Moyfenragh inflict pain on the Crew

THE penultimate hurdle is becoming insurmountable for Lough Crew in the Regional FC.

For the fourth successive year the north Meath outfit managed by Davy Nelson came up short at the semi-final stage in Dunganny on Sunday. They were minus talisman Daire Shine and were out muscled by the south Meath side in a contest that only caught fire in the closing minutes.

Moyfenragh, who were finalists in 2023, had matters very much their own way for lengthy spells with county development squad players Ciaran McCarrick (Dunshaughlin), Mark Coffey (Ballinabrackey) and Adam Quinn (Donaghmore/Ashbourne) influential figures. The physical presence of Damien Healy, David Raleigh and Niall Durkan also played a vital role with Boardsmill man Durkan excelling from both placed balls and open play and contributing six points.

McCarrick was the outstanding player on view and could see action with the county in 2026. Lough Crew could never find a way past him throughout the opening half at the end of which they trailed 0-2 to 0-6.

Goalkeeper Thomas Raleigh came to his side’s rescue with a double save in the early stages before Durkan pointed them ahead from a free. Rathkenny’s Luke Kealy added a point from play before Luke Blake had Lough Crew off the mark on 13 minutes. However the north Meath side had to wait until the final minute of the half for their second point, a free converted by Pearse Sheridan.

In between those scores Durkan pointed twice from play while Nicky Potterton and Damien Healy were also on target to give their side a four point lead at half-time.

Lough Crew made the best possible start to the second half with Cian Blake setting up Jason Scully for a goal on 32 minutes. They were unable to build on that early boost however and went 21 minutes before they added to the scoreboard.

Moyfenragh fared marginally better with points from Ciaran Sheridan and Durkan before Mark Coffey left it double scores, 0-10 to 1-2 on 49 minutes. Joey Farrelly’s side should have been ahead by more at that stage and Lough Crew were still in contention when Sheridan, with a brace of quick-fire points, cut the deficit to three on 54 minutes.

Cian Blake then added another point as Lough Crew began to gain momentum. However Durkan settled his side from a free a minute into added time. Lough Crew had an opportunity before the final whistle from a close range free but Scully’s pile driver effort for an equalising goal was blocked in a crowded goalmouth.

Moyfenragh – Thomas Raleigh (Ballivor); Ciaran Sheridan (Longwood 0-1), Evan Quinn (Donaghmore/Ashbourne), Dominic Finnegan (Longwood); Mickey Burke (Longwood), Ciaran McCarrick (Dunshaughlin), Mark Coffey (Ballinabrackey 0-1); Jim Roche (Boardsmill), Damien Healy (Longwood 0-1); Evan Fitzgerald (Ballivor), David Raleigh (Ballivor), Eamon Roche (Boardsmill); Nicky Potterton (Ballivor 0-1), Niall Durkan (Boardsmill 0-6 three frees), Luke Kealy (Rathkenny 0-1). Subs – Gavin Griffith (Longwood), Kevin McKeon (Ballivor), James Connolly (Clonard).

Lough Crew – Oisin McDermott (Ballinlough); Bobby Masterson (St Brigid's), Dylan Garrigan (Oldcastle), Shane Gibney (Moylagh); Luke Blake (St Brigid's 0-1), Jason Scully (Oldcastle 1-0), Lee Healy (Oldcastle); Oran Mulvanny (Oldcastle), Sean Reilly (Moylagh); Cormac Browne (St Brigid's), Pearse Sheridan (Oldcastle 0-3 two frees), Harry Ryan (Ballinlough); CJ Healy (Oldcastle), Colin Hawdon (Oldcastle), Cian Blake (St Brigid's 0-1). Subs – Sean Geraghty (Ballinlough), Eoin Briody (Ballinlough), Ryan Kevin (Oldcastle), Keith Connell (Oldcastle).

Referee – Cormac Reilly (St Mary’s).