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Immaculate Gabriels St Gabriels struck an early blow over championship rivals and Senior Championship holders Robert Emmetts at Ruislip on Sunday evening. By Damian Dolan - 12/06/08 Played in near perfect conditions, Gabriels took full advantage of an out of sorts Emmetts to open up a nine-point lead by the break that the holders were never able to close, despite some stern words from manager Mick O’Dea which saw Emmetts raise their game in the second period.
Hurlers keep the Exiles’ flag flying IT may not have been a memorable weekend for London’s footballers, but the hurlers flew the flag on Saturday. The Exiles found that extra ounce of inspiration to see off Armagh in a pulsating encounter at Newry. Led by an in-form Martin Finn — who finished with 14 points — the visitors secured their victory in added time to set up a semi-final clash with Down in Belfast on Sunday. At half-time though it seemed that Armagh had booked their semi-final spot. While Finn hit eight points in the first-half, three goals from the Orchard County men had London rattled. The first goal on 18 minutes came courtesy of Conor McCann but London were still two points ahead when Fiachra Bradley struck for Armagh’s second. Three minutes later Coulter found the net again and then added two frees to send Armagh in six points to the good. After the break London, playing with the breeze stepped up a gear. Finn was ever-accurate and Kevin McMullen, who had been subdued in the first-half, struck for London’s first goal on 41 minutes. By the midpoint of the half the teams were level as Finn and Connor O’Halloran found their range. The London backline fought and harried for every ball and when Chris McDonnell netted on 63 minutes it seemed that Armagh were a beaten side. However, extra-time seemed likely when Corvan blasted home Armagh’s fourth goal, but the final drama belonged to Finn who was assured as he sent over the winner from a 65 with seconds to go. Speaking afterwards, it was a delighted Mick O’Dea who paid tribute to his team: “It was a tremendous game of hurling and I said to the lads at halftime not to panic and we really went out there and earned our win in the second-half. We felt unlucky to be six points down at the break, but with the wind on our backs we knew we would have a chance. The fact is that we needed a bit of luck and we got it and there is no doubt that we have the quality hurlers to take our chances. “There is a great spirit in this side and the game we had against Tyrone really helped us for we dug in deep against Armagh. “The odds are always stacked against a London team but that is now two wins in the Ulster Championship under out belts, yet Down next Sunday will be another step up in class for us.” On Martin Finn’s performance, the manager was glowing in his praise of the Cork native and St. Gabriels clubman. “Martin has a marvellous pair of wrists and he is capable of scoring from any angle of the field. He missed only one free in the entire game and having him take the ‘65 at the death was a great advantage for us.” London: G McCollum, B Mulcahy, S McLoughlin, T Simms, E Phelan, N Healy, T Abernethy (0-01), F McMahon, C O’Halloran (0-02), J McCarthy (0-01), S Quinn (0-03), S Malone, K McMullan (1-00), M Finn (0-14, 8f, 3 ‘65’s), M Mythen (0-01). Subs: C McDonnell (1-01) for Malone Referee: J Devlin (Tyrone)
Mythen in for Armagh clash
London (SHC v Armagh): G McCollum, P Mulcahy, S McLoughlin, T Simms, E Phelan, N Healy, T Abernatty, F McMahon, C O’Halloran, J McCarthy, S Quinn, S Malone, K McMullan, M Finn, M Mythen
Will history beckon? But four years after his last football championship outing for London against Dublin at Parnell Park, McMahon will again pull on a London jersey against Sligo this Sunday as he tries to help the Exiles to their first Connacht Championship win since 1977. McMullen inspires
Mick O’Dea’s team had ten-points to spare over the Red Hands and it was also their first ever victory in the Ulster Championship since they began competing in the Northern province just over ten years ago.
Quinn double sinks Pearses Kevin McMullan added the Emmetts’ third goal and while Mark Lyons pulled a one back for the Pearses, it was too prove too little too late as the Pearses were left to rue Quinn’s opening strike inside six minutes, which set the Emmetts on their way.
Robert Emmetts by Ben O'Dea - 11th March 2007 This was a poem written by Mick's Uncle Ben before our All-Ireland victory in Croke Park.
Robert Emmetts They came, they was and they conquered Like the heros from folklore of old Those exiles from far off Britannia Robert Emmetts - The Brace And The Bold
True sons of the green fields of Ireland Stout hearted young men one and all Proud of the flag of their homeland They wielded the Irish "Caman"
They conquered the champions of Leinster With hurling skills from the top drawer Then proudly the marched onto Limerick To play the Munster champions for Clare
In a game that will in our memories They gave a display to inspire In trouble and seemingly vanquished They pulled the game out of the fire
And now to Croke Park for the final Against those brave hurling men of the West And win lose or draw not a bother For we all know you will give of your best
And Mick O'Dea as a coach you're a genius You showed the lads they could win Now they'll fight the good fight with raw courage Under pressure they'll never give in
So here's a toast to those true sons of Ireland Your stout hearts are built of pure gold We're proud of the deeds you've accomplished Robert Emmets The Brave And The Bold
For the last few years the name of Fergus McMahon has been to the forefront of London hurling both club and county. A native of county Meath, his club Robert Emmett’s winning three of the last four county senior hurling championships, captaining London to win the inaugural Nicky Rackard Cup in 2005 and in 2007 doing a club double; a senior hurling championship and a senior football championship with Tír Chonaill Gaels.
Emmetts lack firepower to defend Championship Robert Emmetts 0-4 ROBERT Emmetts’ hopes of retaining their All-Ireland Intermediate crown were emphatically ended by a clinical Tommie Larkins side last Saturday in Oxhey Park. The London champions failed to register a single score from open play but were still in contention early in the second-half. However, the Galway side then upped a gear firing an unanswered 0-7 to cruise to a comprehensive victory. Centre-forward Eamonn Hayes was in fine form for the visitors scoring an impressive six points and was central to all his side’s attacking plays while Kevin McMullan was the sole scorer for Emmetts. The game — moved to the Watford venue due to Ruislip being waterlogged — was played in atrocious conditions with the swirling winds and continuous rain proving difficult for both sides. Playing into the stiff breeze in the first-half it was Emmetts who opened the scoring when McMullan tapped over a close-range free. The full-forward’s effort was to be the Londoner’s only attack of real note for the remainder of the half however as Larkins began to dominate. It took 13 minutes for the away side to register their first score of the day. It was worth waiting for though as Paddy Moroney cracked over a beautifully struck point from the right touchline. Moroney’s score sparked Tommy Larkins into life and they hit four points in the 10 minutes that followed, corner-back Paul Flynn’s long-ranger the pick of the bunch. Robert Emmetts were struggling to get their forwards involved in the game. Instead of firing quick ball into their frontline they attempted to pass their way up the field which more often than not was gleefully intercepted by their opponents. McMullan grabbed his second point at the end of the half but two injury-time 65s from the impressive Hayes left the defending champions trailing 0-7 to 0-2 at the interval. Emmetts came out with Mick O’Dea’s half-time team talk ringing in their ears and two early frees from McMullan left just a goal between the sides. Unfortunately for the London side those two points were to be their last scores of the game as Larkins upped a gear and began to put severe pressure on the Emmetts rearguard. After missing a hatful of chances, the Tribesmen finally got their first score of the half on 43 minutes when Hayes finished off a superb passing move with a neat point. Alan Garvey then got in on the act with a terrific effort from distance — the wind not proving a problem for the midfield maestro. Trailing by seven with just 10 minutes remaining Robert Emmetts went for broke and threw large numbers forward but their cause was all but ended by referee Brendan Sweeney who harshly sent-off Mark Traynor for a second bookable offence. Larkins took full advantage and saw the game out with three late points. A miserable day and a miserable result for Robert Emmetts. Robert Emmetts: Garry McCollum; Dan Murphy, Sean McLoughlin, Billy Hennerby; Niall Healey, Fergus McMahon (capt), Adrian Dollard; Pat Jordan, Enda Fathy; Dave O’Connor, John McCarthy, John McGaughan; Sean Quinn, Kevin McMullan (0-4, 4f), Mark Traynor. Subs: Michael Grimes for McCarthy (45mins); Eoin O’Connell for Murphy (54mins); Damien Kealy for Hennerby (58mins). Tommy Larkins: Dara Starr; Paul Flynn (0-1), Roderick Whyte, James Rohan; Damien Kelly, Ciaran Fahy, Eugene Gorman; Alan Garvey (0-1), Gerard Kelly; Paddy Moroney (0-2), Eamonn Hayes (1-5, 2f, 2’65), Kevin Hoban (0-2); Declan Garvey (0-1), Niall Kelly, Mickey Fahy (0-1). Subs: Brian McCormack for Gerard Kelly (6mins); Martin Rourke for Niall Kelly (47mins). Referee: Brendan Sweeney (Cavan). The Battle for London THE 2007 GAA season was a competitive one on Britain’s shores. LONDON