Cavan goals deny Tipp title

GAA: Allianz National Football League Division 4 Final

Cavan 2-10

Tipperary 0-15

Report: Liam Hogan at Croke Park

MATCH DIGEST

SCORERS – Cavan: Patrick Lynch 2-3 (0-1 free); Conor Moynagh, Gearoid McKiernan (free), Raymond Galligan (45), Padraig Faulkner, Cian Madden, James Smith, Stephen Smith 0-1 each.

Tipperary: Conor Sweeney 0-6 (3 frees); Mark Russell 0-4; Mikey O’Shea 0-2; Teddy Doyle, Jack Kennedy (free), Kevin Fahey 0-1 each.

Tipperary fell just short of a National League title as Cavan edged to victory in the Division 4 Football League final on Saturday.

Scores were level three times in opening fifteen minutes as Tipp took the lead on two occasions with Conor Sweeney (free), Mikey O’Shea and Teddy Doyle on the scoreboard. Conor Moynagh, Paddy Lynch (free) and Gearoid McKiernan scored for Cavan.

Paddy Lynch gave Cavan the lead in the nineteenth minute and three minutes later he was at the end of a movement involving James Smith and Stephen Smith to score a great goal from close range. This was after Tommy Maher had a goal chance at the other end, but he was well policed by Jason McLoughlin and Killian Clarke as Cavan cleared the danger.

With both teams gaining a lot of possession, the chances of scores were lite as far as forwards were concerned but Tipp could tank the imperious Mark Russell who scored two excellent points in the 25th & 27th minutes. Goal chances accrued also and in the 34th minute Luke Fortune was denied by Kevin Fahey.

At the other end Mikey O’Shea was fouled, not for the first time and Jack Kennedy converted a forty-metre free in added time just seconds before Mark Russell scored his third point, his best to date. Another minute of action followed and Ray Galligan pointed a 45 to see Cavan one ahead at the break, 1-5 to 0-7.

Tipp needed to get Conor Sweeney on the ball a bit more and he was on hand to score in the 37th minute to bring scores level for the fifth time. Mikey O’Shea edged Tipp in front in the 39th minute but full back Padraig Faulkner had Cavan on level terms a minute later.

Conor Sweeney had Tipp on level terms in the 45th minute and he added another point five minutes later before a quick response by James Smith made it 0-11 to 1-8.

Not to be outdone but Mark Russell had Tipp in front with his fourth in the 52nd minute. Seconds later he was withdrawn before Kevin Fahey moved Tipp two clear and were on the up, we thought.

But Cavan looked dangerous on the break and in the 61st minute Lynch had them level with a free and a minute later he had his second goal after a Tipp attack was foiled and Cavan set of on a fast-paced counter-attack with Gearoid McKiernan and Thomas Galligan involved.

With six minutes remaining Sweeney pulled Tipp back to within two with a close range free. Tipp continued to attack but were sometimes careless on the turnover, but they eventually came within the minimum when Sweeney pointed another free but not after Stephen Quirke struck the crossbar.

TEAMS - Cavan: Raymond Galligan (6); Luke Fortune (7), Padraig Faulkner (7), Killian Brady (7); Jason McLoughlin (7), Conor Moynagh (7), Gerard Smith (7); James Smith (7), Killian Clarke (6); Thomas Galligan (6), Gearoid McKiernan (6), Cian Madden (6); Evan Finnigan (7), Patrick Lynch (8), Stephan Smith (6).

Subs: Conor Brady for Brady (47); Caoimhin O’Reilly for Madden (49); Conor Madden (6) for G Smith (60); Chris Conroy for Finnegan (63); Niall Murray (NR) for S Smith (70+5).

Tipperary: Michael O’Reilly (Clonmel Commercials 8); Shane O’Connell (Golden Kilfeacle 7), Jimmy Feehan (Killenaule 7), Jack Harney (Moyle Rovers 7); Kevin Fahey (Clonmel Commercials 7) Colm Shaughnessy (Ardfinnan 7), Tommy Maher (Loughmore/Castleiney 7); Conal Kennedy (Clonmel Commercials 7), Mark Russell (Aherlow 8); Bill Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash 8), Jack Kennedy (Clonmel Commercials 7), Teddy Doyle (Ballina 7); Mickie O’Shea (Mullinahone 7), Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen 7), Sean O’Connor (Clonmel Commercials 6).

Subs: Cathal Deeley (Clonmel Commercials 6) for O’Connor (17 inj); Willie Eviston (Loughmore/Castleiney) (6) for Harney (49); Stephen Quirke (Moyle Rovers 6) for Russell (55); Billy Hewitt (Ardfinnan 6) for Deeley (64); Martin Kehoe (Mullinahone NR) for Maher (69).

Referee: John Hickey (Carlow)