Magnificent Mossy inspires St Vincents to All Ireland Club Championship final

St Vincents 2-14 : Ballinderry 1-13

St Vincents maestro, Tomas Quinn.

Tommy Conroy’s St Vincents travelled to Pairc Esler, county Down, last Saturday with Ulster champions, Ballinderry standing in their way of obtaining a place in this year's All Ireland Club Championship final.

Earlier that day, Castlebar Mitchels overcame the challenge of Dr Crokes to pencil in a St Patrick’s Day final in Croke Park.

Vinnie’s former Dublin star, Tomas ‘Mossy’ Quinn, was again the star man for the Dublin side. He kicked 1-08 in what was another near perfect performance for the 32 year old.

Mossy has been described as a ‘Benjamin Button’ type character by team-mate Eamon Fennell. And after seeing his display on Saturday, it’s hard to argue with that summation.

St Vincents looked comfortable throughout the game, racing into a 2-02 : 0-02 lead within the first ten minutes. Both goals involved the St Vincents playmaker.

His first goal was breathtaking. Half-back, Michael Concarr, went on a marauding run through the Ballinderry defence before passing the ball off to Quinn.

Mossy, with his back to the goal, swivelled and in one motion forcefully placed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

The second Vinnies goal came from full forward Ciaran Dorney. Mossy dissected the defence with a perfectly timed through-ball and Dorney coolly dispatched his shot past the despairing dive of Michael Conlon, the Ballinderry ‘keeper.

St Vincents had to organise without their inter-country star, and captain, Ger Brennan who wasn’t fit to return from minor surgery on his leg that he received just after Christmas.

Ballinderry had managed to keep Vinnies other Dublin star, Diarmuid Connolly, quiet for the first half but it was Quinn who kicked the Marino men into a 2-04 : 0-09 lead at the halftime break.

St Vincents and Ballinderry players fight for possession in the All Ireland Club Championship semi-final.

Ballinderry pulled a goal back in the second half thanks to Daniel McKinless. But with Connolly scoring three exquisitely taken points, St Vincents never looked overly nervous.

St Vincents second half lead never went under two points as the bookies favourites proved their worth.

However, it was an efficient and driven display from St Vincents in front of 4,331 spectators. When Vinnies play at their best, it is hard to see what tactical game-plan can stop them.

Mossy Quinn has been an enigma in his rejuvenation in club form since his retirement from inter-county football in 2012.

St Vincents will look to replicate the same result which saw them crowned All Ireland Club champions in 2008, with Mossy Quinn as captain.

Mossy will know he may not have many more opportunities at gaining silverware as he nears the end of a decorated career. St Vincents will want to repay the stunning displays Quinn has shown throughout their campaign this season. March 17^th at GAA headquarters is sure to be an emotional day for Quinn and his Marino colleagues.

St Vincents: M. Savage; K. Bonnie, J. Curley, H. Gill; C. Diamond, B. Egan, M. Concarr; D. Murphy, E. Fennell; G. Burke (0-01), T. Diamond, S. Carthy (0-01); D. Connolly (0-03), C. Dorney (1-01), T. Quinn (1-08, 0-05 f, 0-01 '45).

Subs used: K. Golden for T. Diamond (58 mins), N. Mullins for S. Carthy (60 mins), A. Baxter for C. Dorney (61 mins).

Ballinderry: M. Conlan; G. McKinless, C. Nevin, K. McGuckin; R. Wilson (0-01), D. Lawn, R. Scott; E. Muldoon, J. Conway (0-01); C. Devlin (0-05, 0-01 f), M. McIver, D. McGuckin; D. McKinless (1-00), R. Bell (0-02), C. Gilligan (0-02, 0-01 f).

Subs used: A. Devlin (0-02) for R. Scott (15 mins), M. Harney for M. McIver (42).

Referee: Marty Duffy (Sligo) Attendance: 4,331

S.DAWSON 17/02/14