The past season in the capital will be remembered for one outstanding team - Tir Chonaill Gaels. The West London side completed a clean sweep of all Senior honours, crushing Kingdom Kerry Gaels in the Championship final by a whopping 17 points and also achieved a League and Championship double at reserve level. The Gaels now face reigning All-Ireland club champions Crossmaglen Rangers in what will be a keenly contested quarter-final on January 27. It may have been plain sailing for Maurice Carr’s side on the London front but Oisin McConville and Co. Will provide a much sterner test. At Intermediate grade - arguably the most competitive club competition in London - Thomas McCurtains overcame a Heston Gaels side by the minimum of margins while Robert Emmetts shocked favourites Dulwich Harps in the Junior final. In the hurling Championship this year’s All-Ireland Club Intermediate champions Robert Emmetts retained their title beating St. Gabriels by 2-10 to 0-10 - a fantastic achievement considering they lost quite a few players in the close season. Brothers Pearse came out on top in the Intermediate Championship defeating beaten semi-finalists Thomas McCurtains by 2-7 to 1-4 in an instantly-forgettable clash. McCurtains were defeated by Clann na Gael at the semi-final stage, but the East London side were disqualified from the competition for failing to provide photo identification for all of their players. The Minor final was the most farcical event of the year with the match between Kilburn Gaels and Sean Treacys not taking place due to the latter’s protest over the appointment of referee Con Dee. There remains much debate regarding the format of the hurling Championship but with so few teams and fewer players it is difficult to envisage any other options. On the county front it was yet another season of disappointment for the London footballers. After faring reasonably well in the National League, where they comprehensively beat Carlow and narrowly lost to Leitrim, they failed to really trouble the Connacht side in their Championship meeting. A new League format next season may see an improvement in their fortunes. The hurling side endured a wretched year losing all of their games in the National League, Christy Ring, and Ulster Championship. And unless the number of hurling players coming over from Ireland increase they may fare no better in 2008. Double delight for clinical Emmetts Division One Final The county champions lead throughout, and seemed to be capable of scoring at will, with full-forward Kevin McMullan in deadly form, cracking over six frees out of six. Kilburn on the other hand, were guilty of some glaring misses which they would end up rueing as the game progressed.
McCaughan answers Emmetts call McCaughan struck four second-half points as Emmetts again showed their resilience, as they overcame a Fr Murphys side which twice found the back of the Emmetts net in the opening 20 minutes. A Fergus McMahon free gave Emmetts an early lead but Murphys hit back with a goal, which owed much to the muddy conditions. 14-Man Emmetts retain senior crown With St Gabriel’s leading by two points the game appeared to have swung dramatically in the Gabriel’s favour when Dan Murphy saw red for a challenge on Padraic O’Donnell. Murphys fall to Emmetts blitz Whilst Robert Emmetts had struggled their way through the championship qualifying rounds, and had to rely on Sean Treacys losing their final match, Fr Murphys had cruised into the semi-finals after some eye-catching performances. Hayes double sinks champsSHC Fr Murphys 4-9 Robert Emmetts 1-7 With only six of their All Ireland winning squad on duty, Roberts Emmetts continued their painful readjustment back into life within their own stratosphere on Saturday evening in Ruislip, as they were felled by a Fr Murphys side that once again displayed their ability to do just enough to win. The men in purple and gold are experts at winning games by finding an ace in the pack somewhere that allows them to sneak home. By John Collins - 01/08/07
On this occasion, the ace came in the form of
three late goals that steered the 2005 Champions to victory, and just as
they did in the county final of that year, when they stole victory right
at the end, it was Robert Emmetts who were made to suffer. Key to all of the goals for the Murphys was corner forward Colin Hayes, who set up the first for Ashley McKay, who had been moved from corner back to corner forward, and then the Tipperary man bagged the final two himself, with the last effort being a particularly individual effort, when he out-paced Damian Keeley before blasting past a helpless Mick O’Dea, who had earlier in the first half, saved a penalty from Conor Sexton Honours even after thrillerSHC Robert Emmetts 1-9 St Gabriels 0-12 By Damian Dolan St Gabriels overturned a five-point half-time deficit to hold the defending champions to a draw, after a pulsating encounter at Ruislip. In the end, Robert Emmetts needed a 67th minute Fergus McMahon point to tie the scores, and secure a share of the spoils, their first-half performance at least deserved. This was a gripping contest, from first minute to last, with no quarter was asked or given, but when Robert Emmetts burst out of the blocks it seemed it might be anything but a close match. By Damian Dolan - 27/07/07
McMahon’s point gave Roberts Emmetts the early
lead which was just reward for their good start. But against the run of
play St Gabriels hit back. . From Irish WorldDefeat for ExilesChristy Ring Cup Wicklow 1-22 London 1-10 London's 2007 Christy Ring campaign got off to the worst start possible when the suffered a 15-point defeat at the hands of Wicklow in Arklow on Saturday afternoon. - 21/06/07Going into the game knowing that a win was vital to their chances of progressing into the knock-out stages of the competition, Brendan Bolger’s men found themselves 0-3 to 0-1 behind after 15mins, and by the interval, that deficit had increased to 1-11 to 0-4, with the Wicklow goal coming from the stick of corner forward Johnny Moran. Having struggled early on, the Exiles’ defence finally managed to get some sort of grip on the Garden County’s attack, although London’s season long problems at midfield and in attack continued to haunt them, with their one real danger man Martin Finn being well shackled by a physically superior Wicklow defence. The second half provided a little more in terms of positivity from the visitors and a return of 1-6 showed some improvement, with the London goal coming from the stick of Anthony Kane, who latched on to a long ball out of defence from Fergus McMahon, to steal a major for London in the closing minutes. The loser’s cause was helped slightly by the dismissal of Wayne O’Gorman for the home side with 20 minutes still to play, but by that stage the Exiles were too far adrift to be able to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Despite the size of the defeat, there were several positives to be taken from the game for London and certainly an impressive display between the posts by JJ Burke will do much for the Kilkenny man’s confidence. Following a shaky start, in which his man scored two early points, Brian Forde got to grips with his direct opponents and settled into his usual rhythm of hurling, while Keith Kennedy at wing back was the pick of the London defence. More from this story in this week's issue of The Irish WorldFrom Irish World McMahon inspires London Provincial Junior Football Championship Final London 0-11 Lancashire 0-9 London clinched the Provincial Junior Championship for the second time in three years at Pairc Na hEireann on Sunday, but only after a pulsating encounter and enduring a nerve-jangling eight minutes of injury-time. By Damien Dolan - 21/06/07Fergus McMahon’s score, with a minute of normal time remaining, nudged
the Exiles into a tentative one-point lead, after a topsy-turvy affair
which saw the lead change hands four times in the second-half, before
London captain John Teehan finally got his hands on the silverware. From Hogan Stand
Antrim book final date
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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- Moved to London in Nov 2005 and living in Ealing. Joined up with Robert Emmets in Jan '06, really enjoyed the year and found it a great way to settle into life in London.
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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- 1 club minor ulter antrim - 1 club u.21 ulster, antrim - 1 senior championship, London - 1 nicky rackard 2005
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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- 2 all-ireland intermediate - 1 christy ring all-star
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Club - Robert Emmetts
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- league hurling, u.14 feile - London, Nicky rackard 2005
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Emmetts ready for Clooney-Quin clash
By Larry Cooney
ROBERT Emmetts carry the hopes of London and Britain to Limerick's
Gaelic Grounds this Sunday for the All-Ireland (IHC) semi-final.
London's hurling champions will be hoping to create their own bit of
history by becoming the first British-based club to reach an All-Ireland
club final.
However, before they contemplate such an historic milestone, it will be
necessary for Mick O'Dea's men to overcome the fancied Munster champions
from Clooney-Quin.
The Clare champions, who return to the venue of their last triumph
against a highly rated Bishopstown side in the provincial decider, have
a slight home advantage but, as the Emmetts proved against Leinster and
Ardclough before Christmas, they will not be daunted by the task in
front of them.
