By Brendan McTaggart
For 55 minutes, Lámh Dhearg orchestrated the perfect storm. Marc Jordan sent over their 12th point of the match to restore a three point lead and when Paddy Cunningham split the posts with his sixth free of the match, the red and white ribbons were being tied to the MacNamee Cup.
Not so.
Cargin were second best for long periods of the final yet when they had a sniff, they made the most of it. It felt like the renaissance was inevitable. A winners’ instinct is to go out on their feet, one last hurrah or go down swinging. Cargin didn’t disappoint, like the champions they are.
Still. Just about.
12 months ago when these sides met in the quarter-final of the championship, it was Tomás McCann who forced a replay with a late free. There was déjà vu in Corrigan Park on Sunday afternoon. Over 45 yards from goal, McCann scored the equalising point from a long range free two and a half minutes into the three allowed to be added on. It didn’t feel like the defining score of the final, there was time for another roll of the dice but it didn’t come.
Lámh Dhearg will feel like they left it behind them. Of that there’s no doubt. They dominated the midfield with Declan Dunne’s aerial ability unparalleled on the day and Kevin Quinn excellent while Eoin McKeown wasn’t far behind them. My shout for the man of the match award went to Ben Rice. Three points from play, won countless breaking ball and broke the line tirelessly on numerous occasions.
The key factor of the first half was the Lámh Dhearg midfield and press on Cargin. Maintaining pressure and turning the screw. They kept the Erin’s Own men scoreless for 24 minutes while Cunningham’s frees, Dunne’s brilliance and Rice’s work rate helped them establish a five point lead.
The Cargin defence were already overworked. Kevin O’Boyle employed as a sweeper, making last ditch tackles. None more vital than a perfectly timed challenge on a rampaging Michael Herron with 23 minutes on the clock. ‘Micko’ had torn through the Cargin defence and had the goals in his sight but ‘Kobo’ denied him. Kevin Quinn, down the right and eyeing up a score and Justin Crozier produced a block at full stretch. A moment of inspiration, a moment when the Cargin faithful found their voice but moments like that were few and far between in the first half for the Toome side. Goal chances weren’t far behind them for either side but Cargin had a glorious chance in the last minute of the first half. David Johnston and substitute Enda McGrogan linking up before feeding Michael Magill. His effort was forced over by John Finucane at full stretch and the Lámh’s deservedly held a four point lead.
A four point lead yet Cargin showed with that move towards the end of the first half that they had the artillery and armoury to harm when given the chance. A four point lead against this Cargin side could be seen as precarious and was the warning the Hannahstown side required.
Despite enjoying the lions share of possession after the restart, Cargin couldn’t make any headway into a superbly organised Lámh Dhearg defence. The lead was extended to five points with just over a quarter of the game remaining when the Lord Mayor was called upon once more. A long ball looked to have found Jamie Gribben in space but Finucane was decisive and demanding. The ball was punched clear as he came through a plethora of bodies to ensure he dealt with the danger.
The lead was four points when Cargin drew a piece of top quality from within their vast resources. Paul McCann, becoming more influential as the half progressed gathered the ball just over 40 yards from goal. A speculative shot had to have been on his mind with the wind at his back but he bided his time and spotted the run of brother Michael from the left. A perfectly weighted pass, a swivel of his hips and Cargin had finally beaten Finucane.
The moment the Erin’s Own side needed to take control of the match yet it was the Lámh’s response that shone. Rice and McKeown opening a three point lead with just over seven minutes remaining to dampen any thoughts on a Cargin comeback.
Paul McCann had other ideas. Points either side of Marc Jordan’s score got them firing again and when Mick McCann produced a moment of sheer class to reduce the deficit to one, the assault was in full flight. Mick’s score coming from collecting the ball in the corner, sending his marker to the shop for a loaf of bread before somehow splitting the posts from the acutest of angles.
The Hannahstown men were hemmed in their own half but broke with the clock ticking into the 59th minute. Jordan, rampaging through the middle and the Cargin defence was opened. The goal was there for the taking and he passed to McKeown. His effort was somehow saved by John McNabb. A heroic piece of ‘keeping and a save that ultimately kept Cargin’s championship hopes alive.
Cunningham’s sixth free of the match looked to have sealed the deal for the Lámh’s. The second half was an epic contest that there would be little injury time. Three minutes was the call and Tomás McCann took centre stage. One white flag from play before converting what would be the equalising score from placed ball. The crowd held their breath but the youngest of the McCann brothers knew he had done the business as soon as it left his foot.
There was still time for another roll of the dice but a draw was the final outcome. The first draw at the final hurdle since 2003 and the Lámh’s were involved then as well. They’ll be hoping for a different outcome when the sides take to Corrigan Park on Saturday evening for the replay. In a championship where replay’s have taken centre stage, it was one familiar name who stood up when counted for the Erin’s Own men. How many times has Tomás McCann saved the day for his side? The Toome men are grateful he added to that list one more time on Sunday.
Back to Corrigan Park once again next Saturday for the replay.