All Ireland Club Championship Final
Croke Park, Feb 12th 2011

Swanlinbar (Cavan) 1 -05
Caherciveen (Kerry) 3 -13

An exceptional second half performance helped St Mary's of Cahirciveen claim the All-Ireland junior club championship crown at Croke Park on Saturday.

Kerry senior forward Bryan Sheehan scored 1-7 as the Kingdom kingpins eased to a 14-point victory over Cavan and Ulster champions Swanlinbar.

The sides were level at the break, with Mark Cunningham's first half goal for Swad leaving it 1-4 to 0-7 at the change of ends.

But Mary's were in irresistible form after the interval, outscoring their opponents by 3-6 to 0-1 over the half hour.

Sean Cournane scored two goals and Sheehan added a fortunate third as Mary's emulated their fellow Kerrymen from Castlegregory and Skellig Rangers, who won All-Ireland junior titles in 2009 and 2010.

In a tale of two St Marys’, the Kerry version, the match programme boasted, has turned out players to win 23 All Ireland senior medals. The Cavanmen had one Celtic Cross (one more than most of our clubs) and the holder, 93-year-old Owen Roe McGovern, spoke on the radio with broadcaster Michael Tynan at half-time.

“Up Swad,” he declared, the message coming from west Cavan, via New Jersey, with almost a a century of history behind it.

So, from the nosebleed seats of the press box, where the rust-coloured rooftops of the northside lent a vaguely continental feel to proceedings, we watched the contest unfold. Swanlinbar’s movement was excellent; they came with a plan and they executed it to the best of their ability for as long as they could.

Swad had the generals, the leaders and the foot soldiers but they came up against a superior force. The war of attrition, the close quarters combat that characterised the semi-final against Ballinabrackey, felt like a lifetime away; this one was wide open, the vastness of the pitch accentuated by the walls of empty seats surrounding it.

Bryan Sheehan was at the heart of it all. Early in the first half, he carried a ball along the sideline where Gearoid McKiernan hassled and harried him for a full 25 metres before forcing the four-time All Ireland winner across the white line. Stirring stuff. Game on.

Soon, Mark Cunningham had the ball in the net, audaciously taking on a defender and forcing his shot past the goalkeeper with pure power. The lead was stretched to four and the Swad support – and that of the early-arriving Lisnaskea crowd whose accents, blended with those of Galway, Cavan and Kerry, made us feel like someone was switching the dial on the radio – dared to dream and roared on their team...

The tide subtly but suddenly turned a few minutes later. Sheehan floated over a 40-metre point with such effortless grace that a teammate ran 20 metres to high-five him. Sheehan’s wink said it all – the Kerrymen, you sensed, now knew they had our measure.

“If our leds get an urly goal, they’ll win it by twinty,” announced a Kerryman in the gantry, to nobody in particular, as the troops marched down the tunnel at half-time. We shook our heads but he was nearly right, too. When it comes to winning All Ireland finals at Croke Park, history has shown that subjects of the Kingdom rarely get it wrong.

They got the start Swanlinbar wanted in the second half and their swagger duly returned. St Mary’s were ruthless when they hit the front for that second time, accelerating off into the freezing Dublin night. In ten minutes, they raised five flags, three of them green. That was that.

The battle lost, in the bowels of the big cathedral, John Cunningham spoke.

“Coming up, playing in Croke Park and representing your club, it’s every player’s dream and you’ll always have that memory for the rest of your life. Just as a bunch of players, this year will be special for us, we’ll remember it,” he said.

Swad fought the good fight to the end, kept their discipline and died with their boots on, but it wasn’t enough. Such is sport. If other teams show their courage and conviction in 2011, the Cavan tradition will survive for another while yet. (Paul Fitzatrick, Anglo Celt)

Swanlinbar Team. Gavin Leydon, Tommy O'Brien, Michael Cunningham, Paul Prior, Damien Leydon, John Cunningham(Captain), Padraig Leydon, Michael Curran, Geroid McKeirnan (0-2) Chris Curran(0-1) Paul Mc Govern, Donal Mc Govern, Robert Prior(0-1) Kevin Brennan, Mark Cunningham(1-1)

Subs Used Aidy Mc Goldrick for Donal Mc Govern, Rory Mc Barron for Robert Prior, Padraig Mc Manus for Paul Mc Govern, Stephen Prior for Kevin Brennan, Paul Brennan for Tommy O Brien.

Subs Not Used: Liam Leydon, Liam Prior, Stephen McGoldrick, Paul O'Brien, Joey O'Brien, Gerry Scollan, Paddy Reilly, Gerry McAveety, Greg McGovern, Conor Walsh, Ben Walsh, Anthony McGoldrick, Sean Prior, Seamus Corrigan, Declan Gilheany, Conan McManus.

The Committee would like to thank Kevin Prior, John Gilheany, Kieran McGovern, Colm Bradley and all the members of the Swanlinbar panel for the great success they brought to the club this year.

All Ireland Club Championship S/Final

Swanlinbar (Cavan) 0-05
Ballinabrackey (Meath) 0-04

Swanlinbar scored a minimum margin AIB All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final win over Meath-opponents Ballinabrackey at Kenagh, County Longford on Sunday 30th Jan. 2011.

Corner-forward Robbie Prior proved to be the hero for the Cavan-men in a low-scoring encounter with two second-half points for the Ulster representatives.

The first of these left it 0-4 each after 39 minutes while the second eight minutes later proved to be the match-winning score. Ballinabrackey bossed the latter stages but were let down by poor marksmanship as they clocked up eight second-half wides.

The Leinster Club JFC champions had a late chance to force extra time but Pat Loftus was just off target in the last action of the game.

Points from Andrew Munnelly and Danny Quinn got Ballinabrackey off on the front foot. The loss of midfielder Trevor Bannon with an ankle injury didn't help their cause.

The rangy Gearoid McKiernan gave Swanlinbar a presence around midfield and he proved pretty useful going forward.

He opened his side's account in the 16th minute before a brace of Mark Cunningham points moved Swanlinbar in front. A pointed Seamus Curry free left it 0-3 each at the break.

Within two minutes of the resumption Quinn's second point had the Bracks back in front. It proved to be their swansong. In a tense finale, Swanlinbar held on to book a final meeting with St Mary's (Kerry) at Croke Park on Saturday week.

Swanlinbar - G. Leydon; T. O'Brien, M. Cunningham, P. Prior; D. Leydon, D. McGovern, P. Leydon; M. Curran, G. McKiernan (0-1); C. Curran, J. Cunningham, P. McGovern; M. Cunningham (0-2, 1 f), K. Brennan, R. Prior (0-2 1 f). Subs - R. McBarron for P. McGovern (51 mins), P. McManus for R. Prior (59 mins).

Ulster Club Championship Final

Swanlinbar (Cavan) 0-08
Corduff (Monaghan)2-07

Swanlinbar awarded game by Ulster Council after Corduff fielded an illegal player.

Ulster Club Championship S/Final

Swanlinbar (Cavan) 0-16
Drumaness (Down) 0-7 

Cavan champions Swanlinbar put forth a sublime attacking display to book their place into this year's Ulster club Junior Football Championship final at the expense of Drumaness of Down yesterday afternoon in Omagh. 

The winners were in control from start to finish in this last four clash, as all six of their starting forwards registered scores from play in the opening 23 minutes with two of those coming as absolute gems from county U21 star Gearoid McKiernan.  Neil McAleenan got Drumaness off the mark with a free and a superb Donal Kennedy point revived hopes somewhat, nonetheless the Mourne men still trailed at the break by 0-9 to 0-4. 

Three points in the opening seven minutes from the lethal combo of Mark Cunningham and Robbie Prior ushered the west Cavan men into an eight-point lead, before Drumaness grabbed two badly needed points through Kennedy as they bidded to mount an unlikely comeback. 

However, when midfielder Malachy Noade picked up a second yellow card that became even more unrealistic and it was Swad that dominated the final quarter with veteran forward Prior sending over the last point in injury-time to seal their place in the final against Monaghan champions Corduff on November 28th.
Swanlinbar - G Leydon; T O'Brien, M Cunningham, P Prior; D Leydon, A McGoldrick, P Leydon; M Curran, J Cunningham; C Curran (0-2), P McGovern (0-1), Gearoid McKiernan (0-3); M Cunningham (0-5, 1f), K Brennan (0-1), R Prior (0-4, 2f). Sub: R McBarron for K Brennan. 


Ulster Club Championship Q/Final

Swanlinbar (Cavan) 4-16
Ardmore (Derry) 2-6

Swanlinbar became the only Cavan side to remain in the hunt for Ulster club glory on Sunday after cruising past Derry champions Ardmore at Kingspan Breffni Park.  The home side made a perfect start to this encounter by bagging their first goal just 82 seconds through lethal corner-forward Mark Cunningham, who finished with 2-5, and never really looked back as Under 21 midfielder Gearoid Cunningham fired over a quick brace of points after. 

Barry Gormley got the visitors first score after 22 minutes of waiting, but another Swad goal from Paul McGovern all but settled the issue by half-time as they led by 2-8 to 0-2. 

Cunningham's second major arrived early in the second half for the Breffni men and not even goals from James Cruickshank and Mark O'Kane could rescue Ardmore, with the superb McKiernan tucking away their fourth towards the end.

 

Junior Championship Final 2010

Swanlinbar 0:16 1:08 Munterconnaught

Swanlinbar played Munterconnaught on Sunday last in the Junior Championship final at Kingspan Breffni Park and emerged victorious.

These two teams had already meet twice this year, first in the ACFL in Munterconnaught where Swanlinbar were the winners 0-18 to 1-09 and again in the group stage of the Championship in Killygarry it was Munterconnaught who came out on top by a score of Munterconnaught 2-16 to 0-9 so on Sunday it was a game that both teams and supporters were up for and in a game which ebbed and flowed for an hour it was the West Cavan team who took the Sean Leddy Cup home.

