Senior Championship 16/08/09

Strokestown 1-15 St. Faithleachs 2-09 (Roscommon Herald match report 18/08/09)

Those who feel that scoring difference is an unfair system of deciding placings in the group stages of the championship when teams finish level on points would have garnered plenty of ammunition for their argument in Strokestown on Sunday last. Needing an eight point victory to reach the quarter-finals, Strokestown produced a performance laden with spirt and courage that ultimately came up short of the miracle they required. The home side played as well as they've played all year but, ultimately, ended up in relegation trouble.

The tough conditions didn't deter both teams from producing one of the best games in this years championship. Strokestown deserve immense credit for keeping the game alive and they created more than enough chances to eke out the winning margin they required. Unfortunately a couple of defensive lapses proved costly and Aidan Dooney's two goals kept Faithleach's in the hunt to confirm their place in the quarter-final.
Dooney's second goal arrived two minutes from time when Strokestown were five points to the good and threatening to poach the goal they required to put the cat among the pigeons. Yet the home side kept trying to the end with Conor Silke and John Rogers flashing shots either side of the post in injury-time. Faithleach's goalkeeper Derek Thompson also had to be alert to parry Rogers' goalbound shot around the post in the games dying embers. While Faithleach's played well within themselves, Clement McCormack's accuracy from open play alongside Dooney's two goals saved them from an embarrising exit.

Playing against the wind and the rain in the opening half, Strokestown took the game to St. Faithleach's. A pointed free from John Rogers inside the first minute signalled early intent on the 'Towns part but two points from Clement McCormack inside a minute settled his sides nerves. The visitors surged further ahead in the 13th minute when MartinReynolds picked out Henry Kenny in space and the corner forward pointed with aplomb.
To Strokestown's credit they dominated the rest of the half. Mattie Colum fastened himself onto the end of an enterprising move in the 21st minute after Rogers had pointed a free four minutes earlier. Sandwhiched between those two scores was a free from Darragh Hussey and an excellent point from the right wing by Brian Murtagh. Rogers and Gary Cox traded points before a flurry of scores before the half-time whistle gave Strokestown a one point lead. Conor Silke and Niall Brogan landed two excellent efforts from play before Rogers gave his side the lead score from a free, 0-7 to 0-6.
Within two minutes of the restart, Rogers had pointed again with his left foot. A foul on Faitleach's wing back Kieran Brennan resulted in a free for Hussey before Dooney struck for his first goal. In reality it was a gift from the Strokestown defence as the full-forward intercepted Ronan Owens' pass, raced through on goal and planted the ball beyond John McHugh in the Strokestown goal. Yet Strokestown continued to push forward with Seamus Collins prominent at midfield and Paul McLoughlin very impressive in defence. Rogers bisected the posts from a sideline kick but the ever reliable McCormack pointed from an acute angle up the other end of the field. Some great work by Paddy Brogan in the 43rd minute saw Pearse McGinley pump possession into Mattie Colum on the edge of the square. He directed the ball to the supporting Rogers who duly raised a green flag to give Strokestown belief once again. Two frees from Rogers were followed by a '45 from goalkeeper John McHugh as Strokestown went for broke. Conor Silke and Padraig Wallace swapped points from play before Strokestown wing-back John Hagan ambled forward to restore his side's five point advantage. The impossible now looked very possible and Faithleach's full-back Derek Murray had to make a crucial interception in the 56th minute. Two minutes later, Dooney gave his side the breathing space they required when he was on the end of a move involving substitute Alan Brehon. A Silke point pushed Strokestown's lead out to three points, but try as they might their bravery wasn't rewarded.

Strokestown: J.McHugh (0-1, a'45), J.Doaln, R.Owens, P.McLoughlin, J.Hagan (0-1), M.Beirne, N.Brogan (0-1), P.McGinley, S.Collins, P.Brogan, J.Rogers (1-8, six frees, one sideline), M.Colum (0-1), D.Rogers, C.Silke (0-3), E.Molloy. Subs: T.Hanly for J.Dolan (54 mins), T.Hughes for P.McGinley (55mins), C.Compton for E.Molloy (56mins).

Roscommon Herald Player of the Match: Paul McLoughlin (Strokestown)
The Strokestown corner-back had an excellent game and epitomised his team's never-say-die spirit. He disrupted the St.Faithleach's supply lines and made a number of excellent interceptions. Seamus Collins, John Rogers and Conor Silke also tried hard for the winners. Best for St.Faithleach's were Enda Kenny, Kieran Brennan, Clement McCormack.

