Trench Cup Final 2017

Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence

Saturday 18^th of February

DkIT vs WIT

3-10 to 1-14

MATCH REPORT:

Defending champions, DkIT faced formidable opposition from Waterford IT (WIT) who came through a very tough semi-final match just one day prior when they beat Marino Institute of Education by 1 point in a very tight contest. DkIT on the other hand had a very comfortable win over Blanchardstown IT, finishing at 1-18 to 3 points. With confidence levels through the roof and the experience and leadership of Oisin McConville and Shane Lennon in their favour, the DkIT side were more than ready to regain their crown. Perfect weather conditions and excitement in the air with the Siegerson Cup Final looming, both WIT and DkIT lined out to contest for Trench Cup.

DkIT shot out of the blocks with a goal from Gerard McSorley, who missed the semi-final due to suspension, pushing Dundalk straight in the lead with just one minute of the game down. The game dipped for the next 10 minutes until Monaghan man, Niall Kearns sailed through the air to collect a ball and raced up the field hand to toe and send the ball through the posts to put DkIT up on a score line of 1-1 to 0-1; a point fitting for the hallowed turf in Croke Park. WIT continued to keep the game close by tagging on 7 scores from free kicks; however DkIT kept their noses in front with scores from Dean Maguire and Tadhg McEnaeney. After a very stop start first half which saw DkIT miss out on two goal chances while playing into the wind, the Dundalk side finished at half time on a score line of DkIT 1-05 to 0-07 WIT.

With a tough team talk ahead knowing that WIT had wind advantage in the second half, Oisin McConville’s men once again tore into the WIT defence with a great break through the middle from Eunan Walsh who created an opportunity for Tadhg McEnaeney to coolly slot into the top corner. This put DkIT four points up just one minute into the second half. DkIT went on to dominate the next 10 minutes of the game tagging on scores and keeping possession. Dundalk players kept cool heads with Niall Kearns, Eunan Walsh and Dean Maguire seemingly in cruise control as WIT chased them down. After a sensational one handed catch from Donal Meegan and a pacey break from Dean Maguire who blasted home DkIT’s third goal of the game, putting them up by nine points. With just 15 minutes left, it looked certain that the Trench Cup would be heading back to the North East. However

However, the South East made it clear that they were not going to let this happen without a fight as they started to eat back into DkIT’s lead. Worryingly for Oisin McConville and his men WIT snatched at plenty of opportunities and with 4 minutes remaining the Waterford side broke down the DkIT wall and finally got the goal they needed. With just two points in it and WIT battering at the DKIT rear guard, they received a Free Kick 30-metres out and with no time left on the clock they dropped a ball into the goal mouth where Meath man John Smith soared through the air to collect a ball only to be pushed over the line. With everyone’s hearts in their mouths the ref blew for a free out and then for the Final Whistle. Fear turned into joy on the faces of the DkIT elite as they punched the air in celebration. Captain and Monaghan man Kieran Duffy stepped up to collect the Cup while Louth Man Tadhg McEnaeney collected the Man of the Match award for his 1-12 contribution to the Trench Cup Weekend.

1. Joe O’Donoghue Cavan                     Laragh United
2. Colm Meegan Monaghan Inniskeen
3. John Smith Meath Senchalstown
4. Caolan McElwain Monaghan             Scottstown
5. Eunan Walsh Antrim St Marys, Aghagallon (0-01)
6. Kieran Duffy Monaghan Latton O’Rahillys
7. Aidan Reilly Cavan Bailieborough Kickhams
8. Niall Kearns Monaghan Sean McDermotts (0-1)
9. Paul Gilchrist Cavan Lavey
10. Donal Meegan Monaghan Inniskeen (0-01)
11. Gerard McSorley Louth Dundalk Gaels (1-0)
12. Dean Maguire Louth Dundalk Young Irelanders (1-1)
13. Conor Doherty Donegal Kilcar
14. Tadhg McEnaeney Louth Kilkerly Emmet’s (1-6)                                                                                                   15.Pauric Keenan                 Monaghan             Corduff

Subs: Johnny Lynch (Meath), Jordan O Donughue (Louth), Ciaran Bellew (Louth), Alan McCahey (Monaghan), Eddie Markey (Monaghan), Terry Donegan (Louth), Stephen Kerr (Monaghan), Niall Keenan (Monaghan), Emmet Kirk (Louth), Robbie Curran (Louth), Fergal Malone (Monaghan), Francis O Rourke (Armagh), Sean Brennan (Louth), Stephen Mohan (Monaghan), Shane McIlroy (Monaghan