Emmetts have prepared well for Sunday's encounter and have no injury
worries ahead of the most important game in the club's history.
Johnny Hero
Robert Emmetts (London) 2-14 Ardclough
(Kildare) 2-11 (after extra time) The hurlers of the Robert Emmetts club
continued their love affair with the All Ireland Intermediate Club
Championship in dramatic style on Sunday last when they recorded a
memorable 2-14 to 2-11 extra-time victory over Ardclough. By Frank
Heavey - 20/12/06
Key to this amazing victory was the form of Johnny “Bravo” Quinlan, the
former Cork intermediate star, who put on a master class in finishing,
which included an equalising point in the dying moments of normal time.
With the original fixture having been cancelled due to a waterlogged
pitch in Ruislip at the at the end of November, the elements once more
intervened and caused last Sunday’s game to be moved from its original
venue at Clane to Newbridge, after the Clane pitch was declared
unplayable on Friday due to flooding.
That move worked well for the London champions as it took Ardclough away
from their normal home championship venue.
But the drama of re-scheduling and then moving the game was only the
beginning of this tale and it took the full sixty minutes, plus
extra-time to separate the two teams and help the Emmetts to progress
into the All Ireland semi-final for the second time in time in three
years - just reward for what most people accept is, by London standards
at least, an exceptional club hurling team.
Once the game entered that additional period of play and with Ardclough
down to fourteen men, Emmetts were always in the driving seat and
sauntered home by three points in the end.
Having gone a point down early in the game, Mark Treanor delivered
perfect reply when he collected a long ball from the Emmetts’ midfield
and calmly rounded the Ardclough keeper before tapping the ball into the
Kildare side’s net to give the Emmetts a two-point lead.
By this stage of the game Emmetts were well on top but a lengthy delay
in play for an injury to Ardclough’s No. 10 killed the momentum that the
Emmetts had built up and slowly allowed the home side to get back into
the game.
A succession of wides from both teams meant that the scoreboard was not
being over worked in an otherwise very entertaining game
Washout
Robert Emmetts' All Ireland Intermediate
Hurling quarter-final against Kildare side Ardclough was dramatically
cancelled minutes before the game was due to start after referee Cathal
McAllister from Cork decided that the waterlogged pitch was unsafe to
play on. By John Collins - 29/11/06
With the pitch already saturated after several days of heavy rain last
week, the London Board took the decision to cancel the scheduled Ryan
Cup game on due for Saturday afternoon, in order to give the pitch every
chance of being fit for play on Sunday.
However, several hours of persistent rain on Sunday morning left the
under-water in places and the referee had no choice but to call the game
off. The re-fixture has been set for Sunday December 17th in Clane, Co
Kildare.
Speaking on his decision McAllister said: “Due to the flooding on the
playing surface and in the interest of the safety of the players, I had
no choice but to call the game off. The safety of the players is always
paramount in these situations”.
Meanwhile, after getting the chance of informing his players of the
cancellation, Emmetts’ manager Mick O’Dea said: “I am very disappointed
that the game was called off, but the right decision was made. I walked
the pitch and it was unplayable. It was waterlogged in every part of the
pitch.
Emmetts cruise to
second title
Robert Emmetts 2-15 Kilburn Gaels 1-4 With just a few minutes to play in
last year's Senior Hurling Final, Robert Emmetts looked to be home and
hosed as they set about winning back-to-back titles in London. Somewhere
along the line in those closing moments though, they took their eye off
the ball (twice actually) and suddenly they went from being two-time
Champions to former Champions, as Fr Murphy stole in at the death to
lift what was the most unlikely of Championships. By John Collins -
17/10/06
Turn the clock on one year and this time as the stopwatch raced towards
full-time, the Emmetts could still afford the luxury of conceding a late
goal to Kilburn without having to fear that history was about to repeat
itself.
Indeed, such was the dominance of Mick O’Dea’s team throughout the game
that they could have shipped two or three more goals and still have
secured their second ever title.
In a game that in many ways reflected the sombre mood in Ruislip during
the afternoon, following he tragic announcement of the sudden death of
Tir Chonaill Gaels’ Chairman Andy Duffy, the level of intensity of the
hurling never really raised much above a whimper and while the Emmetts
did all and a little bit more than that which was required of them,
Kilburn, appearing in the first Senior Final, appeared to suffer a
monumental dose of stage-fright and with that so vanished any hope they
had of them making this anything other than a Championship procession
for the multi-talented Emmetts.
However, that is by no means to suggest that Kilburn were inferior in
any way to their opponents, far from it in fact. While participating in
that hazardous occupation of playing games of hurling on paper, the
head-to-head match-ups suggested that this final was going to be
intriguing, intense and more than a little interesting. Once again the
folly of such an activity was there for all to see as the Kilburn
players appeared to allow the occasion to get to them.
It could, and probably should, have been so very different though for
the eventual losers.
Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze in the first half, they were
challenged with the task of maximising the advantage it offered and
nearly made very early use of the elements when a massive sideline cut
from Gareth Glynn was deflected away from danger in the Emmetts’
goalmouth through some diligent defending from the lanky Sean
McLoughlin.
With five minutes gone there was still no score as both sides took time
to settle into their rhythm and get a feel for the conditions but
finally it was the Emmetts who opened the account via a free few from
their accurate corner forward Johnny “Bravo” Quinlan.
The Corkman was offered a second opportunity two minutes later when
Brian Forde was adjudged to have fouled Jim Ryan and once again Quinlan
proved equal to the task to give the favourites a two point cushion.
Emmetts in the final
GAA: SHC Semi Final By Paul Withers - 04/10/06
Robert Emmetts..4-09 Sean Treaceys......4-06 Robert Emmetts eventually
edged past a battling Sean Treaceys side at Ruislip on Sunday to book
their place in the final of the Senior Hurling Championship. Emmetts
conceded four soft goals in the first half but dominated after the break
to overcome their opponents by three points. Emmetts got off to a flying
start when Mark Trainer hit the back of the net in the opening minute
before the men in blue and yellow added another point.
Treaceys hit back with two points from Dave Bourke before Trainer halted their momentum with another point. Fergus McMahon split the posts to add another point but when Gary McCullum failed to clear the ball properly, Martin Carroll nipped in and slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it a one point ball game. Midway through the half, Eammon Phelan ran at the Emmetts backline as they parted like the Red Sea to let the Treaceys man through to fire home their second goal and put them ahead for the first time. Pat Jordan momentarily hit back for Emmetts with a point three minutes later but more sloppy play from the men in blue and yellow resulted in them giving away a free within striking distance of the goal and Eoin O'Neill had no hesitation in firing the ball past McCullum.
Just five minutes before the break a seemingly harmless ball drifted in towards the Emmetts net but was missed by everyone and ended up in the back of the net to extend the Treaceys lead. Phelan added another point to the score before John Dillon followed suit for the Emmetts. But operhaps the turning point of the match came right on half-time when Kevin McMullen found the back of the Treaceys net after picking up a 21-yard free to leave the scores standing at 4-03 to 2-05 in favour of Treaceys. However, Emmetts dominated after the break and with Treaceys managing only 0-03, they were always going to struggle to hold on.
After a few wide efforts, it did however take seven minutes for Emmetts to hit their first score when McMahon took advantage of some slack Treaceys defending to hit his team's third major and make it a single point game. Michael Walsh responded with a point but three more Emmetts points in the space of just two minutes nudged them ahead. The lead was further extended from a free with nine minutes left before Bourke tried to reply for Treaceys with another point with as this ding-dong match entered the final stages.
Trainer split the posts again with a few minutes remaining to restore the Emmetts' four-point lead but when O'Neill tipped the ball over the Emmetts bar, there was only a goal between the sides. However, as the men in red and white pushed forward looking for an equalising score, Emmetts held on to record a gritty victory and seal their place in the final.
ROBERT EMMETTS: G McCullum, S McLoughlin, D Murphy, K Murphy, J Dillon, L Mannix, B Hennerby, E Carey, P Jordan, S Kelly, J Ryan, K McMullen, M Trainer, F McMahon, P McArdle.
Sean Treaceys: S McGuire, J Mullane, N
Murphy, P Doyle, D Ward, K Murphy, M Walsh, D Bourke, E Phelan, E
O'Neill, M Mahoney, F O'Reagan, M Carroll, D Skeehan, B Shorthall.
Emmetts through in style
Senior Hurling Championship Round 5 Robert Emmetts.........3-10 Sean
Treacys...0-09 By Paul Withers - 12/09/06
An under strength Robert Emmetts team
produced an improved second half performance to comfortably beat Sean
Treacys at Ruislip on Sunday.