Munterconnaught were first to open the score with a point and added a second without reply. Robbie Prior opened the scoring for the winners with a point and added another to level the score at 0-2 each.

Kevin Brennan put Swanlinbar a point ahead and Padraig Leydon added another to leave the west Cavan side 0-4 to 0-2 in front. Munterconnaught pulled a point back before Mark Cunningham added another point. 'Man of the Match' Gearoid McKeirnan put over another point and from a free Mark Cunningham made sure to keep the Munchies at a distance.

Munterconnaught hit back with a brace of points, but Rory Mc Barron got on the end of a pass from Kevin Brennan and slotted over a point before Swad launched another attack, which resulted in '45' which Chris Curran cracked over the bar and another score from Mark Cunningham had the westerners in a 0-10 to 0-5 lead at half-time.

Munterconnaught started the second-half well by raising a white flag seconds into the resumption from the throw in and this was followed this up by a well-taken goal to leave the minimum between the teams.

A Robbie Prior point followed by another Gearoid Mc Kiernan score pushed Swad three clear once more.

Munterconnaught added another before Robbie Prior struck another pair, one from the left and one from the right both from impossible angles. Mark Cunningham added a further point. A point from Munterconnaught in reply proved to be their last score of the game.

Swad launched another attack and when Chris Curran was fouled and Robbie Prior put over for the final score of the game to seal a fourth junior triumph for the St Mary's club.

Both will meet again in the Division Three final, where the Munchies will be have a chance of revenge.

Swanlinbar team: Gavin Leydon, Thomas O Brien, Michael Cunningham, Paul Prior, Chris Curran (0- 1) Damien Leydon, Padraig Leydon (0-1) Michael Curran, John Cunningham (Capt) Gearoid Mc Kiernan (0-3) Paul Mc Govern, Rory Mc Barron (0-1) Mark Cunningham (0-4), Kevin Brennan (0-1), Robbie Prior (0-5). Subs: Paul O Brien, Donal Mc Govern, Liam Prior, Padraig Mc Manus, Stephen Prior, Paul Brennan, Aidy Mc Goldrick, Conan Mc Manus, Liam Leydon, Stephen Mc Goldrick, Gerry Scollan.

Junior Championship Semi Finals

Swanlinbar 3:06 0:09 Mountnugent
Shannon Gaels 1:11 1:17 Munterconaught

Junior Championship Quarter Finals

Swanlinbar 1:18 0:06 Arva
Shannon Gaels 1:12 1:09 Templeport
Mountnugent 1:10 0:08 Shercock
Munterconaught 0:16 1:06 Kildallan

Junior Championship . Rnd 3

Munterconaught 2-16 0-09 Swanlinbar
Cornafean 0-06 1-12 Shannon Gaels

Junior Championship . Rnd 2

Shannon Gaels 2-15 3-10 Munterconaught
Cornafean 0-07 0-13 Swanlinbar

Junior Championship . Rnd 1

Shannon Gaels 0-12 0-14 Swanlinbar
Cornafean 0-12 1-12 Munterconaught

 

2010 ACFL Season

League Cup Semi Finals

Swanlinbar 1:12 Cornafean 0:09
Munterconnaught 1:17 Shannon Gaels 2:11

Kiernan Service Stations ACFL Div. 3 Team P W L D P+/- Pts Shannon Gaels 13 11 2 0 68 22 Swanlinbar 13 10 3 0 121 20 Cornafean 13 10 3 0 60 20 Munterconnacht 13 8 2 3 46 19 Arva 13 8 4 1 -9 17 Kildallan 13 6 5 2 2 14 Mountnugent 13 6 6 1 -14 13 Corlough 13 5 7 1 -40 11 Ballymachugh 12 5 7 0 5 10 Templeport 13 4 7 2 -20 10 Laragh Utd 12 4 7 1 28 9 Killygarry 13 3 9 1 -72 7 Kingscourt 13 3 9 1 -75 7 Maghera 13 0 12 1 -100 1

Rnd 13: Swanlinbar 2.21 Killygarry 0.04

Rnd 12:Mountnugent 0.08 Swanlinbar 2.18

Rnd 11 :Swanlinbar 0.11 Cornafean 1.13

Rnd 10:Templeport 1.09 Swanlinbar 2.12

Rnd 9 :Shannon Gaels 2.12 Swanlinbar 0.12

Rnd 8 :Swanlinbar 4.14 Arva 1.03

A Gearoid McKiernan inspired Swanlinbar had it all too easy when they hosted Arva in a top of the table clash at St. Mary's Park.The county U-21 star helped himself to an impressive 3:05 (1f) over the hour. The writing was on the wall for the visitors as early as the 14th minute when they found themselves 5 points down, Robbie prior bagging 2 of those. To their credit Arva secured 1:01 from a rare forray into the Swanlinbar half between the 15th and 19th minute. However they were held scoreless to the end of the half while Swad's tally was 2:03. A well worked goal from wing back Damien Leydon and 2 from Gearoid McKiernan had broken Arva hearts. Excellent workrate all round backboned by total dominence in the vital diamond area had Swad racing towards the finish line.

Rnd 7 :Kildallan 1.09 Swanlinbar 1.13

Swad finished with a flourish to continue their impressive run in div 3 of the league when they made the short trip to Ballyconnell on 22nd May. The spoils were in the melting pot up to the last 10 mins but after Kildallan scored a point in the 49th minute thereafter they failed to add to their tally. Both side hit the ground running and showed admirable levels of fitness to maintain the temop to the final whistle. Mark Cunningham (Swad) and Aaron Duignan (Kildallan) both swapped points in the opening minutes before Duignan grabbed a goal after a slip in the defence. Two more points from Jason Curry had Swad under pressure until Swanlinbar got a foothold in centrefield. Well taken points from Robbie Prior, Chris Curran, Mark Cunningham and Geaoid McKiernan steadied the ship and left it 1-07 to 0-08 at the short whistle in favour of the home team.

Swad tacked on two more points after the break from Cunningham and McKiernan, sandwiching a Jason Curry over. Reilly's converted free for Kildallan in the 49th minute left it 1-09 to 0-10 but it was Swad who took over the score getting from there to the finish. Kevin Brennan began the run for home with a powerful shot to the roof of the net. Gearoid McKiernan and Michael Curran were now dominating at midfield and a brace from Robbie Prior either side of Mark Cunninghams fine point ensured Swad the points at the long whistle.

Rnd 6 :Swanlinbar 1.13 Ballymachugh 2.06

A blistering first half display laid the foundation stone for a facile win for the host Swanlinbar when they crossed swords with ACFL Division 3 rivals Ballymachugh at Saint Mary’s Park on Sunday last the 16th May. The west Cavan side were all but home and hosed by half time at which stage they enjoyed a 1.09 to 0.01 cushioned lead.

It was all so easy for the blue and whites early on as they hit the ground running with Mark Cunningham collecting a long delivery after 52 seconds, then rounding the advancing Ballymachugh keeper before guiding the ball into the empty net. The lights remained firmly stuck on green for the winners elect as Gearoid McKiernan and Robert Prior both grabbed a brace of points thereafter in what was a lopsided opening quarter.

Ballymachugh were poor on the day and offered scant resistance against their wind-aided opponents. Even allowing for some over-elaboration on the part of Swanlinbar the difference between the sides on the scoreboard slowly but surly became more pronounced as the first half wore on. The inform Gearoid Mc Kiernan pointed on the double in the 24th and 27th minutes before a Killian Smith free (31st) belatedly broke Ballymachugh duck The opening moiety ended as it began though with Swanlinbar working the umpires ; this time Gearoid Mc Kiernan rifling over to leave a massive 11 points between the sides at the short whistle.

To their credit Ballymachugh did improve on the restart and after Robbie Prior converted a free after 90 seconds, three converted free by Killian Smith made it 1.10 to 0.04 after 39 minutes. Swanlinbar seemed to take their feet off the pedal and their failure to score between the 32nd and 53rd minute was the only blot on their copybook over the hour-plus.

Swanlinbar’s lead was never in danger though and while Mark Cunningham addes to their tally with a converted free in the 62nd minute, Ballymachugh finished with a flourish to net two consolation goals courtesy of strikes from Aodan Kiernan and James Kiernan.

Swanlinbar; Gavin Leydon; Paul Prior; John Cunningham Capt; Thomas O'Brien; Padraig Leydon; Adrian Mc Goldrick; Damien Leydon; Gearoid McKiernan (0-5),Michael Curran; Chris Curran; Paul McGovern; Rory McBarron; Robert Prior (0-6) Kevin Brennan; Mark Cunningham (1-2) Sub Used Padraig Mc Manus

Rnd 5 : Maghera 0.05 Swaninbar 1.17

Rnd 4 :Swanlinbar 0.13 Laragh Utd   0.14

Rnd 3 :Corlough  1.05 Swanlinbar 2.19

Rnd 2 :Swanlinbar  3.19 Kingscourt 1.03

Rnd 1 :Munterconnacht 1.09 Swanlinbar  0.18

____________________________________________________

2009 Season

John Brady Insurances Ltd A.C.F.L Division 3 (12/9/09)

Team	P	W	L	D	Pts
Bailieboro	12	11	0	1	23
Butlersbridge	12	9	1	2	20
Laragh Utd	12	8	3	1	17
Shannon Gaels	12	8	4	0	16
Ballymachugh	12	7	4	1	15
Mountnugent	12	5	5	2	12
Muterconnacht	12	5	5	2	12
Cornafean	12	5	5	2	12
Arva	12	5	4	1	11
Swanlinbar	12	4	8	0	8
Templeport	12	2	7	3	7
Killygarry	12	3	9	1	7
Kildallan	12	3	9	0	6
Corlough	12	1	11	0	2

Junior Championship Final 09: Swanlinbar 0:11 Butlersbridge 4:08

An eight-minute goal-spree just before half-time proved crucial in Butlersbridge claiming their third Sean Leddy Cup in seven years, as they saw off Swanlinbar's challenge at Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday.

