There was high drama and even a note of history being made when these sides clashed in sunny but very blustery conditions in McKeown Park, Drumhowan, on Saturday evening last with penalties being used to determine the outcome of a championship game in Monaghan for the very first time. For a game that started very quietly with missed chances the order of the day, this one built into a full-blooded contest in the second quarter, with goals playing a vital part, Aghabog reduced to 14 men and goalmouth incidents at either end. Rockcorry led by three points at half-time, but despite their numerical disadvantage. Aghabog carried the fight to the opposition, levelling the game nine minutes into the second half with a goal direct from a free and then a fourth goal, giving them a two points lead with two minutes of normal time remaining. Rockcorry though powered back in stoppage time to force a draw with two late points to send the issue to extra time on a score of Aghabog 4-6, Rockcorry 2-12 and Aghabog now down to 13 players, Ciaran Logue picking up a second yellow card in injury time.
In extra time and now back up to their full complement Aghabog took the lead with a point by Gary McBride, but Rockcorry responded for a goal by Pauric O’Brien, to leave them ahead at half-time in extra time by 3-12 to 4-7. In the second period of extra time it was Aghabog who exerted most pressure and were rewarded with points by Sean O’Brien from a free and Stephen McPhillips to make for a situation where the sides were still deadlocked and the penalty shootout added to the drama. Rockcorry converted their first three penalties by Dwayne Rooney, Fergal McGeough and Aaron O’Gorman, to leave them 3 to 1 ahead, as Aghabog were off target from their first effort by Jack O’Hanlon and had their second penalty by Tyler O’Hanlon saved. Sean O’Brien converted their third penalty and the issue was still wide open when Pauric O’Brien was off target from his spot kick for Rockcorry. Gary McBride goaled for Aghabog, but Rockcorry sealed it with an excellent effort by Mark Thornton, for a result that could send Aghabog through the exit door but the drama may not end there as one of the Rockcorry penalty takers had not taken any part in the game, previous to that and may not have been eligible to take a penalty.
Teams and Scorers: Rockcorry: Ciaran O’Hart, Ryan Lynch, Conor McGeough, Colin Quinn, Kyle Brannigan, Lorcan Smyth 0-1, Aaron McGorman, Mark Daly, Mark Thornton, Martin Carroll 0-1, Fergal McGeough 2-6 (1-0 pen, 0-4f), Noel Carroll 0-1, Darren Keely, Pauric O’Brien 1-3 (0-1f), Kyle Rooney. Subs: In Extra Time: Garreth Smyth for K Rooney.
Aghabog: Conor McLeoad, Eoin McCarville, Stephen McPhillips 0-1, Caolain McCooey, John McCrohan, Damien Smyth, Fergal O’Hanlon, Dermot Smyth 0-1, Shane Mulligan, Cameron Brady, Gary McBride 0-3 (1f), Sean O’Brien 0-2 (1f), Ciaran Logue 1-0 (f), Oisin Gleeson 1-2, Tyler O’Hanlon 2-0. Subs:Ryan Gleeson for J McCrohan, Shane Kierans for S O’Brien, Jack O’Hanlon for G McBride, Gary McBride for D Cmyth (Black Card). In extra Tine: Seamus McMenamin replaced C Logue, Darren Mullen replaced C McCooey. Subs: Sean O’Brien for C Brady. Referee: Brendan McNally (Cremartin).
By Majella Boyd Sun 18th Aug