Both teams went into the match certain of qualification to the
semi-finals so the game was played in a subdued manner for the best
part.
Mark Trainer opened the scoring in the sixth minute and team-mate Kevin
McMullen doubled the lead just seconds later with another point.
Treaceys replied just a minute later with a point and Donal Ward had the
chance to level the scored a short while later but fired his free
attempt wide.
Emmetts then extended their lead in bizarre fashion when a seemingly
harmless ball towards the Treacys goal from McMullen dropped into the
net over the head of goalkeeper Ned Keane to give the men in blue a 1-02
to 0-01 lead midway through the half.
Fr
Murphys demolished by Emmetts
Robert Emmetts............3-17 Fr Murphys ...................0-06 By
Paul Withers - 22/08/06
Robert Emmetts demolished Fr. Murphys at Ruislip on Sunday as they
continued their impressive form in this year’s championship. Murphy’s,
who were missing several players, never got on a par with Emmetts and
were no match for the men in blue and yellow.
In an entertaining opening to the game, it was Emmetts who got out of
the blocks the quicker as they opened their account with two points in
the opening couple of minutes, with Kevin McMullen getting one of them.
Mark Trainor continued their good start with another point before Jim
Ryan fired past Paul Butler to leave Emmetts with a 1-03 to 0-00 lead
after just five minutes.
Colin Hayes did manage to open the scoring for Murphys a minute later
before Steven Malone quickly added to that tally with a point from a
‘65’.
However, Ryan responded for Emmetts with another point before a high
ball into the Emmetts area by Malone from another ‘65’ was touched
towards the top corner of the Emmetts net. However, Gary McCullum made a
fine save to tip it round the post. Malone fired wide from the resulting
‘65’. Midway through the first half, a real flashpoint erupted in the
match. Emmetts’ Brian Foley and Murphys’ Paddy Dowling were both sent
off after an incident off the ball, causing heated words to be exchanged
between the two dugouts for minutes afterwards.
Kilburn Overcome
SHC R4 Robert Emmetts...0-13 Kilburn Gaels.......1-07 By Paul Withers -
09/08/06
Robert
Emmetts eventually overcame a plucky Kilburn Gaels side but will need to
play better to progress further in this year’s championship.
Without manager Mick O’Dea, who has been banned from the touchline for
eight weeks following an incident in a match two months ago, Emmetts
looked very ragged at times but upped their performance slightly as the
match progressed to come out on top.
Fergus McMahon opened the scoring for the men in blue and gold in the
opening minute with a point when a goal-bound shot was also on before
team-mate Kevin McMullen dissected the posts from a free to extend
Emmetts’ lead.
Kilburn got on the scoreboard in the fifth minute when Michael Hayes
kicked the sliothar over the Emmetts bar when under pressure and Shane
Linnane levelled the scores on fourteen minutes.
Michael Dwyer then put Gaels in front for the first time a couple of
minutes later when he scored a fine point when off balance but Jim Ryan
got Emmetts back on par with a good point three minutes later.
Emmetts had the chance to go in front twice in two minutes but shot wide
on both occasions. However, McMullen made no mistake when he pointed
from a free with seven minutes remaining in the half.
John Joe Burke quickly levelled things up with a point and as half time
approached, Burke collected a pass from Dwyer before firing the sliothar
into the bottom corner of Colm Buckley’s net to put Kilburn in control.
Jim Ryan pulled two points back for the Emmetts in first half injury
time and McMullen should have equalised but miscued his point attempt.
Gaels took full advantage and pointed just before the interval to give
themselves a lead of 1-05 to 0-06.
Following a rollicking from their coaches at half time, Emmetts came
into the second half looking a different team and pointed immediately
through Kelly and also struck Colum O’Meara’s crossbar through Mark
Trainer.
Kilburn eventually found their feet as Francis Dwyer saw his goal bound
effort tipped over the bar by Buckley before the two sides each pointed
from 45’s.
The
Good O'Deas
Mick O'Dea recently stepped down from his
position as London hurling manager after two fantastic years in charge.
I talked to the Robert Emmetts manager to reflect on the great memories
he has of his time in the hot seat. By Paul Withers - 25/07/06
When Mick O’Dea came into the job as London hurling manager many
couldn’t have predicted the level of success he would achieve in such a
tough and demanding role.
Winning the Nicky Rackard Cup at Croke Park last year, as well as
pushing major hurling forces in the form of Antrim and Down to the brink
of an upset are just a couple of fond memories that Mick has from his
time in charge.
Reflecting on his two years in charge, Mick said: “I think as a hurling
team we have made great strides and considering we were probably looked
upon as one of the weaker sides a couple of years ago, we’re now without
a doubt one of the top sides in our division and hopefully the longer
that continues the better it will be for London hurling.”
When I asked Mick about his outstanding memories during his time in
charge, there are two moments he looks upon the fondest of all.
“The two games in the Nicky Rackard Cup, the semi-final and the final,”
he said. “The semi-final against Donegal and the whole build-up to Croke
Park and actually playing there and the final itself was a fantastic
occasion for everyone involved.”
Coming into the job two-years ago, the Corkman adds that he never set
himself any specific targets, instead just going into the job with a
general mindset.
“I didn’t set myself any targets at all,” he said. “I didn’t really know
what to expect because sometimes players have their reasons not to come
out so it was like going into the unknown and as the season developed,
we could see that the lads were committing themselves and putting in a
big effort and then with the Nicky Rackard ahead of us we thought that
it could turn out to be a great season.”
When I asked Mick whether it was a difficult decision to stand down, he
paused before saying: “Yes and no.
“Yes on the basis that there is such a good team there and that I hope
it continues but on the other hand the commitment that is required is
phenomenal and you have to train three nights a week through the winter
and sometimes as a manager you can get a bit stale as the lads like to
hear new voices and new ideas so it’s only fair that someone else step
in and give it a go.”
O’Dea also added that he thought the players saw his decision coming,
saying: “I think they were expecting it and the general feeling was that
at the end of the campaign I would hand over the reins to the new man
and over the coming years I wish him all the best.”
He also recognises that he has left the London team in a great position
and says that they can build upon their successes and continue to do
well.
Emmetts crowning glory 2005
By Larry Cooney
Robert Emmetts qualified for the
All-Ireland Club (IHC) semi-final after a deserved three-point victory
over Ulster champions Carey Faughs at Ruislip.
In a tough competitive encounter in which defences were always on top,
the London champions stood up well to a late onslaught from the Ulster
champions before becoming only the third British-based hurling club to
progress to an All-Ireland club semi-final place.
On a heavy greasy pitch in very cold conditions, both teams struggled to
settle down into any kind of early rhythm. Robert Emmetts lined out
without midfielder Billy Henerbery and opted to start Sean Quinn who
partnered Pat Jordan. The visitors also made one positional switch when
midfielder Paudie McShane changed places with midfielder James McAuley.
Carey also had first use of the elements as they defended the pavilion
end.
However, the most significant development in the opening quarter was the
performance of the Robert Emmetts half-back line which never allowed
Carey any opportunities to settle and pick off scores. Centre-back Bryan
Foley had another outstanding game, which proved to be the platform on
which Robert Emmetts built this thoroughly, deserved victory.
The visitors fared no better at midfield where both Fergus McMahon and
Teu O’hAilpin both played very effective supporting roles for Jordan and
Quinn and denied Carey some very valuable possession in the opening
quarter. It was, therefore, no great surprise when Robert Emmetts held a
slender one-point lead on 20 minutes after John McGaughan opened the
scoring with a point in the third minute and doubled his tally six
minutes later from the first of his two successful frees.
Despite playing with the advantage of the wind, all Carey had to show
for their efforts was a Martin McAuley point after six minutes. Although
Paul McShane levelled the scores in the 21st minute panic began to set
in for the visitors.
Four minutes before the interval Carey appeared to have made a
significant breakthrough when they were awarded a 21-yard free for a
foul on John McVeigh. Free-taker Martin McAuley made no secret of his
intentions as he stepped up to send a rasping shot low to the left-hand
corner of the net and give the visitors a flattering three-point lead.
Robert Emmetts responded well to this unexpected set-back and just on
the stroke of half-time were awarded a free for a foul on Fergus
McMahon. John McGaughan’s free left just two points between the sides
with the score Carey 1-2 Robert Emmetts 0-3.