As was expected, the opening stages of this decider were very competitive, with Swanlinbar slightly edging the battle over the first quarter of an hour.

It was Butlersbridge that opened the scoring first though when Sennin Flanagan, who top-scored with 1-4 over the hour, pointed his first of the afternoon with a sweet strike off his left boot, and the same player popped over the Bridge's second after Robbie Prior had got Swad off the mark.

The west Cavan side settled into the game better after that with efforts from Michael Cunningham, Prior and Michael Curran flying over the bar. Cunningham and Curran were on top at centre-field at this stage, as Swad opened up a 0-5 to 0-3 lead after the first quarter, but the advantage was short lived.

After losing their goalkeeper, Gerry Scollan, to injury, Swad conceded the game's first goal when county senior Lorcan Mulvey found Michael Fitzpatrick in front of goal and the veteran centre-forward smashed past substitute Gavin Leydon - it was exactly what Phelim Plunkett's team needed to lift them.

Swad replied in a decent fashion when Michael Cunningham and Mark Cunningham (free) raised white flags down the other end, but Flanagan pounced for a second 'Bridge goal shortly afterwards and when Martin Fitzpatrick netted just before the break Butlersbridge were firmly in the driving-seat at half-time, ahead by a 3-3 to 0-7 margin.

In the second-half, the expected come back from Swanlinbar never came, as Flanagan continued to torment them with another point, before Robbie Prior and Michael Cunningham eventually got single replies.

With 12 minutes remaining, Flanagan notched over his fourth point from a distance after dispossessing his man out on the left flank. Martin Fitzpatrick and Mulvey added good points after that to bury any hopes of Swad mounting a comeback.

Prior did pull back two frees for his team, but the Bridge stormed in for another goal when Karlos Conlon passed to Noel McPhilips and the full-forward was on hand to blast to the Swad net and raise a fourth green flag in the Bridge's favour to send them back to the intermediate ranks.

Butlersbridge - Keith Gumley; Stephen O'Hara, Mark Shannon, Kieran Greenan; Andrew McConnell, Padraig McGearty, Brian Greenan; Lorcan Mulvey (0-1), Killian Shannon; Paul Murphy, Michael Fitzpatrick (1-0), John Shannon; Sennin Flanagan (1-4), Noel McPhilips (1-1), Martin Fitzpatrick (1-1). Subs: Fergal Flanagan (0-1), Eamon Diver, Karlos Conlon, Paul Flynn, Patrick Flynn.

Swanlinbar - Gerry Scollan; Paul Prior, Adrian McGoldrick, Thomas O'Brien; Damien Leydon, Paul Brennan, Seamus Corrigan; Michael Curran (0-2), Michael Cunningham (0-2); Rory McBarron, Padraig McManus, Robbie Prior (0-5); Paul McGovern, Mark Cunningham (0-2), Christopher Curran. Subs: Gavin Leydon, Donal McGovern, Padraig Leydon, Gearoid McKiernan.

Junior C/Ship S/Final : Swanlinbar 0:09 Cornafean 0:08

Junior C/Ship Q/Final : Swanlinbar 4:10 Arva 2:08

Junior C/Ship Rnd 3 : Swanlinbar 3:09 Mountnugent 3:10

Junior C/Ship Rnd 2 : Swanlinbar 1:15 Shercock 1:07

Junior C/Ship Rnd 1: Swanlinbar 1:13 Cavan Gaels 1:10

Swanlinbar gained a vital win in their bid to emerge from this year's junior football championship 'group of death', but it came at a cost as they look to be without star midfielder Gearoid McKiernan for a lengthy period of time.
The 19-year-old Cavan senior panellist suffered a horrific dislocated knee injury 11 minutes into the second-half when landing awkwardly after jumping for a kick-out at centre-field.

So serious was the extent of the injury that the game was delayed by a total of 50 minutes as he lay in pain, surrounded by family, players and officials, before an ambulance arrived from Cavan General Hospital, but a special mention must go out to Cavan Gaels physio, David Brady, who helped to calm the player as best he could in all that time before the ambulance vehicle was eventually driven onto the playing field at St Aidan's Park and took him to hospital.

In a game which was not malicious, as such, two players saw straight red cards and four, all in all, were forced off with injury, including Swad midfielder John Cunningham, who is said to require surgery on his face after having an eye socket knocked out of place, and Gaels attacker Levi Murphy, who was left drifting in and out of consciousness after the game following a knock to the floor five minutes from the full-time whistle.

The Gaels couldn't have had a better start to this match when Stephen Maguire sent sharpshooter Ciaran Flynn through for the first goal inside three minutes. Robbie Prior looked to be the only Swad man willing to take the fight to the Gaels in the opening stages, as he drew a free five minutes later which he converted himself to narrow the difference to two points.

Then on the ten-minute mark the game's first red card was distributed when a clash between Ed O'Hanlon and John Cunningham resulted in referee Margaret Farrelly pointing the Gaels midfielder towards the line, while the Swad midfielder made his way towards the other dug-out injured with hand over face.

The Cavan town side stepped it up a notch after that, with full-forward Sean Higgins sending over a nice point and Flynn crashing a scorching shot off Gerry Scollan's crossbar.

Swad hit back through Prior making space for himself to shoot over, but an acute effort from Flynn, after brave work from Maguire to win back possession, and a Levi Murphy single meant the Gaels had opened up a four-point lead.

Prior flew his second attempt of a placed ball directly between the posts in response, and the aforementioned McKiernan slipped through to cut the gap to two moments later.

After losing Patrick Heslin through injury, who was probably their best performer at the back along with the returning Pauric Smith, Cavan Gaels began to leak scores and only a fantastic left-footed point from Murphy kept them ahead at the break as two points from Michael Cunningham brought Swad right back into the game at 1-4 to 0-6.

Two minutes into the restart and the excellent Damien Leydon levelled matters with a run from his wing back position that eventually finished over the Gaels' crossbar. Flynn was unlucky to see another attempt come off the goal frame moments after, but he had a hand in the Gaels next score when drilling a free into the chest of Ronan Farrelly, who offloaded to Sean Higgins for the talented attacker's second point.

Quick points from Prior (free) and Michael Cunningham moved the west Cavan men into the lead for the first time, but as they threatened to extend their gain the Gaels caught them on the hop with Niall Smith finishing a menacing 40-metre run over the bar for what was the score of the game. Levi Murphy got himself bundled over and shot the resultant free on ten minutes to give the Gaels back the initiative.

However seconds later disaster struck when Scollan's kick-out flew past centre-field and McKiernan was left lying on the ground in screaming pain before eventually being calmed and both teams went into their dressing rooms - not coming out to resume the game for the best part of an hour.
On the resumption, niggling little tackles began to creep into the game for the first time. Mark Cunningham and Gaels substitute Francis Graham both received yellow cards for an off the ball incident before it got down to football again, with Michael Cunningham and Ronan Farrelly both kicking over exceptional points to keep it a one-point game heading towards the last ten minutes.

It was in those last ten minutes that Swanlinbar - clearly with McKiernan in their thoughts - truly shined as a Mark Cunningham levelling free paved the way for his side's goal, of which Damien Leydon was the architect by placing a killer pass between Prior and Gaels 'keeper David Reilly that the Swad attacker was always going to get to first and net his team into a three-point lead.

It was a serious blow to the Gaels, who had lead for much of this match, and further points from Michael Curran and Damien Leydon in quick succession didn't raise spirits either. Alan O'Riordan had the chance to bring them back into it with over five minutes left, but the usually deadly accurate attacker blazed his goal chance from the left wide and instead the Cavan Gaels management were left with trying to keep their scoring outlet in Murphy awake along the sideline, after he was tackled by Seamus Corrigan and fell to the floor in some discomfort. The Swad full-back received his marching orders but it seemed there was no intent to harm the player.

By that stage the game was up for Cavan Gaels. And even though the resulting free was converted by Flynn and backed up a minute later with a point by Murphy's replacement, Sean Hanley, any notion of another goal chance being carved out against a now resolute Swad outfit in the time remaining was far-fetched.

Swanlinbar - Gerry Scollan; Donal McGovern, Seamus Corrigan, Thomas O'Brien; Adrian McGoldrick, Paul Prior, Damien Leydon (0-2); John Cunningham, Michael Curran (0-1); Paul McGovern, Mark Cunningham (0-1, a free), Gavin Leydon; Robbie Prior (1-4, three frees), Gearoid McKiernan (0-1), Michael Cunningham (0-4). Subs: Paul Brennan for John Cunningham (inj), Rory McBarron for McKiernan (inj), Padraig Leydon for McGovern.

Cavan Gaels - David Reilly; Joe Dunne, Dallan McCormack, Patrick Heslin; Christy Quinn, Padraig Byrne, Pauric Smith; Ronan Farrelly (0-1), Ed O'Hanlon; Ciaran Flynn (1-2, one free), Alan O'Riordan, Niall Smith (0-1) Levi Murphy (0-3, one free), Sean Higgins (0-2), Stephen Maguire. Subs: Darragh Sexton for Heslin (inj), Francis Graham for Byrne, Michael Meehan for Maguire, Sean Hanley (0-1) for Murphy (inj).

Referee: Margaret Farrelly (Laragh United)

 

Rnd 8 : Swanlinbar 2:08 Shannon Gaels 0:15

Shannon Gaels continued their good form in the ACFL Division Three with the narrowest of wins away to Swanlinbar last Saturday.

