Sunday 22nd December 1pm
Erin’s Own Lavey v Enniskillen Gaels
The St. Paul’s-fonaCAB Minor football tournament has reached the semi-final stage and on Sunday Derry champions, Erin’s Own, Lavey face Enniskillen Gaels from Fermanagh in the first of the semi-finals
Lavey booked their place in Sunday’s semi-final of the Ulster Minor Football Championship after seeing off Cavan champions Drumloman Gaels 1-16-0-11 two weeks ago in the quarter-final at Colaiste Feirste.
Lavey were strongly fancied to progress to the last four but were made to work hard for victory as Drumloman made the faster start and led through early scores from Cormac McKeogh and Matthew McGahern (free).
It took Lavey until the midway point in the opening half to respond through a Matthew Downey free and the corner-forward levelled proceedings from the same scenario on 17 minutes.
The Downey’s, Matthew, Enda and Calum form a strong full-forward line for the Gulladuff side and all three were prominent for the Derry champions with Matthew Downey pointing four late frees in the opening half to bring his side level 0-6 to 0-6 at the half way stage.
Lavey hit the front for the first time through a Jamie Duggan point early in the second-half and four further scores followed as the Derry champions began to flex their muscles.
Matthew Downey played the providers role in the next score as Ryan McGill steered the ball over, while cousin Calum Downey engineered a fine score.
Calum’s brother Enda would convert back to back frees to give his side a 0-11-0-06 lead approaching the final quarter.
Drumloman fought back and with just two points between the side going into the closing stages Lavey finished strongly and a late goal from Matthew Downey saw them home by an eight point margin which slightly flattered them.
What about Enniskillen Gaels?
Three goals by Fermanagh kingpins Enniskillen Gaels ended the challenge of Antrim champions Erin’s Own Cargin at Shaw’s Road last Sunday.
Ryan McDonnell grabbed the first in the 24th minute to give his team a 1-03 to 0-03 interval advantage and when the impressive Conor Love added another a couple of minutes into the second half the Gaels were on their way.
Entering the final quarter the Antrim champions had reduced the deficit to a couple of points and looked to be in with every chance, but the next few minutes swung matters decisively in favour of the Gaels.
The Fermanagh lads broke up-field for James O’ Donnell and the excellent Conor Love to add back to back points and when Ross Bogue sent late replacement Josh Horan in for a goal they were back in full control.
Enniskillen had strong performers in Conor Murphy, who wore the number 9 jersey but lined out at full-back and did an excellent job in curtailing Cargin’s danger man, Pat Shivers. Ryan McDonnell, Conor Love and the roving Codi Hannigan also impressed in a solid if not spectacular win for the Fermanagh champions.
Lavey will probably start Sunday’s semi-final as favourites and Derry clubs have an excellent record in this tournament. The Duggan’s, McGurk’s and McGill clans were all prominent in their win over Drumloman Gaels at Colaiste Feirste while the Downey’s carry a prominent threat in attack.
Enniskillen Gaels have had the advantage of playing on grass in their opening game at St. Paul’s and will certainly not succumb without a fight but Lavey appear to have the greater strength in depth and I would expect them to advance to a place in the New Year’s Day final.
