Fast finishing Elphin secure Intermediate glory

Elphin kicked the final 1-5 without reply to secure their first county intermediate title since 2003 as they denied Strokestown an immediate return to the top table.

Strokestown appeared to hold the edge as they levelled the contest at 0-7 to 1-4 after 42 minutes following a pair of inspirational scores from Kevin Finn. From there though Elphin moved through the gears as their replacements, particularly John Finnerty helped them overwhelm a weary Strokestown.

Fintan Cregg kicked 1-4 in the final quarter as he palmed to the net in the 46th minute for a crucial score that helped his side regain their half time advantage of four points. Cregg kicked two fine scores from play while Evan Gunn made this a three score game in the 59th minute as Elphin will dine at the top table in 2025.

Nigel Dineen’s side started much the quicker. They moved three points to the good after Aaron Brady strode forward to slot a ’45 before a sumptuous ball down the line from Evan Gunn saw Shane Killoran cut in from the stand side and fist over.

Powerful running by Nessan Lenehan culminated in Gavin Murray leaving Elphin 0-3 to no score ahead. Strokestown hit back when Shane McGinley, who was excellently marshalled by Alex Gleeson, was felled with Diarmuid McGann knocking over the free.

Despite seeing Strokestown get off the mark, it was Elphin who continued to control proceedings as they kept possession for extended periods and waited for the ideal opportunity to strike.

Fintan Cregg earned his side a free before he slotted over to push the gap back to three points.

Then in the 23rd minute, Elphin struck a decisive blow. After a lengthy period of possession, Fintan Cregg saw his long range effort fall short. Niall Curley gathered possession in the Elphin goal, but Shane Killoran produced a textbook tackle to dislodge possession and force the ball over the goal-line.

Finding themselves 1-4 to 0-1 down with the wind at their backs, Strokestown began to find a semblance of momentum in attack as McGann and McGinley both slotted a free apiece to cut Elphin’s lead to four at the break.

Strokestown turned the screw on the Elphin kickout in the third quarter as they won four of their opponents’ first six restarts in the final period.

This helped them eat into the Elphin lead as McGinley and McGann slotted a free apiece. Finn’s second monster score left them level and primed for a strong finish.

Elphin had other ideas as Fintan Cregg stood up when needed once again with Nigel Dineen’s side now left to savour promotion and a crack at the Connacht Championship.