It was the hosts that flew out of the traps for this derby encounter, kicking over three points in the first ten minutes before Shannon Gaels could get a reply. The scores stood at 0-4 to 0-2 in Swad's favour shortly after the first quarter when O'Hara kicked over a free, which saw four more points follow up from the Gaels attacking contingent without reply to steer them in front and it was the brace of Enda McHugh, operating at centre-field, that had them into a 0-7 0-4 lead at the break. Oliver Nolan pointed an early free for the would-be winners after the restart, but a hat-trick of points from the lethal Mark Cunningham down the other end brought the difference down to one for the home side. Michael Cunningham levelled matters but four unanswered points - including a hat-trick form full-forward Eamon Reilly - saw the Gaels into a 0-13 to 0-9 lead with four minutes left to play.

However, Swad remarkably overturned the deficit through their own number 14 Rory McBarron shooting in two goals in 90 seconds. The first from the penalty spot and the other a fine finish when the St Mary's outfit regained possession at centre-field and fed him in the square.

However, the Gaels kept their cool and picked off points to level in the closing minutes of normal time before minor stalwart O'Hara shot over his fourth point in the added on minutes denying Swad's late burst.

Swanlinbar - Gerard Scollan; Tomas O'Brien, Seamus Corrigan, Paul Prior; Donal McGovern, Adrian McGoldrick, Damien Leydon; John Cunningham (0-1), Paul Brennan; Padraig McManus, Paul McGovern, Robert Prior (0-1); Michael Cunningham (0-1), Rory McBarron (2-0), Mark Cunningham (0-5). Sub: Padraig Leydon.

Rnd 7 : Swanlinbar 1:08 Arva 3:07

Rnd 6 : Kildallan 2:12 Swanlinbar 4:08

A four-goal haul from Swanlinbar at First Ulsters Park, Ballyconnell last Saturday proved just enough as they saw off a luckless Kildallan side in the ACFL Division Three. Within two minutes of the throw-in the visitors had bagged their first major when Mark Cunningham's accurate strike flew past John Conaty in the Kildallan goal for the opening score.

Eight minutes later and Robert Prior found the back of the net again, as Swad showed early intentions of running riot, but a sweetly struck '45' from Ronan O'Reilly and the points of Aaron Duignan saw Kildallan move to restore some parity. However, the first-half's momentum was firmly with Swanlinbar and over from Mark Cunningham, Michael Cunningham and Prior were all backed up by Ryan Maher exposing Kildallan's frailties at the back and lashing in the Blues' third goal in the opening 20 minutes.

The hosts did manage to reply in kind through young defender Oisin Bannon nipping in for a goal five minutes from time, which gave the First Ulsters a glimmer of hope going in at the break, trailing 3-5 to 1-4.The town side showed great resolve in the second-half to hit eight points, with Ronan O'Reilly and Aaron Duignan coming to the forefront.
Swad had little to respond with and when Jason Curry broke pierced through their defence for Kildallan's second major six minutes from time it looked as though all their good work for the opening half-hour had been for nothing.
However, the St Mary's outfit put together one last ditch effort which involved all three Cunningham brothers combining in a forward move which was finished to the net by Mark for the corner-forward's second and his team's fourth, which proved just enough for Swad here in the end.
Swanlinbar - Gerry Scollan; Donal McGovern, Seamus Corrigan, Thomas O'Brien; Paul Prior, Adie McGoldrick, Gavin Leydon; John Cunningham, Gearoid McKiernan; Ryan Maher (1-1), Michael Cunningham (0-2), Padraig Leydon; Mark Cunningham (2-1), Robert Prior (1-3), Paul McGovern. Sub: Michael Curran.

Rnd 6 : Killygarry 0:06 Swanlinbar 2:16

Rnd 5 : Swanlinbar 0:10 Bailieborough 1:11

Rnd 4 : Laragh 2:11 Swanlinbar 0:14

Laragh United maintained their 100 per cent record in this year's ACFL Division Three with a powerful second-half display against Swanlinbar at PJ Duke Park last Sunday afternoon.
Trailing by 0-11 to 0-2 at the break, the hosts staged a massive turn around by outscoring their west Cavan opponents 2-9 to 0-2 to take both points here and maintain their second place position in the table.
Swad moved five points clear in the first seven minutes of this enthralling encounter with Mark Cunningham, Michael Cunningham and Ryan Maher all getting in the score-sheet. Ten minutes had passed before Laragh were off the mark through a Darragh Brady free, but the visitors hit back in a determined fashion with the two Cunninghams, Gearoid McKiernan, and Paul and Robbie Prior moving them into what looked to be an unassailable lead at half-time, before Brady registered his and Laragh's second.
Michael Cunningham stretched the lead back to ten points for Swad within five minutes of the restart, but the hosts, somehow, found the spark they needed after Brady sent over two quick frees, one of which was cancelled out by Mark Cunningham. With the clock ticking down towards the final quarter, the visitors looked to be positioned for the win but a lapse at the back allowed Seamus Cooney in for a goal and backup points from Brady and Enda Clarke left only another goal separating the sides. Robbie Prior looked to have restored order for Swad with ten minutes left, but the Stradone men battled and singles from Colm McKenna (2) and Enda Clarke left it a one-point game coming towards the closing stages. Another swift move down the field from Laragh saw a bundle for possession develop in the Swanlinbar square and it was Enda Cullivan who flicked to the back of Gerard Scollan's net for three points and the first lead for Laragh. Swad looked to counter, but it was Cullivan's last-gasp points down the other end that ensured a result for Laragh here after a torrid start.

Swanlinbar - Gerard Scollan; Seamus Corrigan, John Cunningham, Paul Prior; Damien Prior, Adrian McGoldrick, Donal McGovern; Paul Brennan, Gearoid McKiernan; Ryan Maher, Michael Cunningham, Padraig Leydon; Robbie Prior, Michael Curran, Mark Cunningham.

Rnd 3 : Swanlinbar 2:14 Cornafean 3:12

Rnd 2 : Corlough 1:05 Swanlinbar 0:11

Five unanswered points in the final quarter by Swanlinbar secured our second win of the league in as many games. Corlough started with the breeze at their backs and edged things in the first half. Swad had a few chances against the gale and forced a good save from the Corlough keeper, Eoghan McGovern. The hosts went in at half time leading 5 points to 3 having kicked some bad wides while wind assisted. Early in the second half Michael Cunningham slotted over a hat-trick of frees to put Swad 1 point up. Corlough mustered a worthy response through Martin Cassidy. From his centre half back position he started a move that ended with him drilling past Gerry Scollan in the Swad nets. Corlough couldn't push on from that and it was to be their only score of the second half. Michael Cunningham (2) and Michael Curran struck over points in the closing stages which saw Swad edge another west Cavan derby.

(Swad) G.Scollan S.Corrigan, A.McGoldrick, P.Prior, D.Leydon (1), J.Cunningham, D.McGovern (1), M.Cunningham (5), M.Curran (1), P.Brennan, M.Cunningham (2), R.McBarron, P.Leydon, K.Brennan, R.Maher (1). Sub: G.Leydon

Rnd 1: Swanlinbar 0:14 Templeport 1:09

Swanlinbar had neighbours Templeport as visitors to St Mary's Park for the first round of the ACFL Div 3 and came out the victors with 2pts to spare. Although the scoreline suggests that this was a close run affair, Swanlinbar where the better team over the course of the hour and should have been well out of sight at half time but allowed Templeport back into the game. Robbie Prior raised the first white flag of the day after a foul on Mark Cunningham, two minutes later Cunningham added another point from a free after he himself was fouled. Ciaran McManus scored the visitors first point after 7 mins when he was fouled 30 yards from goal.
Swanlinbar then produced a purple patch which saw them score 4 points without reply, this scoring spree was started with a fine point from play from Mark Cunningham, Prior added a further 3 points from dead balls on the 10th. 13th & 14th minutes. In the 25th min McManus added his sides second point from a free, Geroid McKiernan responded for the home side with a fine point but Templeport finished the half with McManus landing 3 frees on 29, 30 & 31 minutes.
Swanlinbar were quickest out of the blocks in the second half with Damien “Amos” Leydon popping up from wing back to chip over a sweet point. Robbie Prior added another point after a foul on Michael “The Red Fox” Cunningham. Templeport were then awarded a penalty which was dispatched excellently by McManus. This was then followed up by their first point from play when Sean Corrigan raced up the field from wing back to send over the bar. Swanlinbars response was clinical, they added 5 unanswered points between the 43rd and 51st minutes, 2 each from Gearoid McKiernan & M Cunningham plus a converted free from Prior. Templeport responded with 2 pointed frees from McManus and one from play in the last few minutes but Swanlinbar held on for a deserved win.
Both Teams finished the game with 14 men, Gearoid McKiernan was sent to the line for a second yellow card and Lasa Morgonrath received a straight red for a striking offence.

(Swad) G.Scollan S.Corrigan, A.McGoldrick, P.Prior, D.Leydon, J.Cunningham, D.McGovern, M.Cunningham, G.McKiernan, P.Brennan, M.Cunningham, R.Maher, R.Prior, M.Curran, R.McBarron.

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Intermediate Relegation Play-off : 19 November 2008

Drumalee 3-10
Swanlinbar 1-9

Three second-half goals assured Drumalee of their status in the intermediate grade for next season, after they saw off Swanlinbar by seven points at St Aidan’s Park, Bawnboy last Saturday.

The 2006 champions got off to an ideal start in the game with their half-forward John O’Connor swinging over three points in the opening 10 minutes, with Robbie Prior’s white flag the only response for Swad in that time.

