Simonstown crash back to earth as Rhode win

The Simonstown Gaels players were left feeling the bitter taste of disappointment when they lost out to Offaly side Rhode, 1-12 to 1-9, in the Leinster Club SFC at Tullamore today. 

Just weeks after they claimed the Keegan Cup for the first time Simonstown went into this game with realistic hopes of progressing.

That hope was further enhanced when they made a bright start with two points from Sean Tobin and one each from Pauric McKeever and Joe Lyons giving them a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. 

However they then lost their way and at the break Rhode led 0-6 to 0-4. During the first-half Simonstown Gaels manager Colm O'Rourke was also sent to the stand. 

There was further turmoil for the O'Rourke family in the second-half when Shane O'Rourke picked up a second yellow card and made the long, lonely walk. 

Points from Tobin and McKeever had drawn Simonstown level soon after the break only for Anton Sullivan to hit back for Rhode. 

After Shane O'Rourke's dismissal the Offaly side pushed on to lead 0-10 to 0-6 with Tobin reducing it to three with a point. 

Then Conor McNamee found the net for Rhode while Darren Garry added a point. Eanna Donoghue gave Simonstown hope with a goal from a penalty.

Mickey Brennan and Tobin tagged on two more points for the Meath champions in the closing stages but there was no stopping the Offaly side.