Disappointment for Clann na nGael in thriller

Clann na nGael's bid for the Leinster Club JFC title faltered after exra-time in Saturday's decider at Pairc Tailteann.

Wexford side Rathgarogue /Cushinstown prevailed in a thriller by 0-13 to 0-12.

This was a memorable game with some excellent football from each side, but on the overall balance of play Rathgarogue /Cushinstown deserved to win.

Clann na nGael made a bright start and dictated the first-quarter for a 0-3 to 0-0 wind-assisted advantage during which they also squandered a good goal chance.

Thomas Doyle raced onto the ball in the big square, but was penalised for over-carrying as the Wexford men closed ranks quickly and referee David Fedigan awarded a free out

The Meath champions had points on the board from Cian Swaine (two frees) and Conor Fenton at that stage, but were hauled back to parity as the Wexford side settled with points from Matthew Cody, Tadhg Cody and Daire Bolger (free).

Clann na nGael goalkeeper Eoin Griffin put his side ahead from a free in the 18th minute and then Paul Tuite gathered a loose ball and sent over after a surge forward from full-back Jack Doherty.

Again, the Wexford side rallied to parity with points from Robert Murphy and Bryan Cody before Darragh Griffin sent over for Clann na nGael.

Rathgarogue / Cushinstrown substitute Aaron Ryan, who replaced injured midfielder Daniel Martin Carroll, had his side on terms again and then they hit the front for the first time when Bolger converted another free.

It was the turn of Clann na nGael to find a response and goalkeeper Griffin oblied again from a free to leave it 0-7 each at the interval.

The Wexford men dominated the second-half, but had to rely on four pointed frees from Bolger to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Clann na nGael kept in contention with a brace of Doherty points, one from Swaine and a last-kick-of-the-game free from the goalkeeper that forced extra-time.

Jason Dunne and Matthew Cody gave the Wexford side the first-half extra-time advantage while goalkeeper Griffin got one solitary point for Clann na nGael in the second period, but it wasn't enough.

SCORERS
Rathgarogue / Cushinstown - Daire Bolger0-6 five frees; Matthew Cody 0-2; Tadhg Cody 0-1; Robert Murphy 0-1; Bryan Cody 0-1; Aaron Ryan 0-1; Jason Dunne 0-1.

Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffin 0-4 frees; Cian Swaine 0-3 two frees; Jack Doherty 0-2 frees; Paul Tuite 0-1; Conor Fenton 0-1; Darragh Griffin 0-1.

CLOSING MINUTES OF NORMAL TIME 0-11 EACH

 

CLOSING MINUTES OF EXTRA-TIME

RESULT - RATH/CUSH 0-13 CLANN NA NGAEL 0-12