N.Y. GAA Offaly performance rattles New Haven

By Pierce O’Reilly

Offaly 2-9, New Haven 1-5

Offaly junior footballers wasted no time in deposing of New Haven in the opening game at Gaelic Park on Sunday. The Leinster men were dominant from start to finish and with their attack hitting the target early, they never looked back. It was encouraging to see the New York board giving the Junior "B" division a Sunday showing at Gaelic Park and it was fitting that the crowd arrived early.

The Junior "B" division is in vibrant mood at present, and with almost 20 teams partaking this year, it’s as eagerly contested as some of the more accomplished higher divisions. The image of a few "auld fellows" kicking a ball around on a Sunday afternoon has been long dispelled with and with teams like Stamford, Derry and Astoria Gaels all eager to make the break through every game is of equal importance.

The action on Sunday was also lively and intense from the off. Offaly, with Damien Moran and Sean Donoghue in fine form in front of goal, gave the Midlanders an early advantage. New Haven were without the services of Mayo senior Ronan Golding and his craft and artistry on the edge of the small square was badly missed. Jimmy Burke and Seamus Walsh did find their range midway through, but Offaly were always in the driver’s seat. With Paul Dolan, Liam Coughlan and Warren Beatty cleaning up at the back, they were rarely in trouble.

Offaly: Mark Kearney, Mick Quigley, Liam Coughlan, Paul Dolan, Noel Coughlan, Kevin Curran, Brian Delany, John Higgins, Warren Beatty, Darren Kelly 0-1, Sean Donoghue 0-2, Ger Coughlan 0-1, Gary Dolan, Declan Kenegahn 0-2, Damien Moran 1-2. Subs: Kevin Boland 0-1, Kevin Delaney 1-0, John Larkin.

New Haven: Shane Murtagh, Kevin Hearty, Mike Burke, Mike Gags, Mike Clifford, Gearoid Fitzgerald, Chris Morgan, James Staunton, Paul Keegan 0-1, Damien McGrath, Mike Byrne 0-1, Seamus Walsh 0-2, Mick Malone, Tom Brennan, Jimmy Burke 1-1. Subs: Eamon Ryan, Pat Hearty.