February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Pierce O’Reilly
Roscommon 3-13, New York 1-9
ROSCOMMON — A brave and honest performance by the New York footballers in Ireland over the weekend wasn’t enough to gain them a place in the Connaught semifinal.
Though the exiles trailed from pillar to post, their second-half rally Saturday at Dr. Hyde Park reduced the deficit to two points and, with 15 minutes to play, left the home side worried.
"It’s only a matter of time before New York win a championship game," Roscommon manager John Tobin said afterward. "We’re very lucky to escape with the win today."
New York were left stunned in the opening five minutes of this encounter by two well-taken goals. Roscommon were first to strike, and with corner forward Nigel Dineen hitting a long-range point, they settled into their rhythm. A minute later, the same player had the net rattling for a goal and the exiles were left reeling in defense.
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New York looked lethargic and flatfooted in the opening quarter and many in the respectable-sized crowd expected a real slaughtering after the second goal arrived five minutes later, making it Roscommon 2-1, New York 0-0.
That second goal was an individual piece of brilliance from the deadly accurate Frankie Dolan. He collected the ball near the new stand and, with the swagger of his slight frame, slipped inside the New York defense to give Roscommon a seven-point cushion.
New York were stunned, and with their midfield clearly underperforming, they struggled to get the ball forward. The early introduction of Westmeath star Kieran Ryan did help stem the tide somewhat, but New York were always on their heels.
The entire first half was of a poor quality, and with the exchanges both physical and questionable, it wasn’t surprising to see referee Jimmy McKee issuing several warnings.
When Roscommon goalkeeper Shane Curran struck out at Paddy O’Connor midway through, McKee had no choice but to send the St. Brigid’s man for an early shower. The numerical advantage did help settle the New Yorkers’ nerves, and points from O’Connor and Bingo Driscoll, as well as an excellent score from Peter Loughran, narrowed the gap to 2-6 to 0-4 at the interval.
New York emerged at the start of the second half a transformed side. Indeed, with substitute John Meehan beginning to dominate around the middle, the New Yorkers hit the ground running. Kevin Lilly hit the opening score of the half from an easy free, and when full forward Peter Loughran hit the net a minute later, the home crowd were shocked. Two further points from Driscoll and another free from the boot of Lilly had the margin to three points with 15 minutes to play. The fitter and more organized Westerners, however, responded in style, and with a Gerry Lohan point and a Gary Cox score they soon regained control.
New York lost their numerical advantage midway through the second half when P.J. Lanigan was red carded for an awkward challenge on Alan Nolan and with it went the exiles’ hopes. While the visitors did manage to narrow the gap further with a point from Loughran, the tide had once again turned in favor of the Westerners. When John Hanley was dragged down for a penalty kick with time running out, the fate of the visitors was sealed. Live wire Frankie Dolan sent a pile driver to the roof of Eunan Doherty’s net and the game was over as a contest.
New York wing back Niall McCready was also issued with his marching orders in the final 10 minutes and excellent late points from Jonathan Dunning, Dineen and Gerry Lohan gave the home side a comfortable margin at the end.
New York will be relatively happy with their performance. Especially their spirited second-half rally. The two early goals proved to be the pivotal period for the exiles and their jetlagged opening quarter cost them dearly at the end. Full forward Peter Loughran was outstanding from start to finish, while youngster Jamie Driscoll was also impressive up front.
New York were disappointing at midfield, and until the arrival of John Meehan, they had played second fiddle all afternoon. At the back, Owen Cummins, Martin Slowey and Doherty were to the fore.
New York: Eunan Doherty, Barry Kelly, Owen Cummins, Kieran Walsh, P.J. Lanigan, Martin Slowey, Niall McCready, Pat Mahoney, Gary Dowd, Philip Sloan, Paddy O’Connor 0-2, Bingo Driscoll 0-2, Kevin Lilly 0-2, Peter Loughran 1-3, Jamie Driscoll. Subs, Kieran Ryan for Kelly, John Meehan for Dowd, Darren Rocks for Sloan, and Kieran Keavney for O’Connor.
Roscommon: Shane Curran, Denis Gavin, John Whyte, Clifford McDonald, Mike Ryan 0-1, Francie Grehan 0-1, Paul Noone, Fergal O’Donnell, Peter Mahon, Alan Nolan, John Hanley 0-2, Gerry Lohan 0-4, Nigel Dineen 1-1, Stephen Lohan 0-1, Frankie Dolan 2-1. Subs, Derek Thompson for Gavin, Gary Cox 0-1 for Lohan, Kevin Keane for Mahon, Martin Raftery for Keane, Jonathan Dunning 0-1 for Dineen.