On the resumption Robert Emmetts decided to switch full forward Gary
Fenton to midfield where he partnered Fergus McMahon. As in the opening
half both sides were once again having difficulties mastering the
conditions and there was no further scoring until Gary Fenton left just
a point between the sides 12 minutes after the re-start. Within a minute
Emmetts captain Colm Buckley had levelled the scores.
However, just at the end of the third quarter in a rare Carey attack,
Martin McAuley put the visitors back into the lead with a point from
free. That proved to their only score of the half as the London
champions began to take command.
The first of their four unanswered points came in rather controversial
circumstances following a collision on goalkeeper Bosco McAuley when
Colm Buckley steered the rebound over the bar. Within a minute another
fine long-range effort from Gary Fenton sailed all the way over the bar
to put Robert Emmetts into the lead for the first time since the 21st
minute.
It was still anybody’s game with less than 10 minutes remaining but
following a kick on grounded defender Danny Murphy, Carey’s Paul McShane
was dismissed by referee Eamon Morris. Five minutes from time another
inspirational long-range point from Fergus McMahon moved the London
champions closer to victory which was finally sealed by a Sean Quinn
point just at the end of normal time.
While the game was anything but a hurling spectacle that should take
nothing away from Robert Emmetts achievement who had many fine
performances on the day apart from Bryan Foley, including fellow
defender and man-of-the-match Danny Murphy. Pat Jordan Gary Fenton,
Fergus McMahon and Teu O’hAilpin all won valuable possession for Emmetts
while John McGaughan and Colm Buckley always threatened in attack.
Carey’s best performers were centre-back Mick Hegarty alongside Nathan
Hunter while Martin McAuley and Paul McShane were the best of a very
poor attack.
The London champions now look forward to a semi-final date in the New
Year with the Leinster champions when they become the first British
based hurling side since Desmonds in 1993 to bid for a place in an
All-Ireland club final.
Robert Emmetts: M Kearney, D Murphy, G O’Mahony, R Grimes, A Moloney, B
Foley, P Campbell, P Jordan, S Quinn (0-1), F McMahon (0-1), T
O’hAilpin, J McGaughan (0-3) (0-2)f, C McGaughey, G Fenton (0-2), C
Buckley (0-2).
Carey Faughs: B McAuley, S Gillan, A McCormick, J Butler, N Hunter, M
Hegarty, P Devlin, C McAuley, J McAuley, C McGaughan, J McVeigh, J
Gilean, M McAuley (1-2) (1-2)f, P McShane (0-1), L O’Reilly. Subs: G
McAuley for O’Reilly, M Butler for J McVeigh.
HURLERS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
16 June 2005
Our Hurlers returned to winning ways when they were easy winners over
Kilburn Gaels by 1-15 to 1-5 in the Championship last Saturday.
Emmett's raced into a 0-10 to no score lead
mainly courtesy of the freetaking prowess of John McGaughan who included
a couple of frees from 70 plus yards in his armoury.
It was a full 27 minutes before Kilburn mustered
a score and it took a further ten minutes of second half play before
'keeper Colm O'Meara came fifty yards upfield to strike their second
score from a free.
Overall this win puts our hurlers back on track
for a safe-path to the semi-finals. Unfortunately the temporary loss of
Bryan Foley over the summer following this game will leave a big gap to
fill for the manager and selectors.
Emmett's Scorers: J McGaughan 0-11 (0-9 frees),
K McMullan 1-0, S McGarry 0-2, J Dillon 0-1, G Fenton 0-1
HURLING UPDATE - RESULTS
09 June 2005
Our Hurlers have yet to scale the heights of last year yet, losing out to St Gabriels in the League and Fr Murphys in their opening Championship encounter (see "Results" for scorelines).
LEAGUE
WIN FOR HURLERS
04 April 2005
Our Hurlers enjoyed a comfortable win over Granuaile by 1-20 to 2-9 in their opening League game at Oxhey Park on Staurday last.
HURLERS
FAIL IN ALL-IRELAND FINAL BID
16 February 2005
Our Hurlers fell at the penultimate stage of the All-Ireland
Intermediate Club Championship losing their semi-final clash with
Carrickshock of Kilkenny on Sunday last by 2-12 to 0-5 at
Bennettsbridge.
If anything the strength of the wind blowing
down the pitch destroyed the game as a meaningless contest and spoiled
our fighting chances of an upset allowing Carrickshock to enjoy total
first-half dominance as our backs found it impossible to clear their
lines.
With Kilkenny senior Richie Power as their
lynchpin Carrickshock had raced to a 0-4 to no score lead within four
minutes and this lead had been extended to 2-4 on 15 minutes thanks to
goals from Michael Rohan and Jamie Power. By the interval the fierce
breeze had helped 'shock to 6 more points while we'd barely been able to
get beyond the halfway line under the wind-assisted torrent.
In the second-half our pride was restored thanks
to three frees from John McGaughan and a point apiece from Colum Buckley
and Fergus McMahon but the first-half lead our opponents had racked up
was always going to be insurmountable. To illustrate how the wind played
havoc 'shock only added two more points in the whole 30 minutes of the
half compared to 14 scores in the first.
How much closer the game would have been had we
won the toss and enjoyed a half-time lead is pure speculation but the
fact that we won the second-half by 0-5 to 0-2 despite being somewhat
demoralised in the first-half points to the fact that an upset could
well have been possible ? As it was we had to endure a bit of a mauling
at the hands of what is, undoubtedly, an extremely talented Carrickshock
side who will be firm favourites for Intermediate honours and will be a
real force in the Kilkenny senior ranks next year.
Over the hour Brian Foley, Pat Jordan and Fergus
McMahon stood tall but it was the panel that had brought us this far so
praise goes to all the lads who delivered throughout the year.
Overall all players and supporters of the Blue
and Gold will look back with great pride on a season that saw us lift
our first ever London Senior title and win an All-Ireland quarter final
against Carey Faugh's of Antrim back in November.
It was a great year and hearty congratulations
to the panel and mentors for their achievements.
BIGGEST
WEEKEND IN OUR HURLING HISTORY
10 February 2005
Our Hurlers are fit and
rearing to go for this Sunday's All Ireland IHC semi-final against
Carrickshock (Kilkenny) in Bennettsbridge - throw-in at 1pm.
All former Emmett's players and supporters now
returned to Ireland are urged to come along and support the Blue and
Gold - especially in Black and Amber land !! Sure most of you have made
plans to be there already anyhow !
A down-sized version of Larry Cooney's preview
in this week's Irish Post Newspaper is published below. Many thanks to
Larry and The Post for their ongoing courtesy in letting us reproduce
articles on the Club website.
" All-Ireland IHC Semi-Final Preview ".
" Robert Emmett's hurlers travel to Ireland to
face Carrickshock of Kilkenny in this Sunday's All-Ireland Club IHC
semi-final.
The London champions will be the first British
based team to be involved in an All-Ireland club semi in 11 years and
will require a top performance if they are to overcome the Leinster
champions.
Although they have not been in action since
their quarter-final win over Carey Faugh's in early December, manager
Mick O'Dea assures all London hurling followers that his side will be in
the best possible shape ahead of the game against their opponents from
Kilkenny. The Antrim champions lacked attacking ideas which will
certainly not be the case with Carrickshock who have recorded a number
of impressive victories on their way to Sunday's semi-final.
It was a case of third time lucky for them in
last year’s Kilkenny county final after they defeated Mooncoin.
Carrickshock were appearing in their third consecutive intermediate
hurling decider after losing narrowly in the two previous finals to St.
Martins and Erins Own.
Among their stars are Kilkenny teenage hurling
sensation Richie Power and county panellists John Tennyson and Michael
Rice and the real surprise is why Carrickshock have not been already
promoted to the senior ranks. Carrickshock also easily accounted for the
Wexford champions, St. Patricks, in the Leinster final last November.
Robert Emmetts are, therefore, facing one of the favourites to lift the
inaugural All-Ireland Club (IHC) title.
Besides their county panellists, Carrickshock
also have above-average club players in Pat Cleary, James Moran, Pat
Farrell, James Power and Seanie Gibbons. The outcome of Sunday’s game
could also depend on how well both sides have prepared since their last
competitive activity over two months ago.
Comprising of one of the smallest squads in
London hurling, Mick O’Dea has moulded an effective unit of talented
hurlers that are now beginning to play with a reasonable level of
consistency. The London champions will certainly be required to raise
their game well above the standard of play that they showed against
Carey in the last round if they hope to compete with the Leinster
champions.