(words by Ian Cooney, Roscommon Herald)

Tansey Cup: Strokestown V Oran 24/05/09

Strokestown 2-3, Oran 1-14.

Team: Thomas Shanagher, Damian Shaughnessy, Ciarán O'Reilly, Alan Kelly, Paul McLoughlin, Cian Crosbie, Donal Molloy, Philip Duignan, Cormac Hanly, James Carr (0-1), Niall Brogan (1-0), Leo Cauneen, David Parker, Conor Silke (0-2), David Kelly (1-0).
Subs: Andrew Duignan, Colm Dowd.

O'Rourke Cup 15/05/09 Strokestown V St.Brigids

St. Brigids 3-12, Strokestown 1-17

The 747 sponsored senior team lost out to St. Brigids in a fantastic game of football in the O'Rourke Cup on Friday evening last in Kiltoom. Despite scoring 20 points Town still lost by the minimum of margins. The game was a highlight of all that is good in football with both teams fully commited to the cause. The never say die attitude shown from the Black and amber was exemplery as the boys battled back on a couple of occasions from a position from where it looked like the home side were in the ascendency. The tough work done earlier in the year on the training field was certainly in eveidence as Strokestown were well able to play for the full 65 to 70 minutes that were played.
If it was not only for two very fortunate goals for the home side Strokestown would have been very comfortable winners. The first was a simple finish from the edge of the square after an effort for a point came back off the post. Despite this Town managed to claw their way back into the game scoring 11 points in the first half to draw level approaching half time but then Brigids struck for their freak second goal. A shot which was going right and wide deflected of the head of a St. Brigids player and sent the ball into the opposite corner of the net.
In the second half Strokestown again faught their way back and actually took the lead with a goal from David Parker. But Brigids then got their third goal when Their right half forward was aloowed to cut in from the right and finish low into the bottom corner. With about 5 minutes to go Strokestown found themselves down by 5 points and the game looked over but again the boys managed to put the minimum between the sides with 4 consecutive points and were very unfortunate not to see one of the efforts go under the crossbar.
In the end St. Brigids just managed to hang on with some of their players admitting afterwards that they didn't deserve the win. The game bodes well for Strokestown as despite a number of injuries and absentees the lads who came in certainly making a case for their place on the championship team in 5 weeks time. Best for Strokestown on the day were Matty Colum, Thomas Shanagher, David Parker and the ever dependable captain John Rogers. Others to impress and who covered huge amounts of ground were Morgan Beirne, John Hagan and Daniel Rogers.

TEAM: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Daniel Rogers (0-1), Morgan Beirne, Emmet Collins (0-1), Matty Colum (0-2), Seamus Collins (0-2), John Hagan (0-1), John Rogers (0-5), Ruaidhri Molloy (0-1), Thomas Shanagher (0-2), Ronan Owens, David Parker (1-2).
SUBS: Damian Caslin for Colin Dowd, Thomas Hughes for Ruaidhri Molloy, Donal Molloy for Emmet Collins.

Strokestown V St. Aidans, O'Rourke Cup 08/05/09

Strokestown 0-12, St. Aidans 2-10.

*Game was switched to Ballyforan due to the pitch in Farnbeg being unplayable.

Team: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Paul McLoughlin, Morgan Beirne, Daniel Rogers, John Hagan, Seamus Collins, Matty Colum, Ronan Owens, Ruaidhri Molloy, Emmet Collins, Niall Brogan, John Rogers.
Subs: Paddy Brogan for Paul McLoughlin, Damian Caslin for Colin Dowd, Thomas Shanagher for Emmet Collins.

O'Rourke Cup Strokestown V Kilmore 25/04/09

Strokestown 0-13, KIlmore 0-11.

The senior team made it 4 wins on the trot with a fantastic derby victory over Kilmore in Kilmore. A stunning second half performance was the catalyst for the black and amber victory with Coman and Colm on the sideline making some astute tactical changes which worked out perfectly.

Strokestown began the first 10 minutes of the game brightly registering the first score and adding a second but after this until the 29' it was all Kilmore. Town seemed unable to get the ball inside the Kilmore 45 during this period with the home side pouring on and picking up all the braking ball. In this spell Kilmore kicked 7 unanswered points. Strokestown crucially got a 3rd point in the last minute of the half which left a 4 point gap between the sides. For all Kilmore's pressure they still hadn't managed to create a clear winning margin.

