Michael Geehan too hot to handle but McCurtains take the game to the wire

TWO goals from Michael Geehan secured Blackhill Emeralds’ place in the All-Ireland Junior Football club championship semi final with a 2-11 to 0-10 win against Thomas McCurtains in London. 

In a compelling contest, the visitors survived a red card for defender Hugh Byrne and a brave McCurtains fightback to come out on top in this one.

Richard Ellis, Patrick McGuigan and Cathal Moran displayed calm and poise against the Monaghan men, but Pop Geraghty refused to single out individuals afterwards.

Their success in the London intermediate championship and All-Britain club championship this year this has been built on the collective, and they will be a fitting addition to the London senior championship next year.

Patrick McGuigan's McCurtains lose out to Monaghan's Blackhill Emeralds but they can celebrate a fine year. Photo: Sheila Fernandes

Both sides had to deal with the blustery conditions and – as the fierce wind swirled round McGovern Park – it would become clear both teams would need to be risk averse and limit shooting from range.

The East Londoners grabbed the first point of the game through vice-captain Niall Coffey before a quick Blackhill attack caught the McCurtains’ backline out.

Referee Sean Mulvihill  awarded a penalty after spotting a foot block during a goalmouth scramble and Geehan stepped up to convert. The visitors took the lead and ultimately took hold of the game. Strong running from Ciaran Courtney and Jason Finnegan caused consternation for the McCurtains rearguard.

However Thomas McCurtains were not out of the contest and Coffey who would be his sides top scorer (0-7 5 f 1 45) to lead the way as he tried to steer his side back into the game. He was clinical with his free-taking but the rest of the Thomas McCurtains attack weren’t as sure footed In the second half, the Londoners stepped it up and substitute John Winters made an immediate impact when he came on from the bench.

Sending off

McCurtains were aided through the points of Conor Murphy and the sub duo Winters and Colm O'Neill.

The sending off of Blackhill captain Hugh Byrne with less than 10 minutes to go gave McCurtains heart but the men in maroon couldn't find the final ball to raise a green flag and get themselves truly back into the game. With just seconds on the clock, McCurtains found themselves needing a goal, Coffey dropped his free into the danger zone rather than sticking the ball between the posts deep into injury time.

The ball was gratefully swooped on by the Blackhill defence who broke and with some neat work and a lovely one-two with his teammate, Geehan was able to grab his second goal and wrap up the win much to the delight of the massive travelling party from Monaghan.

In truth, the scoreline flattered the visitors but what a year it has been for McCurtains. Geraghty has his side in fine order and they can now prepare for the club’s century year top flight football.

Thomas McCurtains: Conor Mulrennan; Richard Ellis, Patrick McGuigan, Cathal Moran; Brian Hourihane, Danny Ryan, Peter Rafferty; Tommy Clarke, Niall Coffey (0-7, 5f), 1’45); John Rafferty, Johnny McGuigan, Sean Murphy; Colm O’Neill (0-1), Conor Murphy (0-1), Patrick O’Neill. Subs: John Winters (0-1) for Sean Murphy (36min), Caolan Magee for O’Neill (42min), Neil Daly for Ryan (45min), Kevin Delahunty for Hourihane (46min), Marcus Clarke for John Rafferty (53min), Jack Breen for O’Neill (60+2min). 

Blackhill Emeralds: Michael Shelvin; Ryan Courtney, Donal Courtney, Thomas Courtney; James Daly, Shane Courtney, Anthony Courtney; Hugh Byrne (0-2), Dermot Daly; Philip Donnelly (0-2, 1f), Jason Finnegan (0-1), Tommy Geehan (0-2); Paul Finnegan, Ciaran Courtney, Michael Geehan (2-3). Subs: Andrew Burns (0-1) for Daly (39min), Stephen Courtney for Jason Finnegan (48min), Gerard McArdle for Anthony Courtney (54min).

 Red Card:  Hugh Byrne (Blackhill)