Prior hit two more scores to level matters coming towards the quarter hour, but Darragh Gaffney and Finbar Donohoe maintained the difference at two for the St Felim’s Park side.

However, the men from west Cavan came back strong to equal the sides at the interval with Prior and full-forward Gearoid McKiernan striking the points that left the game all square after the opening half-hour.

Drumalee introduced Trevor Molloy at half-time and the switch paid dividends as he setup up Gaffney for the opening point of the half, and they were four clear soon after when Bernard Young sent through Craig Sheridan for the game’s first green flag.

The game was all but over when Molloy was on hand to provide Young with a slick pass that allowed the corner-forward to find the net on 47 minutes, but points from Prior still kept Swad in with a chance.

It wasn’t until Enda McCormack one-twoed with Molloy past the opponents’ defence in the closing stages that Drumalee could breath a sign of relief as the former county senior made no mistake in blasting past Gerry Scollan and securing intermediate football for his club next year, while condemning Swad back to the Junior Championship.

Round 13: Swanlinbar get a walkover as Mahera failed to field

Round 12 (18/10/08) Swanlinbar 2:09 Arva 3:06

Round 11 (12/7/08) Swanlinbar 1:10 Templeport 0:07

Round 10 (20/6/08) Kildallan 1:07 Swanlinbar 0:15

Round 9 (31/5/08) Swanlinbar 2:14 Corlough 1:08

Round 8 (24/5/08) Muintirconnacht 1:13 Swanlinbar 1:14

Round 5 (refixed)(21/5/08) Swanlinbar 2:09 Cornafean 0:13

Played on the night of the Champions League Final (re-fixed by the County Board) this game didn't go to penalties but it was as evenly matched as the televised one. There was only one penalty in the game awarded to Swanlinbar after a foot block by the Cornafean goalkeeper on Mark Cunningham as he bore down on goal. It was expertly put away by Rory McBarron, John Terry take note!!! Cornafean will be dissapointed not to have come away with at least a draw as the game was in the balance up to the final moments. Swad secured a 2 point win with the last point coming from John Cuningham in the second minute of injury time.

Round 7 (10/5/08) Swanlinbar 1:08 Laragh 2:13

No County men, John Cunningham or Gearoid McKiernan, and "post wedding blues" did'nt help us in this game.

Round 6 (02/5/08) Kill 1:13 Swanlinbar 2:05

Kill Shamrocks continued their excellent form in this season’s Cavan SFL Division 3 when they defeated one of their main rivals for promotion this season, at Rathluden Park, Tullyvin winning a closely contested encounter on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-5.

The opening half of this game was very competitive with both sides going all-out for scores to gain a dominance over their rivals. At the end of the half it was the home side ahead by two points 1-8 to 2-3.

Kill Shamrocks started the second-half in determined mood, bit they were finding the West Cavan side hard to break down. As the half progressed the Swanlinbar side improved immeasurably and were always in contention. However, they suffered a severe setback in the final quarter of this game when county senior midfielder John Cunningham got his marching orders for a second yellow card offence. This gave the home side the impetus to go on and win the game, and they finished strongly with three late points to continue their unbeaten run to date in the league.

Another battling performance from the Kill Shamrocks side who know how to win games even when they are not firing on all cylinders as was the case on this occasion. Swanlinbar to their credit came to win this game, and they really gave it their all, and if they had a better cutting edge in attack it could have been much closer at the finish.

Kill Shamrocks - P. McKiernan; B. McMenamin, D. Kissane, D. McMenamin; B. McCarey, C. McCarey, N. Foster; D. Foster, P. McKenna; S. Gaffney, M. Magee, M. Kelly; C. McCaffrey, G. Smith, N. McCaffrey.
Subs used; John McCarey, Peadar Kelly, T. J. Byrne.

Swanlinbar - G. Scolon; S. Corrigan, M. Curran, P. Prior; A. McGoldrick, D. Leydon, T. O’Brien; J. Cunningham, K. Brennan; A. McGoldrick, M. Cunningham, R. Prior; M. Cunningham, P. McGovern, S. Prior.

Round 4 (05/4/08) Mountnugent 2:12 Swanlinbar 0:06

Round 3 (30/3/08) Swanlinbar 3:06 Shannon Gaels 2:09

Round 2 (23/3/08) Crosserlough 2:09 Swanlinbar 0:09

Round 1 (9/3/08) Swanlinbar 1:09 Butlersbridge 1:06

Swanlinbar got their Division 3 campaign off to a winning start against Bultersbridge on Sunday afternoon with a deserving 3 point win over the visitors. A good game of football was witnessed on this cold winters day. Mark Cunningham opened up the scoring for the home side with a 14 yard free within the first minute of the opening half. Even though Swanlinbar had the advantage of the wind in the first half they did not seem to make the most of this. Swanlinbar goalkeeper Stephen McGoldrick pulled of a brilliant save in the 3rd minute to deny Bultersbridge an opening goal. In the 11th minute Bultersbridge scored their opening point from play through Kieran Greenan. A free taken by John Shannon saw the visitors a point ahead of the home side but an 18th minute free taken by Robbie Prior brought the sides level again. Swanlinbar got another point by Mark Cunningham in the 20th minute from play and Bultersbridge got one back from a point from Gary Mc Entee. In the 2nd minute of injury time in the first half Mark Cunningham put the home side a point ahead to close the first half. Half time score: Swanlinbar 4 points, Bultersbridge 3 points.

Swanlinbar came out a different team in the opening minutes of the second half. Robbie Prior scored the opening point of the second half with a free kick. 2 more points followed from Robbie Prior, one from a free and one from play. Swanlinbar looked to be pulling away from the visitors until Bultersbridge was awarded a penalty in the 11th minute. The penalty was taken by Noel Mc Philips who hit the ball off the upright but the ball returned into the back of the net. This left only a 1 point lead for the home time, but Swanlinbar answered back with a goal from Paul Brennan in the 17th minute. Swanlinbar went on to score another point from John Cunningham. Lorcan Mulvey pulled back another point for the visitors and another 2 points followed for Bultersbridge but was not enough to secure the game for them. Michael Cunningham scored another point for Swanlinbar in the 29th minute of the game leaving the score 1-9 to Swanlinbar and Bultersbridge 1-6.

Swanlinbar: Stephen McGoldrick, Seamus Corrigan, Michael Curran, Neil McGovern, Paul Prior, Kevin Brennan, Adrian McGoldrick, John Cunningham (0-1), Gearoid McKiernan, Paul Brennan (1-0), Robbie Prior (0-4), Gerard Scollan, Ruairi McBarron, Mark Cunningham (0-3), Gavin Leydon.

Subs: Padraig McManus for Ruairi McBarron, Michael Cunningham for Gerard Scollan.

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Intermediate Championship Qualifier in Terry Coyle Pk., Sun 26-8-07 Swanlinbar 1:07 Bailieborough 0:11

Bailieborough Shamrocks had to really battle hard to overcome Swanlinbar in the Cavan IFC quarter-final played at Terry Coyle Park, Cavan on Sunday evening last, 26th of August. After a close and competitive championship tussle that could have gone either way, the East Cavan side survived to win by a single point 0-11 to 1-7.
The opening half of this game was very close, but both defences well on top. At the break it was Bailieborough who were ahead by 0-6 to 0-4.

The second-half followed the same trend as the first-half with the Bailieboro’ Shamrocks side using all their experience to stay in front. Then the West Cavan team got the break they were looking for when their midfielder Gearoid McKiernan got in for a goal in the 16th minute to reduce the leeway to two points with a quarter of the match remaining. Bailieboro’ to their credit didn’t panic and when sub Paddy Byrd scored an inspirational point to leave the score 0-11 to 1-5 they were back in the driving seat.

The closing minutes of the game were exciting as both teams went in search of winning scorer. Indeed, the exchanges got frantic at times, and in the closing minutes Swanlinbar’s experienced midfielder Kevin Brennan got his marching orders for two yellow card offences. Bailieborough finished the game strongly and had three chances to increase their lead. They were out of luck but still held on for a narrow one point win.

Swanlinbar as they have done all season in the championship gave of their best, but on this occasion the strongest sector of their side their attack had something of an off-day. They paid dearly for this at the end, and won’t be adding the IFC title to the junior crown they won last season.
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Intermediate Championship Qualifier in Breffni Pk., Sat 17-8-07 . Swanlinbar 1:15 Ballymachugh 1:11

Reigning junior football champions Swanlinbar continued their winning run in the Cavan IFC Qualifiers on Saturday evening last, August 18th at Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan when they defeated Ballymachugh in a high-scoring game on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-11.

The game was competitive throughout though the West Cavan side always held the edge in this game. To the credit of Ballymachugh they made a real effort to win the game in the second-half when they levelled the scores 1-9 to 0-12. However, Swanlinbar finished the stronger side and a late Gearoid McKiernan goal proved decisive and ensured the West Cavan would continue to be in the championship race.

A young player who caught the eye for the winners on this occasion was county minor star, Mark Cunningham who always threatened danger to the Ballymachugh defence when in possession and finished the game with a personal tally of 0-7 – three frees.

Swanlinbar – Gavin Leydon; Seamus Corrigan, Michael Curran, Paul Prior; Damien Leydon, Thomas Prior, John Cunningham; Kevin Brennan (0-2), Gearoid McKiernan (1-1); Adrian McGoldrick, Paul Brennan, Rory McBarron (0-1); Mark Cunningham (0-7, three frees), Kevin Prior, Robert Prior (0-4, all frees).
Subs – Michael Cunningham for Paul Brennan; Padraig McManus for Paul Prior; Neil McGovern for John Cunningham.
Referee – Martin Sexton (Cavan Gaels).

