St Vincent's retain Dublin SFC title by narrowest of margins

St Vincent's 0-14 St Oliver Plunkett's Eoghan Ruadh 1-10

St Vincent’s were crowned champions of Dublin for the second year in a row after a hard fought victory against St Oliver Plunkett’s E.R. Vinnies grinded out the result despite a late fight back from Plunkett’s in front of a packed Parnell Park.

Throw in was delayed by ten minutes as droves of fans ushered through the turnstiles. Playing conditions were perfect on a balmy Monday evening for this star studded event. The pre match chatter circulated around both team’s potent attack and preference for a high tempo game.

It was Bernard Brogan who pointed Plunkett’s in to an early lead with two points, one from play and one from a free after a Ger Brennan foul. A Gareth Smith point with five minutes played ensured momentum was entirely with the pre match underdogs.

Vinnies could have been left chasing a six point deficit without registering a score themselves if it was not for an outstanding save from their ‘keeper Michael Savage. The Vinnies number one made up for a poor short kick out which saw Ger Brennan dispossessed and Bernard Brogan through on goal. Savage displayed great reflexes and strength to palm away Brogan’s powerful goal bound effort.

Half forward Gavin Burke thought he had scored Vincent’s first point of the game but play was called back for a ’45 missed by referee Dave Feeney. It took 11 minutes before Vinnies scored, thanks to a long range effort from marauding midfielder Eamon Fennell.

A further point from full forward Ciaran Dorney was preceded by a sweetly struck Diarmuid Connolly score from his left boot. Plunkett’s deployed two sweepers concentrating on a counter attacking style of football which has proved successful for them thus far.

With the scores level, four apiece, Gavin Burke should have scored a goal for Vincent’s after some intricate hand passing from Ciaran Dorney and Shane Carthy put Burke through on goal. However, the nimble forward had too much elevation on his shot which saw it drift over the black spot.

Scoring was sporadic in this closely contested duel. Plunkett’s Alan Brogan and Gareth Smith both shot wides before a late rally from St Vincent’s ensured they would hold a two point lead going into half time.

Firstly, Tomas Quinn pointed a free from his hands before Gavin Burke scored his second point of the match. It was a crucial time to score with the last play of the first half. After a slow start, St Vincent’s grew in to the game showcasing a regimented performance in every area of the pitch. Plunkett’s were by no means out of the contest, but Vinnies, as they have done all year, looked wholly determined to win at all costs.

After going in to the interval on a high, the opening five minutes of the second half saw Vinnies hit four consecutive wides. These were after a Bernard Brogan free had closed the gap to a solitary point.

Shane Carthy was magnificent throughout the second half and was fully deserving of his two points he scored in quick succession eight minutes in to the half. A Ciaran Dorney score increased St Vincent’s lead to four points, 0-10 to 0-06.

Plunkett’s replied with another Bernard Brogan score before substitute Cameron Diamond pointed a shot with 42 minutes played. Diamond made an immediate impact to the match after replacing Daithi Murphy minutes earlier.

St Vincent’s looked to be cruising to victory. They were leading, 0-14 to 0-8 with just ten minutes still to play. Diarmuid Connolly may have only registered one first half point, but he dissected the Plunkett’s backline on many occasions, assuming the role of playmaker.

It was from a Connolly pass that Ruairi Trainor scored his first of two points. Vinnies could have then wrapped up the match when Trainor was one on one with ‘keeper Alan O’Mara. However, the Cavan net-minder displayed good reactions with a close range save. Again Connolly was at the epicentre of play, beginning the move before passing to Shane Carthy who released Trainor through on goal.

Both teams were empting their benches as the match was reaching its conclusion. With three minutes left to play a long range pass was lofted in to the St Vincent’s square. It was hit and hope time for Plunkett’s as they desperately sought after a goal.

The evergreen Alan Brogan rose high in the crowd of players to fist the ball into Michael Savage’s net. Game on. This was followed by a pointed free from his brother Bernard. Possession was vital and ultimately lack of possession was what undone Plunkett’s. They failed to claim the resulting kick out after an Alan Brogan wide and time ran out for Pat McDonagh’s men.

The current All Ireland club champions showcased a determined display which resulted in Ger Brennan lifting the trophy for the Marino outfit. Plunkett’s battled back with a dogged display in the last five minutes although it wasn’t enough to topple Vincent's. They now look forward to a run in the Leinster Club Championship, hoping to replicate the success of last year. They face Portlaoise on November 9th, in Portlaoise.

St Vincent’s Panel and Scorers

M Savage; K Bonnie; J Curley; H Gill; B Egan; G Brennan; M Concarr; E Fennell (0-01); D Murphy; G Burke (0-03); D Connolly (0-01); S Carthy (0-02); R Trainor (0-02); C Dorney (0-03); T Quinn(0-01, 1 free); Subs: D Jordan; M Moore; Cameron Diamond (0-01); S Byrne; M Loftus; Tiernan Diamond; Cormac Diamond; A Baxter; G Murphy; L Bree; B Quigley; C Wilson; A Martin; K Malone; Turlough Diamond; L Sheehy; E Brady; C Brennan; J Brennan.

Wides: 9

St Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh Panel and Scorers

A O’Mara; R O’Connor; S Lyons; E Clarke; D Lally; J Brogan; D Kelly; C Dunleavy; P Brogan; D Brogan; C Walsh; A Brogan (1-01); N Walsh; B Brogan (0-05, 3 frees); G Smith (0-03, 1 ’45); Subs: N Murray; R McConnell; L Herron; D Matthews; G McCormack; P Lee (0-01); S Moran; R O’Brien; S O’Connor; P McNulty; J O’Donoghue; E O’Sullivan; L O’Doherty; P Bergin; L Eglington.

Wides: 8

S.DAWSON 28/10/14