Robert Emmetts preparation for Sunday’s game got
underway just before Christmas and in conjunction with the London county
panel, they have been undergoing a tough fitness programme at Harrow
Leisure Centre. In a recent work-out with the county panellists the
London champions looked quite sharp and should not be lacking fitness.
The Robert Emmetts game-plan is not likely to
deviate too much from that which has brought them their most successful
year in their 56-year history.
Assuming they have no fitness or injury worries
their tactics will rely once again on a strong spine to the team.
Hopefully, centre-back Brian Foley, who excelled in the county final and
last round, will be well supported by full-back Gavin O’Mahony behind
him. Pat Jordan and Billy Henerbery or Fergus McMahon look like being
their midfield partnership. In attack Teu O’hAilpin and Gary Fenton
complete a very effective spine. Fenton should be back to full fitness
after a recent head injury.
O’Dea said: “Our game-plan is purely and simply
to feed these key players and the scores will follow. Under every
puck-out I expect to see either Teu O'hAilpin or Fergus McMahon who are
both exceptional ball winners and the very least each attack will bring
is a free which John McGaughan should convert.”
However, while the Robert Emmetts defence has
been exceptional in conceding only six goals in eight games, the display
of their half-back line was the key to their county final and
All-Ireland club quarterfinal success. The Robert Emmetts attack has
performed well throughout their campaign and, hopefully, John McGaughan
can provide the scores by maximising all the freetaking opportunities
that come his way.
The London champions couldn’t have a tougher
assignment to begin their season and, even though they are capable of
producing a top performance, it looks like being a tough mission."
Robert Emmetts:
Mark Kearney, Dan Murphy, Gavin O’Mahony,
Ritchie Grimes, Alan Moloney, Brian Foley, Philip Campbell, Pat Jordan,
Billy Henerbery, Fergus McMahon, Teu O’hAilpin, John McGaughan, Ciaran
McGaughey, Gary Fenton, Colum Buckley (captain), Darren McGaughey, Chris
McGovern, Eoin O’Connell, Sean Quinn, Brendan Doyle and Paul Flood.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LONDON
ALL-STARS
22 December 2004
Our Hurlers picked up no less than 6 of the 15 awards available in last
weekend's Irish World sponsored London All-Stars.
Robert Emmett's London All-stars 2004 :
Bryan Foley (Centre-Back), Pat Jordan
(Centrefield), John McGaughan (Right half-forward), Teu O'hAilpin
(Centre-forward), Gary Fenton (Full-forward), Colum Buckley (Left
corner-forward).
Congratulations to all the lads on their awards
from all at the Club.
Indeed it could well be argued that there could
possibly have been more recipients from the Club - particularly from the
backs - but that's awards for you ! Sure the recipients know that
without the rest of the starting 15 and subs they'd not have got that
far anyway.
O'DEA'S
MEN READY FOR ULSTER BATTLE
25 November 2004
By
John Collins (The Irish World) - 25/11/04
" Robert Emmett's take a huge step in to the
unknown at Ruislip on Sunday when they take on Carey Faugh's in the
All-Ireland Intermediate Club quarter final.
The decision earlier this year by Croke Park to
re-grade London hurling to Intermediate status has provided a great
opportunity for a London club to make a massive impression on a national
competition and certainly Emmett's are doing all they can to try and
make sure that it is them who grasp that opportunity.
Key to the whole emergence of the Emmett's as a
force has been the return to the club of current manager, Mick O'Dea,
who first arrived in London back in 1984 but, after a shortn stint at
home in Cork at the start of this decade, decided to return once more to
London in 2002.
Upon his return the Emmett's approached him
about becoming manager and their former stalwart jumped at the
opportunity and since then he has no regrets.
With preparations for the game against Carey
Faugh's well under way, O'Dea is delighted to have finally landed the
senior crown and even happier with the approach of his players to the
task at hand and the way they have applied themselves in training.
"Things have been magnificent, absolutely
magnificent since the final. It is what we set out for three years ago
when I took over and for it all to come together was great. We have been
flying at training since, with 19 or 20 out two nights a week plus
either Saturday or Sunday mornings and we can't wait to play " he told
me last weekend.
Having reached the final of the London
Championship in 2002 only to lose to Sean Treacy's and then to
completely under-perform last year and fail to make the semi-finals,
what has been the catalyst for the turn around in how things have gone
this year for the Emmett's ?
" I thought we had some fantastic players last
year but, for whatever reason, it didn't go for us. We had some great
individuals but as a unit we just didn't seem to gel at all " he went
on.
" We ended up getting atotal of eight players
this year and they made a big difference with two of them being
especially important. John McGaugahn came in from Cushendun and has
given us a consistent free-taker, which is something we haven't had in a
long time, and then Teu O'hAilpin also came in who on his day is
unstoppable ".
But this Emmett's team is far more than just a
couple of talented individuals though ?
" Absolutely, we are lucky we have no passengers
and we also have some good players in reserve. Players like Phil
Campbell, Ciaran McGaughey and mark Kearney all came to us from the old
Brian Boru's club. Campbell isn't the most stylish of hurlers and is
under-rated by many but he does his job. He mightn't catch everything
but he will stop his man catching it. Our full back too, Gavin
O'Mahoney, is also a completely under-rated player. "
" The potential of Fergus McMahon has yet to be
seen in London. Going to America didn't help as he missed so much and he
has only had two games for us, the semi and the final, and then of
course there is Brian Foley. The man has all the attributes of a well
honed athlete, is a fantastic hurler and he seems to really enjoy his
hurling ".
So what about their opponents on Sunday, Carey
Faugh's ? They have won the inaugural Ulster Intermediate Club Hurling
crown - their first Provincial crown since 1906 - by beating Eoghan Rua
of Derry 0-7 to 0-6. However, what is significant is that they weren't
Antrim Intermediate champions having been beaten by Cushendall reserves
in the championship. With club's second teams not being allowed to
progress, Carey Faugh's were given the chance to represent their county
in the Provincial tournament.
With several very young players in their ranks,
including tow of the Antrim minor team who won the Ulster Championship
this year, Cathal McAuley and Martin Butler, as well as a number of
other relatively inexperienced players like Colum McBride, Sean
McLaughlin and Fintan McCarry, the Antim team will not be lacking in
energy.
Alongside them there are a number of older
campaigners like Martin McAuley, Joe Butler, John McVeigh and Mick
hegarty all of who add that vital ingredient of experience to the
Faugh's pack.
Does O'Dea have any concerns about his player's
ability to handle the big game situation ?
" Not at all. We have people like Colum Buckley,
Teu O'hAilpin and Fergus McMahon who have all played county hurling and
then players like Foley who have played top class club football and
probably at a higher level than most of the Antrim players. Two of our
lads, John McGaughan and Dan Murphy are from Cushendun in Antrim and
played agaisnt Carey Faugh's last year in the senior league and
Cushendun beat them comfortably and they think we have a fantastic
chance ".
So all in all O'Dea feels that his team are in
with more than a puncher's chance in this game.
" We have a fantastic chance " he said. " If we
do fail it won't be because of our training or attitude. It is hard to
win a county title, but to get to a whisker of an All-Ireland semi-final
is massive. We will be doing our best. "
ROBERT EMMETT'S - COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2004
25 October 2004
Article reproduced courtesy
of The Irish World Newspaper.
LONDON SENIOR HURLING FINAL 2004
"EMMETT'S CROWNED NEW CHAMPIONS " by John
Collins (The Irish World) - Friday 29th October '04 edition
"Robert Emmett's captured their first ever
London Senior Hurling crown on Sunday last with a magnificent second
half performance against a Fr Murphy's team that offered very little by
the way of resistance to the challenge for their crown.
The Emmett's, bridesmaids twice in their history
but never even close to catching the bouquet, were far too good for a
Murphy's team that disappointed. As the team that has won three of the
last four titles, one would have expected a far more organised and
indeed talented challenge from the Wexfordmen, but all that we got was a
performance that produced just one point from the full-forward line and
relied far too heavily on the free-taking of Simon Byrne.
Emmett's on the other hand were close to being
the complete package, once they started to play that is, and their
showing in the second half was far too purposeful for the Murphy's to be
able to counter.
The match itself started with the Murphy's
playing with the aid of a strong breeze and with that advantage came a
pressure to capitalise and produce a big return. Within forty seconds of
the start of the match Eric Kinlon, playing in his third game of the
weekend having played for the St Claret's in their two fixtures, got his
team off to the perfect start with a fine point.
