Six sides represented in Herald Team of the Week
Tim Lambe and Cathal Heneghan both played their part in a memorable semi final between Roscommon Gaels and Michael Glaveys.
Last weekend saw five county semi finals down for decision as clubs across the county experienced the ecstasy and agony that comes with reaching such a critical juncture of any Championship. Here we select the 15 players that shone brightest on a weekend filled with tension, drama and storylines.
The Roscommon Gaels goalkeeper could do little about any of the three goals that his side conceded while he produced a vital intervention in extra time. Cathal Heneghan broke through and sought to play Niall Heneghan in for what would surely have been a game clinching goal.
Despite it being the pass of a tired player, Fetherstone expertly read the pass and gobbled up possession. In such moments are county semi finals won and lost.
Halpin impressed in every sector of the field as St. Barry’s moved a step closer to helping the club secure their first Junior A title since 2007. He forced turnovers in defence, pressed aggressively in midfield and slotted three frees when called upon.
He showed impressive fortitude to kick the game winning placed ball in the 62nd minute as Halpin played a large role in ensuring St. Barry’s will be the county’s representatives in the provincial series.
Once more, Niall Higgins shone brightest for Elphin as he did a fine man marking job on inter county teammate Conor Cox. Elphin’s defensive system always meant scores would be at a premium, but Higgins played a large role in his side’s victory as he kept Cox, scoreless from play.
Higgins provided some inspiration up the field also as he won a crucial late free which Fintan Cregg slotted to ensure Elphin booked their final spot.
Pearses produced the best defensive showing by any team in this year’s Senior Championship as they expertly shutdown a St. Faithleach’s side that had kicked 3-17 in their sensational quarter final win over Clann. Caelim Keogh was at the heart of the solidity at the back as St. Faithleach’s were restricted to just one point from play.
Keogh’s fingerprints were littered all over Pearses’ positive play at both ends of the field as he produced another highly effective display.
One of the players of the Championship so far which is highlighted by the fact that this is his third time in The Roscommon Herald Team of the Week. His ability to time his runs from deep are a huge offensive weapon.
Even as the second half became scrappy, Kenny was able to maintain his impressive performance levels as he latched on to a Seán Canning pass before finding the net. Among the Players of the Year heading into the final!
The Strokestown defender slotted over two sublime scores off the outside of his right boot and continued to drive his team forward in the latter stages as they put Fuerty to the sword. Regan was also part of an impressive Strokestown rearguard that shut down Fuerty’s main men.
Regan set the tone early as he opened his side’s account with a lovely score before helping his team to finish the half strong with another gem before the break. An impressive showing at both ends of the pitch.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Tim Lambe had already produced a tireless display for the Gaels even before injury time, but he propelled himself for Team of the Week inclusion with his two injury time points. He showed a calmness and maturity beyond his years late on while he kept Gaels’ interests alive when he bravely denied Darragh Heneghan with a fine block.
His ability to score from deep may be useful against a Pádraig Pearses side which will provide little room to operate.
Although this display wasn’t as eye catching as some of Mollohan’s others during the campaign, he was highly effective throughout. His run for the goal will go under the radar but the midfielder showed great strength to take two challenges and hop the ball, which fell into the path of Shane Killoran, who had a simple assist for Evan Gunn.
Mollohan helped his side control the middle third while he kicked a rousing score in the second half.
Despite playing through the pain barrier, Daly continues to lead from the front. His superbly timed block on Diarmuid Murtagh in the second half showed his ability to read the game as he effectively eliminated any hopes of a St. Faithleach’s comeback.
His accurate supply of ball into attack helped Pearses gradually build up their opening half advantage as his presence in midfield helped the winners tear the St. Faithleach’s kickout the shreds.
When he’s on it, Conlon is simply one of the most entertaining forwards to watch in the county. His opening half display will live long in the memory as his each of his five opening half points were as good as the next.
The second half and in truth the remainder of the game was about putting in the hard yards off the ball. Yet he kicked a late free to ensure Roscommon Gaels had a glimmer of hope before their dramatic comeback.
In what was a superb advertisement for local club football, Cathal Heneghan helped Michael Glaveys play their part in a thrilling semi final showdown. He showed anticipation to read the intentions of Cathal Dineen before picking off the pass and holding his nerve to find the net.
He showcased his ability early doors to set the next man on the list up for the game’s opening score and from there Heneghan did everything possible to help Glaveys progress.
One would want a heart of stone to not feel sympathy for Darragh Heneghan after last Sunday’s epic semi final. He did everything possible to ensure Michael Glaveys secured their first county final appearance since 1996 as his pace and directness caused untold problems for the Gaels defence throughout.
The two points he kicked, including his side’s opener, only told a small part of the story as his directness and ability to pick out a pass moved Michael Glaveys to the cusp of creating history.
The duel between McGinley and Tadhg Lyons was always set to prove crucial with the former managing to edge it with his 1-3 helping Strokestown home. He stood up late on as after Fuerty made this a one point game entering the final quarter, they possessed genuine ambitions of an upset.
However, McGinley moved up a gear as he slotted over a late 1-2 as he expertly dispatched a penalty. He won the kickout for his side’s opening goal as McGinley bided his time before stamping his authority on this game.
The Elphin full forward produced a tireless display as he kicked three crucial scores to help Elphin progress one step further than last year. After a jittery start, Cregg showed his leadership qualities to kick the opening score of the game following a gorgeous dummy solo.
From there his influence grew as he ran himself into the ground, helping his side win a turnover in defence on the hour mark. An all action display.
McGann’s ability to continuously be out in front helped them link the play effectively.
His scores came at crucial times. He kicked a fine point to help his side respond following the concession of a quickfire 1-1 in the first half. Then after Gearoid Ennis opened the second half scoring, McGann led the fightback with a quickfire brace.
When Fuerty kicked four in a row to make this a one score game after 45 minutes, McGann stepped up with two more lovely points late on to seal Strokestown’s final berth.
