Paul McGirr Tournament
Rossa v Carrickmacross
Antrim champions O’Donavan Rossa progressed to the semi-final of the Paul McGirr Ulster Championship with a one point victory over the impressive Monaghan representatives Carrickmacross in Dromore on Saturday.
The Monaghan champions went ahead early in the first half with some excellent point scoring from Cian Conlon and a well taken goal from the impressive Dualta Honney. Rossa took time to establish themselves in the game. They got off the mark with a well taken goal from the lively Barra McCaffrey. Ruaidhrí Murray played a long ball from midfield straight into the path of Liam Carr, and his smart lay off saw McCaffrey break through The Farney defence and finish well into the top corner. The two teams were well marshalled in defence after they settled and quite a bit of the engagements were taking place in the middle third with Rossa’s Ben McAuley, Eoin Trainor, Paddy Moyes and Ruaidhrí Murray beginning to dominate the physical contest. Rossa also had the benefit of Diarmaid Rogan and Captain Conor Boyle making great runs from deep. Rossa players found themselves with hands on heads, ten minutes before half time as Dualta Honney broke through on an overhead hand pass and fisted low passed Se McCashin in the Rossa net. With Carrickmacross now five points clear Rossa responded with an outstanding goal from the very impressive Michael McDaid. He found himself one on one with Carrickmacross’ Jack Carolan on the wing and managed to round The Farney defender and headed direct for goal. An outstanding finish from McDaid which left two points between the teams at half time.
Rossa came out a different team in the second half. Some of their impressive performances throughout the Antrim championship suggested there was definitely more to come. Rossa took control of the game from the whistle and the midfield pairing of Murray and McAuley were finding space inside the Carrickmacross defence and taking their scores. The Monaghan champions fought hard and even with two defenders marking Liam Carr tightly, the man of the match still managed to fire Rossa’s third goal and see off the Farney challenge. McDaid caught a direct kick out from McCashin and, ignoring the chance of a mark, ran straight through the midfield and delivered a superb ball into Carr who gathered amidst two defenders and headed straight for goal. A calmly taken finish would edge Rossa in front, a lead which they refused to relinquish with strong defensive showings from Barry Hegarty and Mattie McKiernan.
This was another great day for Rossa in Dromore at the Paul McGirr and great credit must go to their joint managers Bill Kelly and Declan White for having their chargers in great shape and the team are now looking forward to their semi -final .