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Intermediate Championship Qualifier in Drumlane, Sat 11-8-07

Swanlinbar 0:15 Drung 0:12 .AET

Last season’s junior champions, Swanlinbar got themselves back into the race for IFC honours when on Saturday evening last at O’Connell Park, Milltown they defeated a fancied Drung side in a quarter-final IFC qualifier on a scoreline of 0-15 to 0-12.

This was a close and interesting encounter from start to finish with the Drung side ahead at the break by 0-6 to 0-5. The second-half was much similar to the opening one with both sides cancelling each other out for long periods, and after twenty minutes play they were level at 0-9 apiece.
The ’Swad’ side looked to have taken the honours when they led by 0-12 to 0-10 with less than five minutes remaining. Drung put in a late rally to level the scores and bring the game into extra-time – 0-12 piece.

’Swad’ had the better of the exchanges in the opening half of extra-time and led by 0-14 to 0-12. Paul Brennan increased this lead in the early minutes of the second-half. Drung then increased the tempo of their game and helped by the fact that their opponents were down to 14-men when Gearoid McKiernan was sent off for a second yellow card offence. The closing minutes were exciting to say the least, with the West Cavan side holding out for a deserved if close three points win.

Swanlinbar are showing their best form in this season’s I.F. championship. They were unlucky to lose to Ballyhaise in the first round, but defeating a Division Two side such as Drung will give them great confidence ahead of their next qualifier meeting with Ballymachugh in Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan on Saturday evening next, 18th of August at 5.15 p.m. Their top marksman on the day was Robert Prior with 8 points – a good day’s work by any standards.

Swanlinbar – Gavin Leydon; Seamus Corrigan, Michael Curran, Paul Prior; Damien Leydon, Thomas Prior, John Cunningham; Kevin Brennan, Gearoid McKiernan (0-1); Rory McBarron, Paul Brennan (0-1), Aidan McGoldrick (0-1); Mark Cunningham (0-4), Kevin Prior, Robert Prior (0-8).
Subs –Michael Cunningham for Seamus Corrigan, Neil McGovern for Paul Prior, Sean Prior for Paul Brennan, Padraig McManus for Kevin Prior.
Drung – James Reilly; Finbar O’Reilly, Karl O’Rourke, Ronan Crowe; Dan Fay, Raymond Fay, Michael McEntee; Paul Slowey (0-2), Aidan McCaul; Killian Monaghan (0-1), Alan Curran, Sean Fay; Philip Monaghan (0-1), Barry Watters (0-6), Noel Hueston (0-2).
Subs – Sean Johnston for Killian Monaghan, Cathal Donohoe for Finbar O’Reilly, Ronan Slowey for Dan Fay, Brendan Brady for Aidan McCaul.
Referee: James Clarke from Killinkere.

Intermediate Championship in Drumlane, Sun 29-7-07 4pm

Ballyhaise 1:13 Swanlinbar 0:14

 Ballyhaise eventually overcame a strong Swanlinbar challenge on Sunday in the Intermediate Championship played in ideal conditions on the magnificent Drumlane surface. Although eighteen league positions separate these teams everyone knows that championship is different. So it proved as Swanlinbar raced away in the first ten minutes with Mark Cunningham scoring 3 points, a 45, a free and one from play. At this stage the team in blue looked like the Div.1 outfit, their work rate and cohesion at odds with their lowly Div.2 position. Ballyhaise made a few positional switches and were raised from their slumber by points from Stephen Smith after a good run and Eamonn Costello on the counter attack when a Swad move broke down in the Ballyhaise half back line. Mid way through the half it was even-stevens when Barry McCrudden took a pass from a quickly taken free and scored a fine point. Then came the only goal of the game when the same players fierce drive came back off the crossbar and fell to the waiting E. Costello who gave the keeper no chance with a drive to the roof of the net. This set back only spurred on the Swad boys who continued to put pressure on the Ballyhaise defence with a mix of long ball to the forward line and good runs up the field. They tacked on the next seven points (four frees) keeping Ballyhaise scoreless for the remainder of the half. The best of these coming from Gearoid McKiernan after good inter passing involving Rory McBarron and Kevin Brennan. It was Swanlinbar 0:11 Ballyhaise 1:03 at the break.

 The short whistle gave Ballyhaise time to regroup. The heat from the half time ‘talk’ must have peeled the paint from the dressing room walls because they came out a more determined team in the second half. Within two minutes Kevin Rooney had fisted over a point after a great solo run and likewise Eamonn Costello raised a white flag. Mark Cunningham replied with his own fisted point after cutting in from the left but Colm Reilly tacked on two more points to cut the deficit to two. A further point by the impressive John Donohoe and one by the veteran James Brady was reward for the pressure Ballyhaise were now applying. Mark Cunningham shot just over the bar in the 44^th minute but Stephen Smith replied with a free from in front of the Swad goal. A mix up in the Swad defence let John Donoghue in for a point and, minutes later, he sent over again from an acute angle on the right hand side. Cunningham pointed a free after a run up the field by Neil McGovern was halted unfairly. This left the minimum between the teams and the game still in the balance but a well taken free by man of the match contender John Donoghue was just enough to secure a hard fought victory.

Swad had one last chance from a 20 metre free in front of the goal and with two points the difference the goal bound shot was blocked and the final whistle sounded leaving the scoreboard reading Ballyhaise 1:13 Swanlinbar 0:14

 To any neutrals that stayed on after the county camogie final this was a very enjoyable contest played at a pace and in a sporting manner with the outcome in doubt till the end. There were some excellent passages of play, particularly Swanlinbar in the first half, but it was the greater strength of the Ballyhaise forward line which won the day once their midfield got to grips with their opposite numbers in the second half. Best for Ballyhaise were Barry Kelly and Kevin Rooney in defence, Barry McCrudden in midfiled until he had to go off injured mid way through the second half and John Donoghue, Colm Reilly and Eamonn Costello in the attack.

Swanlinbar had sterling performances from Mark Cunningham in attack, Kevin Brennan and Gearoid McKiernan in midfield with good performances in the defence from Thomas Prior, Michael Curran, Liam Prior and Damien Leydon,

Swanlinbar: Anthony McGoldrick, Seamus Corrigan, Michael Curran, Liam Prior, Paul Prior, Thoms Prior, Damien Leydon, Gearoid McKiernan, Kevin Brennan, Rory McBarron, Paul Brennan, Adrian McGoldrick, Mark Cunningham, Kevin Prior, Padraig McManus.  Subs used: Neil McGovern for P. Prior, Michael Cunningham for P. McManus.

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2007 Season Cathal Brady Audi A.C.F.L. Division 2

Round 9 (28/6/07) Swanlinbar 0:10 Redhills 4:10

The old failing of conceeding goals came back to haunt us again in this game against a strong running Redhills team.

Round 8 (23/6/07) Laragh Utd. 1:10 Swanlinbar 2:04

First game under new management. There were positional changes around the field, Thomas Prior and Paul Brennan started in midfield. Michael Curran was having a great game at fullback until a clash of heads forced him to go to hospital for stitches. An un-usually low points tally was our downfall not to mention a couple of missed goal chances.

Round 7 (10/6/07) Killygarry 1:20 Swanlinbar 0:10

Bad day at the office on Sunday afternoon. Heads were down even before the game. Swanlinbar were 12 points down at half time but started to contest and play some good football in the second half and kept the deficit to one more point, loosing by 13 in all. Afterwards, following a meeting in the dressing room, the manager resigned.

Round 6 (2/6/07) Swanlinbar 1:08 Ballymachugh 1:14

We were 8 points up at one stage in the first half and four points up at the break and we still lost this one.

Round 5 (29/4/07) Swanlinbar 0:14 Knockbride 2:09

Knockbride had an early start on Sunday morning to be in St Mary’s Park, Swanlinbar for the match with the locals at 12 noon. In what proved to be a closely fought match played in ideal conditions, Knockbride were lucky to take the points. From the throw in Swanlinbar gained possession and launched an attack but were unable to score. Knockbride opened the scoring with a point from Larry Reilly. Swanlinbar replied with points from Gearoid McKiernan, Robert Prior and Mark Cunningham to put the home side ahead. In the 9th and 10th minute the Reilly brothers, Larry and Peter put over 2 points to level the scores.

Swanlinbar’s Michael Cunningham collected a ball in the middle of the park and passed it to his brother Mark who was fouled on the sideline, about 30 meters from the Knockbride goal and from the resulting free, Mark put it over the bar. From the kick out Knockbride gained possession and launched an attack, with good interplay between Larry and Peter Reilly culminating in a goal from Larry. Knockbride attacked again and Peter Reilly put over another point.

Swanlinbar gained possession and after some excellent play, Robert Prior put one over the bar for another point in the 18th minute. For the next 5 minutes Swanlinbar laid siege to the Knockbride goal but it was to no avail. Knockbride went up the field and were awarded a 45, which Peter Reilly took it short to Raphael Rodgers who put it over the bar. Knockbride continued to attack, with the crossbar denying Larry Reilly a second goal but the rebound found Brendan Carolan, and he pointed.

Dermot O’Brien tested Kevin Prior in the Swanlinbar goals but he brought off a great save. Swanlinbar were guilty of poor defending in the 24th minute resulting in a goal from the boot of Peter Reilly, to put the visitors ahead 2-06 to Swanlinbar’s 5 points. In the remaining 6 minutes of the first half, Swanlinbar’s steadfast Robert Prior, put over 3 points and Knockbride replied with a point from Brendan Carolan, to leave the half time score Swanlinbar 0-08 Knockbride 2-07.

