St Joseph’s stand firm to deny Timahoe and lift Junior ‘A’ title
Sean Rowan was on the mark for St Joseph's kicking six points in the JFC 'A' final win over Timahoe Photo: Denis Byrne
ST Joseph’s claimed the Laois Shopping Centre Junior ‘A’ Football Championship title with a three-point victory over Timahoe under the lights of Laois Hire O’Moore Park on Friday evening.
Despite the defeat, Timahoe will represent Laois in Leinster, with St Joseph’s unable to progress as they are the club’s second team.
Timahoe came into the final hoping to make an immediate return to the intermediate ranks following their relegation last year, but they were made to work hard by a St Joseph’s side who held the upper hand for much of the contest.
St Joseph’s got off to a bright start, with Sean Rowan opening the scoring from a free after Eoin Culleton had gathered a dropped shot, only to lose possession on a solo run away from goal. The Timahoe defence were forced to foul to prevent a clear goal opportunity.
Sam Lynch added another point before Joe O’Connor got Timahoe on the scoreboard. Damien O’Connor also raised a white flag for Timahoe, but St Joseph’s continued to respond through Matty Campion, who pointed straight from Dan Dunne’s kick-out, and Lynch, who registered his second of the evening.
Sean Ramsbottom kept Timahoe in touch with a two-point free, but St Joseph’s continued to find scores through Rowan and a fine finish from Cormac Murphy from the terrace side of the pitch.
Timahoe scored a point through Ramsbottom after St Joseph’s broke the three-men-up rule, but the same infringement at the other end allowed Rowan to respond from a free this time for a three-men-back breach. Rowan added another point as St Joseph’s took control of the closing stages of the half. At the break, St Joseph’s held a three-point advantage, leading 0-8 to 0-5.
St Joseph’s resumed in determined fashion, with Lynch and Murphy extending their advantage. Timahoe needed a response, and Ramsbottom duly delivered with an excellent two-pointer off the outside of his boot to reduce the gap.
Murphy restored St Joseph’s momentum, combining neatly with James Smith in a one-two before pointing, while Rowan added another score to strengthen the winners’ position. Timahoe refused to give in, however, and Damien O’Connor landed a superb two-pointer to leave just a goal between the sides and give the underdogs renewed hope.
St Joseph’s responded impressively. Bobby Rowan embarked on a superb solo run before finishing with a point, while Sean Rowan added another to bring his tally to six points for the evening.
Lynch had a chance to put further daylight between the teams, but his goal attempt was saved by Culleton, keeping Timahoe within touching distance.
Pauric Ramsbottom pointed for Timahoe to keep the pressure on, but Conor Kealy replied for St Joseph’s. Damien O’Connor and Sean Ramsbottom, from a free, added further points for Timahoe as they battled to get back into contention. Despite the late efforts from a Timahoe free which saw St Joseph’s cover the goal line, St Joseph’s held firm to secure a deserved three-point victory on a final scoreline of 0-15 to 0-12.
For Timahoe, the result brings disappointment in the final but also the opportunity to represent Laois on the provincial stage. Their Leinster campaign now offers a chance to build on their performance and continue their push following last year’s relegation from intermediate football.
St Joseph’s: Sean Rowan 0-6 (0-3fs), Cormac Murphy and Sam Lynch 0-3 each, Matty Campion, Bobby Rowan, and Conor Kealy 0-1 each.
Timahoe: Sean Ramsbottom 0-6 (1tpf, 1tp, 0-2fs), Damien O’Connor 0-4 (1tp), Pauric Ramsbottom and Joe O’Connor 0-1 each.
Dan Dunne; Conor Kealy, Adam Benson Byrne, Charlie Crehan; Colin Campion, Aidan Brennan, Jamie Kelly; Mikey Fleming, Mikey Murphy; Jack Gorman, Matty Campion, Bobby Rowan; Sean Rowan, Cormac Murphy, Sam Lynch.
Subs: James Smith for Fleming (39m), Peter O’Donnell for C Murphy (47m), Seamus Farrelly for Gorman (55m), Willie McDonald for Lynch (58m), Eoin Cahill for Kealy (61m).
Eoin Culleton; Rhys Kelly, Eoin Shortall, Colm Dundon; David Lalor, Daire McDonald, Conor Whelehan; Damien O’Connor, Colm Lalor; Sean Ramsbottom, Conor Fitzpatrick, Enda Shortall; Pauric Ramsbottom, Seamus Ramsbottom, Joe O’Connor.
Subs: Colum Dunne for Seamus Ramsbottom (41m), Padraig Kelly for D Lalor (42m), Liam McEvoy for P Ramsbottom (57m).
Mick Tarpey (Kilcavan)