Moments later Mick Gordon hit a mammoth point
from fully seventy metres out on the wing to double the Murphy's lead
and then Eoin Rocks, making his first start for Jim Howlin's team in
quite some time, pointed to put them three points ahead. Things were not
looking good for the eventual winners and were made worse when Simon
Byrne stroked over the first of his four points of the afternoon with
just eight minutes on the clock.
In this time the Emmett's had managed just two
wides and a number of their key personnel were just standing and
watching the game pass them by. When at last they got a genuine chance
to get a score on the board, the usually immaculate John McGaughan
missed with a free, although in fairness to the full-forward he more
than made up for it during the rest of the game with a personal return
of 0-7 for the hour.
Murphy's at this point were developing a
disturbing trend of missing good scoring chances and the wide
accumulator was threatening to go into overdrive as the first half
minutes ticked away. Further to that was the dreadful display from the
full-forward line who wasted ball after ball that was played into them
allowing the Emmett's full back line to completely dominate them.
With sixteen minutes showing on the clock, the
Emmett's at last settled their very obvious nerves and McGaughan found
his range from a free. As if by way of knocking them back in their
tracks and reminding the pretenders exactly who was still king of the
London hurling castle, Simon Byrne hit over a massive point from the
halfway line to restore his team's four point advantage; however wides
from Matt Hughes and Patrick Lynch prevented that four becoimng six.
Following a foul on Teu O'hAilpin, who was at
this stage of the proceedings completely anonymous, McGaughan pointed
again and he then added another from play before there followed an
exchange of wides from distance between the two principal scorers from
both sides.
With the scores standing at 5-3 and just seconds
remaining in the first half, the Murphy's must have been feeling that
they had wasted a glorious chance to plant huge seeds of doubt in the
Emmett's minds, given that they had got off to the perfect start and
also that they had been playing with the advantage of a stiff breeze for
the first half hour. That frustration must have been magnified further
when Kieran McGaughey pointed for the Emmett's to leave the minimum
between the teams at the break.
Small changes were made to the Murphy's at the
interval with Scott Doran moving moving out to wing forward in a switch
with Matt Hughes but ultimately it was a move that made little
difference to proceedings.
That's not to say though that the Murphy's laid
down and died in the seconnd half and indeed it was they who got the
scoring started in that period with a point from a free by Byrne.
However Emmett's were determined to make the
most of the wind that their opponents had so neglected in the first half
and quickly McGaughan was enjoying the benefits of that breeze. Two
points, both from frees, were knocked over to level the score before
Byrne restored the outgoing champions' advantage with a free of his own
following a foul on Nick Lalor by Dan Murphy.
All the time though the Emmett's were looking
the better team and the Murphy's appeared to be haemorrhaging confidence
and later that loss of belief turned into scores against. Colum Buckley
pointed from out on the wing for the Emmett's to level again and then
for the first time in the game the men in blue and gold went ahead
thanks to another McGaughan pointed free.
Teu O'hAilpin burst into life with a point
following a great run of fully forty metres down the line, proving that
when the Corkman puts his mind to playing ball there are few in London
capabale of matching him.
His opposite number Nick Lalor quickly pulled
one back for the Murphy's, but the whole idea of playing catch-up did
not appear too comfortably with the 2003 champions. That score came with
fifteen minutes still remaining and was to prove to be the Murphy's last
of the contest. What followed was a period of clinical execution from
the Emmett's, as they tucked over five unanswered scores to leave the
Murphy's hopefully bateering for goals in the dying minutes as they
tried to salvage something for what was a dire all round performance.
The Emmett's full-forward line each contributed
a point in that spell with Gary Fenton, McGaughey and Buckley all at
last finding their range. McGuaghan pointed once more to bring his tally
to that magnificent seven before Fenton scored again to leave six
impressive points between the sides at the final whistle.
In so many competitions thsi year defences have
been the rock upon which victories have been built and, on this
occasion, the Emmett's were to use the same material for their
foundations.
'Keeper Mark Kearney was only called into action
twice in the game and he dealt comfortably with both incidents. More
importantly though was the strength of his puck-out against the breeze
and it helped prevent the Murphy's from getting a real stranglehold on
the game early on.
The full-back line of Dan Murphy, Gavin O'Mahony
and Richie Grimes were quite brilliant throughout by first denying the
Murphy's full-forward line the ball to do anything with and then
defending brilliantly to stop their opponents from sneaking a goal late
on.
ryan Foley was undoubtedly the best player on
display and any questions that might have existed about his abilityt to
mark and get in telling interceptions were answered comprehensively by
the Corkman. Aiding him was the magnificent Alan Moloney and the
uncompromising Phil Campbell.
Centre-field was probably "even-stevens" in many
respects, although late on the Emmett's duo of Pat Jordan and Billy
Hennebery made life very difficult for Paddy Culhane especially and
stopped him gathering any momentum. Up front McGaughan was deadly
accurate with his freetaking although it must be said that both Teu
O'hAilpin and Fergus McMahon had quiet games while in the full forward
line all three of the inside men came up with big scores when their side
needed them.
For the Murphy's it was definitely a day to
forget with far too many holes appearing their team work. Noel Martin
was the pick of the full-back line while Mick Gordon was the only one to
stand out in the half-back line. Simon Byrne tried hard to get his
charges to operate in a gear above first but by failing himself from
frees it was always going to be difficult to inspire those around him.
In attack the Murphy's were dead. Eric Kinlon
had a good first half but the toils of his weekend went against him in a
major way in the second with his legs unable to offer any more. Aside
from him the remainder were a huge disappointment. The full-forward line
lacked any industry or creativity and gave up all too easily while the
constantly rotating combination of full-forward Darren Howlin and
centre-half Nick Lalor didn't create amy challenges for the Emmett's
defence.
This time around the EMMETT'S ARE CHAMPIONS and
worthy of it. Some might feel that it is a year later than it should
have been but, at the same time, they are Champions now and that's all
that will matter to them. "
ROBERT EMMETT'S: M Kearney;
D Murphy, G O'Mahony, R Grimes;
A Moloney, B Foley, P Campbell;
P Jordan, B Hennebery;
F McMahon, T O'hAilpin (0-1), J McGaughan (0-7);
K McGaughey (0-2), G Fenton (0-2), C Buckley -
capt - (0-2).
Subs unused: C McGovern, D McGaughey, E
O'Connell, B Doyle, P Flood.
COUNTY HURLING FINAL PREVIEW
21 October 2004
PREVIEW
" Emmett's the team with the Championship agenda
" by John Collins (The Irish World)
"Fr Murphy's attempt to win back-to-back London
Senior Hurling Championships on Sunday next, when they take on Robert
Emmett's in the final of the competition at Ruislip at 3pm.
Throughout this decade, Fr Murphy's have been
the dominant force in the London hurling scene, while the Emmett's have
mustered just the one final appearance when they lost 1-11 to 0-5 to
Sean Treacy's in the 2002 decider.
Many expected the Emmett's to build on that
final appearance in 2003, but despite a fine collection of players last
year they disappointed enormously anf failed to make the semi-finals.
Fr Murphy's meanwhile put behind them the
frustrations of not making it an historic three-in-a-row in 2002 and
went on to win the Championship against St Gabriels.
Come 2004, then, and the attention was firmly
fixed on how these two teams would cater with the fall out of their
respective 2003 campaigns. Questions were definitely being asked of the
Murphy's in the opening game of the group they lost 2-10 to 0-7 to a
re-juvenated Thomas McCurtain's while Emmett's appeared to be
threatening to offer up more of the same as they did last year when they
fell to Kilburn Gael's in the second-round, following their opening game
win over an outclassed Granuaile.
However once those blips were set aside, the two
teams settled into a stride and went through the mid-part of the season
unbeaten in the Championship, albeit with the Murphy's having to replay
an abandoned game against Kilburn Gaels.
By the final stage of the group stage, neither
team had any particular concerns over their semi-final safety and when
they faced each other Emmett's won 4-9 to 1-14 in a game that bore
little consequences, bar those vital bragging rights.
Come semi-final day, the two teams started
getting serious about their business again and Murphy's certainly put
down their marker with a comprehensive 14 point win over Kilburn Gaels.
Emmett's also produced a competent display to
remove St Gabriel's from the Championship equation with a five point
winning margin.
Key to the whole equation for Fr Murphy's this
year has been the form of the Lalor brothers, with Tom and Nicholas both
holding down vital pivotal roles at centre-back and centre-forward.
