GAA: Graiguecullen back on the Laois landscape

10/15/2001 -

Graiguecullen 1-12, Ballyfin 2-7


Graiguecullen are back on the Laois football map as they added the Minor ‘B’ football title to the under 16 ‘A’ crown won 10 days earlier, after a thrilling final victory over a gritty Ballyfin side which made a huge contribution to a game of quality in the opening one on the final treble header at O’Moore Park on Sunday.

This was an excellent game of football for this grade and it certainly proved a far better encounter than the ‘A’ final that followed but maybe it was because the teams were so evenly matched.

At the end it was Graiguecullen who celebrated with abandon as Ballyfin will wonder what they have to do to win a title coming so close and almost causing a major shock.

Graiguecullen came into the game as hot favourites but were shocked early on with a goal from Ballyfin and even though they came back with a goal of their own to take the lead they were again rocked as Ballyfin found the net again and after a highly competitive first half the teams finished level.

The game was in the balance right up to the final whistle as Graiguecullen just did enough to hold out for a significant title victory.

They can thank their man of the match Mark Doogue for their championship victory as his total of 1-8 from the full forward spot was a huge contribution and apart from his scoring ability he was head and shoulders above everyone else with his skill and ball playing ability a joy to watch.

While Ballyfin were probably the better overall team it was Mark Doogue’s performance that won the title for Graiguecullen at the end of the day.

Ballyfin have threatened to win a number of championships this year and for a traditional hurling area they have certainly come a long way in the football stakes. They have yet to play the replay of the under 21 football ‘B’ final against The Harps and for periods near the end it looked as if this one might go to a replay such was the closeness of the game but in the end thanks to Mark Doogue Graigue just held out.

It was some consolation for the Barrow side boys who a year ago with the help of some players from Killeshin qualified for the ‘A’ minor final but were removed from the competition and the title awarded to St.John Bosco’s. This year they decided to go it alone and it has proved an unqualified success for the famous club and certainly looks promising for them in the future at adult level.

Ballyfin showed that they were a formidable outfit right from the throw in and brought the game to their more illustrious opponents with corner forward Sean Lowry opening the scoring with a delightful point after just three minutes but Mark Doogue quickly matched that score with a fine point as well as he won possession in front of goals and showed his skill as he beat the defence with style.

Ballyfin then rocked their opponents when a high ball into the square was brilliantly punched to the net by centre forward Eoin Kearns.

Graigue responded with points from Brian Maguire and Mark Doogue after a defensive error but Scoot Connolly kept Balyfin ahead from a free.

Then came a period of dominance from Gangue as first Brian Maguire responded with a point from an impossible angle and then persistent pressure on the Ballyfin goal ended with Doogue gathering the breaking ball and slotting it to the back of the net from close range and he added a point after a poor kick out from the Ballyfin goalie and his side led by three points at the end of the first quarter.

There was excellent football being played by both sides and the standard was way above what one would expect at ‘B’ level.

Ballyfin came back at Graigue and two fine attacking points from Dermot McGill and John J McHugh narrowed the gap to the minimum and then they took the lead when Eoin Kearns fired home his second goal with a brilliant strike from 14 metres for a 2-4 to 1-5 lead.

Graigue finished the half in style and Mark Doogue added three points to just a single response from Ballyfin as Eoin Kearns gathered a breaking ball from Paddy Kirwan to leave the half time score level at 2-5 for Ballyfin and 1-8 for Graigue.

The scoring may have slowed down a little in the second half but not the standard of the game even as the rain came down.

Ian Fleming, the star of the under 16 final, put Graiguecullen ahead on the restart but Scott Connolly quickly equalised. Mark Doogue gave his side the lead again with another great score in the 4th minute and unbelievably it was to be the last score for almost 18 minutes during which both teams had scoring chances that included a couple of missed goal opportunities.

Eventually with 8 minutes substitute Barry O’Sullivan capitalised on poor defending by Ballyfin to notch a point and put his side two points clear but Ballyfin continued to apply the severest of pressure and a Scott Connolly point narrowed the gap to the minimum again.

The final score of the game was another Mark Doogue special as he took a perfect pass from Seamus Doogue and taking on the defence finished with style.

Ballyfin came in search of a winning goal but Graigue held firm and onto their two points lead to the final whistle.

Apart from the superb Mark Doogue Graiguecullen had outstanding performers in defenders Peter Murray, Pat Murphy, Fionn O’Rourke, Captain Terry Haughney and Bobby Doyle.

Michael Hande and Ross Alcock had a great battle with their opponents in the middle of the field while up front Rory Hurley, Seamus Doogue, Ian Fleming and substitute Barry O’Sullivan gave most assistance.

Ballyfin had their heroes even in defeat with diminutive corner back Peter Lowry one of the best competitors on the field. Alan Strong and Eoin Dunphy also defended stoutly.

County minor hurler John Joe McHugh had a superb game at midfield assisted by Colin McGill while up front Eoin Kearns scored two smashing goals with Sean Lowry and Scott Connolly also impressive.

A delighted Terence Haughney accepted the minor ‘B’ cup from county board vice chairman Brian Allen after a great game.

Graiguecullen: Peter Murray, Damien Hackett, Pat Murphy, Fionn O’Rourke, Neil Moriarty, Terence Haughney, Bobby Doyle, Michael Hande, Ross Alcock, Seamus Doogue, Brian Maguire 0-1, Rory Hurley, Ian Fleming 0-1, Mark Doogue 1-8, Brian Lawlor 0-1.

Sub: Barry O’Sullivan for Brian Lawlor.

Balyfin: Barry Meade, Peter Lowry, Colin Connolly, Ronan McGrath, Alan Strong, Eoin Dunphy, William Phelan, John Joe McHugh 0-1, Dermot McGill 0-1, Eddie O’Connor, Eoin Kearns 2-1, Gary Dunne, Sean Lowry 0-1, Paddy Kirwan, Scott Connolly 0-2.

Ref: Tony Maher Portlaoise.