The second half was a completly different affair from a black and amber perspective. Town made 3 changes at half time with Paddy Brogan replacing Davie Parker, Damian Caslin replacing Johnny Dolan and Ronan Owens replacing Emmet Collins. In fact with some tactical manouvering from the side line Shovels went in to the edge of the Kilmore square with John Rogers reverting to wing back and Paddy Brogan playing corner forward. Strokestown also dispensed with the 2 man inside forward line and reverted to the traditional 3 man full forward line. These tactical changes prooved to be the winning of the game with Town keeping alot better shape and playing like men possessed. Morgan Beirne who had also switched from centre back to mid field, with John Hagan going the other way, was a constant thorn for the Kilmore team around the middle. Shaggy picked up numerous breaking ball and was winning the ugly ball. In fact John Hagan did an outstanding job at centre back expertly man marking Kilmores dangerous centre forward.
With a greater amount of posession and more urgency Town began to bite away at the Kilmore lead with scores coming from John Rogers, Rory Molloy and Seamus Collins. Kilmore tagged on a couple of scores to retake the lead but back came the black and amber, with Matty Colum catching some great ball in the middle of the park and allowing the forward line gain the ball and draw the fouls which John Rogers converted.
With the sides tied with 5 minutes to play it was Strokestown who found that little bit more to carve out a victory. First Paddy Broagn, who had a stormer at corner forward, sent over a superb point with the outside of his boot and John Rogers sealed the win with a free from the 21. The game ended with Kilmore searching for the 3 pointer but the Town backline held firm dealing fantastically with all the high ball that was thrown their way.

Team: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Paul McLoughlin, Daniel Rogers, Morgan Beirne, Emmet Collins, John Hagan, Seamus Collins (0-1), Matty Colum, Niall Broagn, Rory Molloy(0-1), John Rogers (0-7), Conor Silke (0-3), David Parker.
Subs: Damian Caslin for Johnny Dolan, Paddy Broagn (0-1) for David Parker, Ronan Owens for Emmet Collins.

O'Rourke Cup Strokestown V St Faithleachs 18/04/09

Strokestown 1-12, St Faithleachs 0-10

Team & scorers: John Mchugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Daniel Rogers, Morgan Beirne, Emmet Collins, John Hagan, Seamus Collins (0-2), Matty Colum, Niall Brogan (0-2), Rory Molloy (0-1), John Rogers (0-1), Conor Silke (0-4), Enda Molloy (1-2).
Subs: Paul McLoughlin for Colin Dowd, Paddy Brogan for Enda Molloy, Ronan Owens for Seamus Collins.

Strokestown V Padraig Pearses 13/04/09

Strokestown 2-08, Padraig Pearses 0-06

Strokestown picked up their second win in the league with an impressive 8 point victory over Padraig Pearses on Easter Monday.
Played in poor conditions it was the home side who got to grips with the weather the best. Strokestown began the game with a bang finding the back of the Pearses net after a couple of minutes. The move began with Colin Dowd winning possesion on his own 14 yard line. From there it was worked up to Rory Molloy who delivered a fantastic ball into his brother Enda who in turn passed into Conor Silke who finished to the net. This gave 'Town emphasis in the game and they certainly up the ante with faboulus scores coming Niall Brogan, Enda Molloy, John Rogers (3) and Conor Silke. In fact it could have been more but for the Pearses goalkeeper making a fantastic save from Silke mid-way through the half. Pearses themselves responded with just 2 points during the half. At half time 'Town held a 7 point lead but had to face the wind in the second half.

The second half was all about the pressure exerted by the Strokestown players. The forward line put severe pressure on their oponents not allowing them a second on the ball thus preventing them from delivering quality ball. This gave the backs ample opportunity to win 50 50 balls that ended up being kicked in. In fact it was from one of these turnovers that 'Town extended their lead to 10 points. Matty Colum found himself 1 on 1 with the Pearses keeper and superbly slotted the ball left footed past him. Strokestown added a further 2 points during the half from John Rogers and Conor Silke. In reply Padraig Pearses could only tag on 4 points, 3 coming from frees.

This was another wonderful display from the 'Town, who were without a number of individuals on the day. This was also an important win as Padraig Pearses lie in wait in the championship this summer. Hopefully the outcome that day will be just as good.

