s renowned fielding agility as an early testing target paid off handsomely.

Within two minutes he gathered, turned full-back Mark Coffey and unselfishly placed Gerard Cassidy for a chance at goal. Rathnew’s keeper Tommy Murphy gambled and lost.

His trip on Cassidy gave away a penalty, earned the first of the game’s five yellow cards, and Gilligan drove to Murphy’s right hand corner. Passing better and moving the ball slicker Ballinderry skidded around on the muddy surface picking out their players with accuracy. After the opening quarter they led 1-2 to 0-2, two fine points by Tommy Gill the Rathnew replies.

It was remarkable that the teams were able to perform the most basic of tasks such was the state of the pitch. It cut up badly very quickly and the various line markings and jersey numbers were obliterated just as fast.

Mixed into the problems were numerous poor decisions by the referee who didn’t seem to make much allowance for the conditions. Frees and disputed decisions piled up.

Frees were moved forward regularly for dissent as players argued the toss. A few were booked for their back chat into the bargain.

Adrian McGuckin, Gilligan and Muldoon led the Shamrocks attack superbly.

Sean Donnelly and Barry McCusker grafted very hard around midfield while in defence Niall McCusker and the McGuckins, Ronan and Kevin, were outstanding.

Gilligan’s quality of finishing kept Rathnew under pressure and a couple of well taken free kicks by Gerard Cassidy gave them a 1-5 to 0-4 half-time advantage.

Rathnew made a number of changes in defence to try and curb the smart moving opposition, but on the restart McGuckin pointed as Cassidy almost buried Rathnew’s challenge on 37 minutes.

This time keeper Murphy was equal to the task, producing an excellent save. Gill’s free taking, though, continued to miss crucial chances and Rathnew began to adopt a high punt policy into the danger zone hoping for a break. Muldoon, who covered enormous ground, was there time and again to fetch and clear. If it wasn’t him it was Niall McCusker and Darren Crozier. All made vital catches and interceptions while scores from Fergal Wilson and Cassidy eased tensions.

At 1-8 to 0-5 Ballinderry held almost all the aces going into the last six minutes.

Rathnew cried out for a goal but there was no way through.

Nicky Mernagh did have a half chance but sliced wide and when Cassidy replied with a point the All-Ireland final was within earshot for Ballinderry.