From the throw in John Cunningham took possession and from 40 metres out put the ball over the bar. And from the kick out Padraig Leydon put over another point from a similar position. Brendan Carolan replied with a point for the visitors. After some good attacking play from both sides Swanlinbar were awarded a 45, which came off the upright from the boot of Mark Cunningham. Peter Reilly was bearing down on the Swanlinbar goal, was fouled and was awarded a penalty, which he himself choose to take. For the second time in the match Kevin Prior came to the aid of the home side pulling off a save, which would not be out of place in the Premiership. Swanlinbar’s Michael Cunningham, was on the attack and going through to goal when he was brought down by Raphael Rodgers resulting in a second yellow for the Knockbride number 5, sending him to the sideline. Robert Prior took the resulting free and tapped it over the bar.

Knockbride then went on the attack and Kevin Prior again, brought off another great save from the boot of Peter Reilly but Knockbride were not to be denied their score with Larry Reilly putting over the visitors last point of the match in the 10th minute. The home side were not yet finished. Swanlinbar clawed back 3 points from Robert Prior, Gearoid Mc Kiernan and Mark Cunningham, but were unable to find the elusive last point that would have drawn the match. Leaving the final score Swanlinbar 0-14 Knockbride 2-09.

Scorers: Swanlinbar: Robert Prior 0-7, Mark Cunningham 0-3, Gearoid McKiernan 0-2, John Cunningham 0-1, Padraig Leydon 0-1.

Knockbride: Larry Reilly 1-03, Peter Reilly 1-02, Brendan Carolan 0-3, Raphael Rodgers 0-1.

Swanlinbar: Kevin Prior, Paul Prior, Thomas Prior, Damian Leydon, Seamus Corrigan, Michael Curran, Liam Prior, John Cunningham, Michael Cunningham, Padraig Leydon, Robert Prior, Ruairi Mc Barron, Gearoid Mc Kiernan, Kevin Brennan, Mark Cunningham. Sub used: Christopher Curran for Padraig Leydon

Knockbride: Ronan Keaskin, Declan O’Reilly, David Traynor, Michael Clarke, Raphael Rodgers, Niall O’Reilly, Dermott O’Brien, Ollie Mulvey, Colm Fitzpatrick, Shane Reilly, Brendan Carolan, Damian Farrelly, Larry Reilly, Peter Reilly, Shane Carolan. Subs used: Seamus O’Brien for Shane Carolan, Aiden Rodgers for Shane Reilly

Round 4 (18/4/07) Lavey 3:08 Swanlinbar 1:13

Round 3 (9/4/07) Swanlinbar 2:12 Shercock 4:08

Swanlinbar had Shercock as visitors in St Mary’s Park on Sunday last and as the saying goes ‘Goals Win Games’ and on Sunday this proved to be the case. The game was played at a non-stop pace on a perfect pitch on the most glorious day and at the end it was the visitors that had the points to spare over the Swad boys.

From the throw in Shercock gained possession and Shane Mc Phillips opened the scoring with a point Swad replied with a point from Mark Cunningham and the home side then went ahead with a John Cunningham point in the fourth minute. Cathal O’Reilly then equalized for the visitors with a point from a free in the sixth minute. Shercock took the game to Swanlinbar and were in complete control with Cathal O’Reilly scoring a goal and then a point a piece from Shane Mc Phillips and Liam O’Reilly. Swanlinbar’s Kevin Brennan then gained possession in the middle of the pitch and from 45 metres out lobbed a shot towards the Shercock keeper which crashed into the back of the net for the home sides first goal of the game.

Shane Mc Phillips then stole back a point for Shercock, this was followed by a point from Ruairi Mc Barron, the result of a free. From the kick out Damian Leydon caught the ball and raced up the field and put it over the bar to reduce the deficit. John Cunningham then added a further point. Shercock the replied with a goal and a point from the boot of Cathal O’Reilly. This left the half time score Swanlinbar 1-6 Shercock 2-5.

Swanlinbar started the second half with a substitution, Robert Prior replacing the injured Mark Cunningham. Straight from the throw in Shercock were on the attack with goals from Shane Mc Phillips and Cathal O’Reilly followed by a point from Ollie Ward. Swanlinbar answered with a point from John Cunningham followed by 3 points from Robert Prior, all from frees. Swanlinbar continued to take control with 2 points from Kevin Brennan in the 48 th and 50th minutes. Not to be outdone Shercock then clocked up another 2 points leaving the score now at 4-08 to 1-11. Swanlinbar’s Michael Curran was then fouled in the square, which resulted in a penalty, driven home by Ruairi Mc Barron. The game finished Swanlinbar 2-12 Shercock 4-08.

Swanlinbar: Kevin Prior, Michael Curran, Gavin Leydon, Seamus Corrigan, Damian Leydon, Adrian Mc Goldrick , Liam Prior , John Cunningham, Thomas Prior, Gearoid Mc Kiernan, Kevin Brennan, Paul Prior , Padraig Mc Manus, Mark Cunningham, Ruairi Mc Barron.

Subs used: Robert Prior for Mark Cunningham, Neil Mc Govern for Gearoid McKiernan, Sean Prior for Padraig Mc Manus.

Scorers: Kevin Brennan (1-02), Ruairi Mc Barron (1-0), Mark Cunningham (0-3), John Cunningham (0-3), Robert Prior (0-3), Damian Leydon (0-1).

Shercock: Colin Courtney, Barry O’Reilly, Liam O’Reilly, Liam O’Reilly MS, Dean Mc Phillips, Sean Magee, Francie Byrne, Michael O’Reilly, Michael Mc Entee, Brian Hamilton, Ciaran Lennon, Ollie Ward, Shane Mc Phillips, Cathal O’Reilly.

Scorers: Cathal O’Reilly (3-01), Shane Mc Phillips (1-03), Liam O’Reilly (0-1), Paddy Mc Phillips (0-1), Brian Hamilton (0-1), Ollie Ward (0-1). Referee: Tony Mc Donald

Round 2 (18/3/07) Drumgoon 1:08 Swanlinbar 0:05

Round 1 (4/3/07) Swanlinbar 1:15 Ramor 2:12

Swanlinbar hosted Ramor United in Saint Mary’s Park Swanlinbar on Sunday last in the opening round of A.C.F.L. Division 2.

On a damp and windy day for football both teams served up an enjoyable hours football with honours even at the final whistle.

Brian Brady opened the scoring for the visitors in the first minute with a point. After 6 minutes Swanlinbar were ahead with 2 points coming from the boot of corner forward Mark Cunningham. In the 8 and 13 minutes Ramor replied with 2 points from corner forwards Keith Soden and Patrick Mc Namee. Swad replied with a point from Mark Cunningham.

At this time Ramor lost their influential Under 21 player Anton Reilly through injury and was replaced by Darragh Sheridan.

The home side took advantage of Ramor’s misfortune and full forward Robbie Prior got his first score, a point, when a goal may have been on. This was followed a minute later with a similar score by Michael Cunningham.

However Ramor came back strongly with a point from Donal Morgan and in the 21 st minute the net bulged for the first time in the game when Ronan Keating scored a goal for the visitors. This was followed by another Ramor point from Keith Soden.

A feature of the game was how both teams never gave up and both endeavored to play good open articulate and attractive football in spite of the strong wind that prevailed throughout the hour. In the 23 rd minute Damien Leydon ran on to pass from John Cunningham and scored a long range point. A minute later full forward Robbie Prior put the minimum between the teams. With 3 minutes of the half left Swanlinbar finished the half the stronger with 3 points from Michael Cunningham, Robbie Prior and Mark Cunningham leaving the half time score Swanlinbar 0.10 Ramor United 1.5

 

At half time Swad lost their wing half back Niall Mc Govern and midfield player Padraig Leydon through injury. They were replaced respectively by the experienced duo Aidy Mc Goldrick and Thomas Prior.

With a strong wind on their back Ramor had the best of the opening exchanges in the second half. In the opening 10 minutes they scored a goal and 4 points to the home side solitary point. With a goal and 2 points coming from Patrick Mc Namee and further points coming from Donnagh Courtney and Darragh Sheridan. Swanlinbar’s score was a point from Robbie Prior.

At this stage both defenses were on top and neither side was able to make a breakthrough. Swanlinbar’s full forward Robbie Prior broke the deadlock with a point in the 51 st minute and in the next 2 minutes Ramor registered 2 point from Keith Soden and Ado Cole. With 5 minutes remaining Robbie Prior popped up with a point for Swad. The visitors were cruising to a 4 point victory and with the home side desperately needing a goal Mark Cunningham broke through and was fouled resulting in a penalty which Robbie Prior slotted neatly into the corner of the goals leaving the minimum between the teams. The same player leveled the score in the 59 th with a close in free after Michael Cunningham had been fouled. In injury time Ramor seemed to have taken the points with a well taken free from 50 meters out from the boot of Keith Soden but from the resulting kick out Swanlinbar gained possession and launched a last attack and after some neat play got a free from the 20 meter line which Mark Cunningham put over the bar to level the scores at Swanlinbar 1.15 Ramor 2.12

Scorers Swanlinbar: Robbie Prior 1-5; Mark Cunningham 0-7; Michael Cunningham 0-2; Damien Leydon 0-1.

Ramor United: Patrick Mc Namee 1-3; Keith Soden 0-4; Ronan Keating 1-0; Brian Brady 0-1; Donagh Courtney 0-1; Darragh Sheridan 0-1; Ado Cole 0-1; Donal Morgan 0-1.

Swanlinbar: Kevin Prior. Gavin Leydon. Michael Curran. Seamus Corrigan. Niall Mc Govern. Kevin Brennan. Liam Prior . Padraig Leydon. John Cunningham. Damien Leydon. Michael Cunningham. Paul Prior (Captain). Mark Cunningham. Robbie Prior. Geroid Mc Kiernan.

Subs used: Aidy Mc Goldrick for Niall Mc Govern. Thomas Prior for Padraig Leydon.