Team: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Daniel Rogers, Emmet Collins, Ruairi Farrell, Matty Colum, Seamus Collins, Paddy Brogan, Niall Brogan, Rory Molloy, John Rogers, Conor Silke, Enda Molloy.

O'Rourke Cup, Strokestown V Castlerea 04/04/09

Strokestown 2-9, Castlerea 0-7.

The senior team picked up their first 2 points of the year with a comprehensive victory over reigning county champions Castlerea in Strokestown on saturday evening last. The overnight rain left the pitch in a very bad state but it was Strokestown who managed the conditions much the better.

Playing into a strong wind in the first half Strokestown played some very good football at times. One aspect of play that stood out during the half was the great support play of the black and amber. This led to one goal in the first half, a rasper from Conor Silke. Town could have had a second goal but John Hagan saw his effort just go over the crossbar for a point. Hagan, playing in mid-field, also added a second point during the half. Enda Molloy and John Rogers also added a point each during the half. Castlerea kept in touch with points from the vetern Derek Duggan and Ger Heneghan frees. One sour note from the first half was the bad injury picked up by Thomas Hughes who was replaced by Rory Molloy. At half time Strokestown went in with a 2 point cushion leading 1-4 to 0-5.

Castlerea opened the scoring at the start of the second half to leave just the minimum between the sides but after this it became all about the black and amber. Strokestown tagged on further points from Enda Molloy and 3 John Rogers scores. Castlerea tried there best to get back into the game but found the Strokestown backline in a particularly mean mood, giving the visitors no time on the ball and forcing countless turnovers. In fact Castlerea were restricted to just 2 points in the second half both coming from placed balls. Strokestown finished the game in style with Niall Brogan grabbing the second goal of the game, again after some very slick passing from the home side, and Emmet Collins sending a long range effort over the bar.

This was a very impressive display from the Town with the players showing a great hunger for the victory. Hopefully the team can build on this performance and pull themselves further up the league table.

Team & scorers: John McHugh, Johnny Dolan, Ciarán O'Reilly, Colin Dowd, Daniel Rogers, Cormac Hanly, Emmett Collins(0-1), John Hagan(0-2), Seamus Collins, Thomas Hughes, Niall Brogan(1-0), Matty Colum, John Rogers(0-4), Conor Silke(1-0), Enda Molloy(0-2).
Subs: Rory Molloy for Thomas Hughes, Thomas Shanagher for Conor Silke, Paul McLoughlin for Cormac Hanly.

Strokestown V St. Joseph's - Tansey Cup March 21

Strokestown 4-4, St. Joseph's 2-7.

Strokestown Juniors secured their first win of the year with a hard earned victory over Kilteevan side St. Joseph's. In a game that ebbed and flowed either way it was Strokestown's ability to create and finish goal scoring opportunities which enabled the 'town to claim the 2 points on offer.

Playing against the wind in the first half Stroketown played some lovely football. Great support play at times helped the black and amber cut through the visitors back line. It was this great support play which allowed Strokestown to score 2 crucial goals which were clinically finished to the net by Niall Brogan and Thomas Shanagher respectively. St. Joseph's however kept in touch kicking 4 points of their own in the first half. The visitors could have had more were it not for the good handling of goalkeeper Francis Convey who was making his first appearance for a Strokestown adult team. Strokestown finished the half strongly by tagging on a further point from Thomas Shanagher who was proving himself a handful for the Joseph's defenders.

The second half started with both sides exchanging points with Rory Molloy getting the town's score. The next 15 minutes was then all St. Joseph's as the town struggled to get the ball into their full forward line. In this period Joseph's scored 2 goals and 3 points to pull level and then take the lead. It could have been more were it not for some heroic defending from the 'town defence with Cormac Hanly putting in one outstanding block in particular. In the final 10 minutes Strokestown began to regain their shape and composere and managed to get the scores they needed. A great diagonal ball from Rory Molloy found Shanagher who gathered Donaghyesque and fired over the bar from the 21. Then Shanagher scored his second goal after finding himself one on one with the goalkeeper. Seamus Collins then sent a goal bound effort thundering off the crossbar but got a point from the effort. Conor Silke had a good opportunity but his shot narrowly went the wrong side of the post. Finally it was left to John Hagan to finish off St. Joseph's when his shot looped over the Joseph's goalkeeper to find the net for Strokestown's fourth goal of the game. It must be said that it was a horrible attempt at a point but Hagan maintains that he was in fact going for goal.