Elphin ease to O’Gara Cup crown
The Elphin side that claimed the O'Gara Cup at Orchard Park. Picture: Elphin GAA
Elphin cruised to a facile 20 point win over an understrength St. Faithleach’s outfit in the O’Gara Cup final.
The win ensured Elphin secured their first O’Gara Cup crown since 2019 as they turned on the afterburners in the second half.
St. Faithleach’s were without Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh while Darren Nerney, Mikey Dunne and Cian Glennon were also unavailable.
St. Faithleach’s scored first the first three points of the match through David Cox, Johnny Hussey and David Rooney and appeared in good shape playing against the elements.
Elphin found their rhythm soon after falling three behind and with Shane Killoran excelling at centre forward, kicking 0-3 from play, they began to build up the lead they felt they required. The home side found the goal they craved as Cillian Fox finished a well worked team goal to help his side lead 1-8 to 0-5 at half time.
St. Faithleach’s had the wind in the second half and appeared in a decent position to make the final half interesting. But they added just one more point to their final tally, that coming from corner back Anthony Cox. Elphin ran riot in a dour second half as they outscored St. Faithleach’s 2-9 to 0-1 after the break.
Frankie Cregg came off the bench and kicked four points, three from play. John Finnerty bagged 1-2 while Fox added his second goal. Evan Gunn shot four points, including a two-point free while Gavin Murray produced a Player of the Match display as Elphin romped to victory.
*Full report in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald*
