Morgan Duggan collects the ball with Brendan Dooley and Damien Burke in support.
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Tuam Herald Match Report

By NOEL CARNEY

Cortoon Shamrocks ..................................................................... 2-9

Annaghdown ............................................................................ 0-12

A MASSIVE result for Cortoon, against a team renowned as Championship specialists but missing a key man in attack, the injured Michael Newell.

Annaghdown followers at Tuam Stadium on Saturday evening could hardly believe it as the Shamrocks, a much smaller rural club, built up a commanding half-time lead of 1-5 to 0-2.

Derek Savage and David Warde were in superb form for the winners as a two-man full-forward line, with Sligo I.T. Sigerson Cup star Warde hitting a crucial goal in the first half, from a well-placed sideline ball by Savage.

Also important for Cortoon was the hard work put in outfield by the two players named in the corner-forward berths, Brian Walsh and Martin Rooney.

Two close-in frees by Damien Burke was all the Lakesiders could manage in the first half.

From 1-2 to 0-1 after 24 minutes, Cortoon upped the tempo and their next score was a beauty: David Warde setting it up and “Savo” putting it over the bar from 40-metres range.

Their fourth and fifth points of the opening half came from David Warde, off a free, and T. J. Kelly from play.

Going out for the second half, Annaghdown had a clear choice: fight or die.

They got early points from Damien Burke (free) and Brendan Dooley (from play): 1-5 to 0-4.

But Cortoon were playing with great confidence and a David Warde 45 kept them going nicely. Damien Burke replied at the other end, which was answered again by David Warde, finishing a move started by young Breen Gilmore, talented son of the great Cortoon stalwart of the 1970s, Tommy Joe Gilmore.

Next came a point off a free by David Warde, but Annaghdown battled well to get into more meaningful contention and Benny Newell had a point for them.

Michael Melia was almost in for a match-saving goal but Cortoon ‘keeper Ollie Higgins heroically came to the rescue.

No let-up from Annaghdown though, with points coming from Frankie Burke (2) and Brendan Dooley.

A “Savo” point settled Cortoon nerves, but in the final ten minutes Annaghdown had it back to a two-point ball game (1-9 to 0-10).

But it was Cortoon's day: Mickey Costelloe goaled, the chance set up by David Warde, and they were on their way to victory.

Damien Burke closed the scoring with two points off frees for Annaghdown.

As well as those mentioned, Cortoon midfielders Eamon Kelly and Fergal Heverin made major contributions.

Cortoon Shamrocks: O. Higgins; B. Roche, N. Connolly, D. Gilmore; B. Gilmore, G. Gilmore, L. Heverin; E. Kelly, F. Heverin; M. Costelloe (1-0), D. Savage (0-4, one free), T. J. Kelly (0-1); B. Walsh, D. Warde (1-4, two frees, one 45), M. Rooney. Subs., P. Gilmore, for Walsh; S. Gilmore for Kelly.

Annaghdown: J. Mannion; V. Small, A. Fitzpatrick, B. Newell (0-1); A. Pender, P. Creaven, M. O'Neill; N. Coleman, R. Leonard; A. Kavanagh, Morgan Duggan, B. Qualter; D. Burke (0-7, six frees), B. Dooley (0-2, one free), F. Burke (0-2). Subs., M. Melia, for Leonard, inj., P. J. Fahy, for Pender.

Referee: Pat Ferriter.

Man of the Match: David Warde (Cortoon).

 

May 2005
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