Referee Tommy Lyons, Drumalee

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2006

A.C.F.L DIVISION 2

		P	W	D	L	PTS
Drumlane		13	10	1	2	21
Lacken		13	9	2	2	20
Ramor Utd		13	9	2	2	20
Lavey		13	9	1	3	19
Drung		13	7	1	5	15
Knockbride		13	6	2	5	14
Redhills		13	5	3	5	13
Ballymachugh		13	4	4	5	12
Killinkere		13	4	3	6	11
Bailieborough		13	3	4	6	10
Laragh Utd		13	3	3	7	9
Swanlinbar		13	3	3	7	9
Kill		13	2	2	9	6
Kildallan		13	1	1	11	3

2006 Season

Round 9 (11/6/06) Swanlinbar 0:14 Killinkere 2:09

Leaking two goals was the deciding factor in this well contested game on a glorius summer day in Swanlinbar. With conditions perfect for football Swad were the brighter in the first ten minutes. Mark Cunningham and Robbie Prior were on form and between them helped Swad to a 4 points to 1 lead. Killinkere were dangerous mainly through the speedy James Clarke but his finishing let him down on more than a few occaisons. Both sides had a penalty awarded in the first half. Gavin Leydon saved brialliantly in the Swad goal and Mark Cunninghams effort hit the butt of the post at the other end.Killinkere came more into the game in the second half and just as Swad seemed to move ahead they got the goals to haul them back. Swad had a few inexperienced newcomers to senior football and they settled in well, indeed Gearoid McKiernan got on the score sheet to tie the sides at one stage late in the game but it was Kilinkere who finished winners by a point.

Round 8 (28/5/06) Kildallan 1:11 Swanlinbar 2:08

Another windy day and another goal conceeded with the last kick of the game deep into injury time. The proverbial game of two halves as the gale force wind favoured Swad in the first half and helped to build up a 2:06 to 0:01 lead at half time. It was backs against the wall in the second half as Kildallan chased down Swads first innings. Despite a brave comeback and some good scores by Kildallan it seemed that Swad would hold out for the win as they stoutly defended the lead but some indicipline led to M. Cunningham being sent off for a second yellow in the 50th minute and the equalising goal arrived on cue deep into time added on.

Round 5 (28/4/06) Swanlinbar 3:06 Ballymachugh 1:11

Ballymachugh made the long trip to Swanlinbar on Friday night last for their latest Div 2 clash. After observing a minutes silence for the late Oliver Prunty of Swanlinbar both teams started briskly. Five minutes in and it was Ballymachugh who took control and dominated the game territorially for the following fifteen minutes. They scored four points without reply through James McKiernan (2), Barry McKiernan and a free from Niall Baxter. Swanlinbar were struggling to get any momentum going and were it not for some stout defending and some wayward shooting by Ballymachugh the gap would have been even wider. Swad did point from a free after Michael Cunningham’s good solo run was halted illegally but James McKiernan restored the four point lead with a good score from play. Swanlinbar needed inspiration from somewhere and it came from John Cunningham’s wonderful solo run from 50 metres. The field opened up in front of him as it did for Moses at the Red Sea and he jinked past two Ballymachugh defenders and let rip from 13 metres to the back of the net. Robbie Prior missed a free and a chance to level it but made amends on the stroke of half time to leave the scores tied at 1:02 to 0:05.

Swanlinbar started the second half in a more determined fashion but a mistake by the keeper gave Ballymachugh a goal advantage. Spurred on by this they added two more points by the 40 th minute to go five ahead. At this stage the game had more switches than an electrician’s toolbox. Some were tactical and some, in Ballymachugh’s case, due to injuries. The most telling switch was to bring Kevin Brennan to the Swad midfield. His strength and fielding ability was the platform for another Swad revival. After a good passing movement down the right hand side the ball came to Paul McGovern on the edge of the square and he coolly dispatched it to the back of the Ballymachugh net half way through the second half.

Ballymachugh replied with a point from play and Swad’s Michael Cunningham responded similarly after a good passing move out of defence. After the same player was fouled on 50 minutes Robbie Prior pointed the free to leave the minimum between them with ten minutes left. Ballymachugh responded well and added two more points after some over-elaboration in the Swad defence. The game continued at a frantic pace as Kevin Brennan gained possession and punted a cross field ball which Robbie Prior fisted to the net from the edge of the square. This levelled the scores and any team could now win it or loose it in the last few minutes. Michael Cunningham was again hauled down while on another good solo run and as he lay on the ground a further indiscretion by the Ballymachugh defender left referee Brian Seagrave no option but to red card him. Robbie Prior pointed the resulting free to put Swad in the lead for the first time in the match. The home team had their tails up now and Kevin Brennan pointed from play after some good passing play. Five minutes into injury time Ballymachugh added a point from a 13 metre free but the league points went to the home team.

This was a tough, hard fought contest that see-sawed throughout. Ballymachugh has periods of dominance especially in the first half with good performances from Philip Donohoe and Patrick Sheridan in the midfield and Niall Baxter, Barry and James McKiernan in attack. In defence Liam O’Donohoe stood out. For Swanlinbar the defensive unit played well especially Seamus Corrigan, John Cunningham, Adrian McGoldrick, Liam and Thomas Prior. In midfield Michael Cunningham and the inspirational Kevin Brennan kept a good supply to the forwards of whom Robbie Prior, Paul McGovern and Padraig Leydon were the liveliest.

Swanlinbar: Sean Prior, Paul Prior , Thomas Prior, Seamus Corrigan, Damien Leydon, Adrian McGoldrick, Liam Prior , John Cunningham (1:00), Michael Cunningham (0:02), Padraig Leydon, Kevin Brennan (0:01), Rory McBarron, Mark Cunningham, Paul McGovern (1:00), Robbie Prior (1:04).

Ballymachugh: S. Baxter, B O’Donoghue, L. O’Donoghue, B. McLarney, B. McKiernan, G. Smith, S. McLarney, P O’Donoghue, P. Sheridan, R. Smith, S. Shannon, F. Sheridan, N. Baxter, S. McKiernan, B. McKiernan.

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Round 3 (15/4/06) Swanlinbar 1:13 Kill 1:09

Swanlinbar played their second home game of the season on Easter Saturday evening, two days before the official opening of Saint Mary’s Park in which Fermanagh overcame Leitrim by a single point.

On an evening when the sun shone and in the field was in top class condition the home side overcame a dogged and determined side. Swanlinbar laid the foundation for the victory with good first half display.

Kill were first off the blocks with a point after four minutes from Sean Gaffney. Swad replied with a point from a free from Mark Cunningham and the same player was on target again with a fine long range point. The home side increased the lead with a point from the boot of Robbie Prior in the 13th minute. The same played latched on to a pass from Padraig Leydon and found the back of the net in the 14th minute. Kill replied with a point from Sean Gaffney. Swanlinbar were on top at this stage and Robbie Prior put over another point. Padraig Leydon increased the home sides lead with a point in the 18th minute. Adrian McGoldrick lobbed in a shot which bounced in the square and went over the bar for a point. Swad upped the ante again with a Padraig Leydon point.

Kill were at sixes and sevens but did raise the white flag with a point from Conor McCaffrey. Swanlinbar finished the half the stronger with two points from frees by Robbie Prior to leave the half time score Swanlinbar 1-9pts Kill 0-3pts

Kill came out in the second half and put it up to Swanlinbar. They put over 4 unanswered points from Conor McCaffrey, Sean Gaffney (2) and Damien Foster before Swanlinbar replied with their first score well into the second half, a point from the boot of Padraig Leydon. The home side had 2 unanswered points from Michael Cunningham and Rory Mc Barron before Kill gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a goal in injury time from Sean Gaffney but Swad replied with a Michael Cunningham point. Kill had the last 2 scores of the game well into time added on. Those 2 points from Ray Magee and Damian Foster left the final score Swanlinbar 1-13pts - Kill 1- 9pts

Scorers: Robbie Prior 1-4, Padraig Leydon 0-3, Michael Cunningham 0-2, Mark Cunningham 0-3, Adrian McGoldrick 0-1, Rory Mc Barron 0-1.

Swanlinbar: Sean Prior, Damien Leydon, Seamus Corrigan, Liam Prior , Adrian McGoldrick, John Cunningham, Paul Prior , Michael Cunningham, Paul Brennan, Padraig Leydon, Michael Curran, Robbie Prior, Rory McBarron, Kevin Brennan, Mark Cunningham, Subs: Paul Mc Govern for Paul Brennan (inj.)

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Round 2 (9/4/06) Swanlinbar 0:11 Ramor 0:14

This was a well contested game from start to finish played before a big attendance with the outcome in doubt to the final whistle. Ramor Utd. had the better of matters in the opening half and led at the break by two points 0-5 to 0-3. The second-half started in exciting fashion when the Ramor Utd. custodian Alan Farrelly was called to make a brilliant reflex save which was to prove vital at the end of the game – and was the best goal chance of the game.

Still there was very little between the sides for the remainder of the half, and in the end it turned out to be a shoot-out between the two place-kickers Peter Monaghan for Ramor Utd. and Robbie Prior of Swanlinbar who both finished the game with a personal tally of six points.

The home side held out for a narrow three points win, although it must be said that Swanlinbar made them battle to the final whistle. The West Cavan side finished the game with three unanswered points from the boot of Robbie Prior, but it wasn’t enough to deny Ramor Utd. their first league win of the season under new manager and former player, Gary Farrelly.

Swanlinbar: Sean Prior; Paul Prior, Seamus Corrigan, Gavin Leydon, Damien Leydon, Michael Curran, Liam Prior, John Cunningham, Paul Brennan 0-1, Rory McBarron, Padraig Leydon 0-1, Paul McGovern, Mark Cunningham 0-2, Kevin Brennan, Robbie Prior 0-6.

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