Team captain Simon Byrne has had an excellent
season particularly from frees while his midfield partner Paddy Culhane
has overcome the loss of his Limerick club mate James Carmody and
continued to build on his growing reputation.
Last year's skipper Eric Kinlon has displayed a
tremendous work ethic and will to win, while in defence Rory Devlin has
returned to his traditional resting place at full-back and 'keeper Enda
Roche has delivered a number of impressive performances between the
sticks.
Noel Martin, definitely an unsung hero of the
2003 campaign, has continued in his no nonsense way and carried out the
duties of both a wing-back and corner-back with the minimum of fuss.
As far as the Emmett's are concerned, it would
probably be fair to say that they appear, on paper at least, to have the
most gifted bunch of players in the county. However the same could be
said of them last year when they failed so miserably, so few if nay of
their supporters will be counting any chicken just yet.
Fergus McMahon is generally considered to be the
most complete hurler in London at present. However the absense of the
Meath man during the summer meant that followers of the game have been
unable to fully appreciate his skills. However his display against St
Gabriel's was immense to say the least and the Emmett's will be hoping
for more of the same from the dual player on Sunday.
However the Emmett's are by no means a one man
team.
The full-back line of Chris McGovern, Gavin
O'Mahoney and Dan Murphy has a great blend of experience and quality and
will be awake to any of the ploys that the Murphy's may hatch, while
centre-back Bryan Foley has had an excellent year so far, although some
may have concerns over his marking abilities.
However whatever frailities are felt to exist
with Foley's style of play, are more than compenstaed for by the nature
of Phil Campbell's play on the wing and certainly the Antrim man is not
one for asking too many questions.
Up front is where the class really shows for the
Emmett's. In Teu O'hAilpin they have a centre-half forward who - when he
applies himself at least - has the ability to win games singlehandedly.
However O'hAilpin has a tendency to drift in and out of games, but the
one thing for sure is that in the short spells when he does perform to
the best of his ability, then he will give any opponent a run for his
money.
John McGaughran and Kieran McGaughey make up the
half-forward line and John, in particular, had an outstanding semi-final
and no doubt the Murphy's will be wary of conceding too many frees
within scoring range.
The final line of attack, like the last line of
defence, is full of both class and experience and Colum Buckley and Gary
Fenton especially are worth keep an eye on as they both have an eye for
goal as they proved in the semi-final. Come the cut and thrust of a
final then one thing is for sure - goals will be of a premium !
BIG MATCH VERDICT ? !
On the strength of their overall performances
Robert Emmett's deserve to be favourites in that - with the exception of
a blip against Kilburn early on - they appear to be a team with a
Championship very much on the agenda.
In previous years Fr Murphy's have showed that
they are very good at getting it right on the night but in this
instance, I feel that the Emmett's hold an upper hand in that they have
a better all-round team - VERDICT : ROBERT EMMETT'S.
PLAYER HEAD TO HEADS
ENDA ROCHE(Fr Murphy's) v MARK KEARNEY (Robert
Emmett's).
Both 'keepers have the ability to entertain,
with Wexford man Roche developing a cult following over the last two
seasons. Kearney is the most experienced and probably the most gifted of
the two, althpough he had his season disrupted by an unwelcome
suspension. Likewise Roche has had to overcome both personal loss and
injury to get to the final this year.
GAVIN O'MAHONEY (Emmett's) v DARREN HOWLIN
(Murphy's)
If the Murphy's line out as they did in the
semi-final with Howlin at full-forward, then they will have the chance
to play some direct hurling into the edge of the square, with Howlin
having a very definite height advantage over O'Mahoney. However,
O'Mahoney is a smart player and will no doubt come up with a ploy to
counter this if it happens.
PHIL CAMPBELL (Emmett's) v ERIC KINLON
(Murphy's)
Kinlon has worked tirelessly for his team all
year, but Campbell has a real reputation as a sticker and won't let
Kinlon find room to pick up easy ball. Although Kinlon hasn't been
scoring too highly this season he is still a vital link in much of what
the Murphy's do.
FERGUS McMAHON (Emmett's) v SIMON BYRNE
(Murphy's)
Probably the two key characters in this game and
whichever one comes out on top will decide where the Championship ends
up. Mcmahon is quality with a capital "Q" while Byrne has hardly put a
foot wrong for his Club this year. If Byrne can get a couple of early
scores that will help him settle into the game early and he could well
be the man lifting the cup come 4.30.
TEU O'hAILPIN (Emmett's) v TOM LALOR (Murphy's)
O'hAilpin is like a jungle cat. He lies in wait
for his prey and then strikes un-noticed. His style can frustrate many
spectators as he does have a tendency to disappear from games. However,
that is his way of playing but the one thing that is assured and that is
that when he kicks into action he takes a great deal of stopping. Lalor
though will have the physical attributes to stop O'hAilpin imposing
himself too much on the game.
JOHN McGAUGHRAN (Emmett's) v MICK GORDON
(Murphy's)
There is nothing Mick Gordon likes more than a
test of his ability and that is what McGaughran will give him on Sunday.
At times Kilkenny man Gordon appears to be bored by the mundane nature
of some games, but once his ability is challenged the class shows
through. In the semi-final McGaughran managed seven points - he will
have to work extremely hard to equal that tally in the final.
HURLERS THROUGH TO COUNTY FINAL
11 October 2004
"
EMMETT'S BATTLE THEIR WAY TO FINAL " by John Collins.
(Reproduced courtesy of The Irish World).
" Robert Emmett's put the disappointments of
2003 firmly behind them on Sunday as they crept past St Gabriel's to
secure their second final appearance in three years.
In a game that was destroyed by the sharp breeze
that blew directly up the field from the bottom goals, Emmett's held a
decisive advantage at the interval, despite having hurled against the
wind for the opening period.
Once the second half came, most expected the
Emmett's to run away with the fixture, but to the credit of the
Gabriel's they held out and made their rivals battle for victory.
Chief architect for this Emmett's win was
wing-forward and free taker John McGaughran who bagged 0-7 for his
afternoon and this after recieving a hefty blow to the head early in the
first half. Wearing the prefered headgear of the wounded hero - the big
white bandage - McGaughran ensured that his team always had that little
bit of an advantage over their opponents and he steered them home by
five points.
Early on the pressure was very much on the
Gabriel's to make an impression on the game. With the wind on the backs,
talk of a required seven or eight point half time advantage wasn't too
far from the mark.
Midfielder Gerard Gary got them up and running
with a point in the opening exchanges, but McGaughran quickly cancelled
that out.
Gary came back again with another point three
minutes later before Mick O'Meara added a further point for the
Gabriel's and then James McDonnell got a crucial goal for them when he
struck a low shot past Mark Kearney in the Emmett's goal from twenty
metres.
Quarter of the game gone and Gabriel's were five
points up, a similar return in the second quarter was what was required
to give them a hope of stealing into the semi-final.
However the Emmett's had other plans for the day
and shortly after that McDonnell goal they bagged one of their own when
Colum Buckley was first to react to a Gary Fenton shot that came back
off the upright and he slotted past Dara Brien in the Gabriel's net.
Thomas Moroney eased the pain of that
three-pointer against his team with a point in immediate reply, but that
was quickly equalled and then bettred by two points from that man
McGaughran.
With just a point in it approaching the break
the Emmett's landed the most crucial score of the game when Gary Fenton
registered his team's second goal after Richie Grimes initial effort had
been saved by Brien.
half time and the Emmett's were 2-3 to 1-4 ahead
and still had half an hour of hurling with the wind at their backs to
look forward to.
The danger though with wind assisted play is
that players often lose touch with the limitations of their skills and
the belief that by merely hoisting a ball into the air quarantees scores
is dangerous to say the least.
Over ten minutes of play had passed in the
second half before Emmett's managed to convince us that they could play
as well with the wind at their backs as they had with the wind facing
them.
McGaughran was again the scorer and he repeated
the feat seconds later from forty yards having picked up the under-hit
puck-out from Brien.
Safety appeared to be in sight for the Antrim
man and his team until Mick O'Meara blasted a goal from a twenty metre
free for the Gabriel's to reduce the deficit to just a point.
Panic time for the favourites or merely a wake
up call ?
Teu O'hAilpin was the first to stand up for this
team with a great point on the run and then McGaughran with two and
Richie Grimes with a point finished things off for the Emmett's to
secure a five point winning margin.
Not a performance to inspire people to run out
and put huge amounts of cash on their potential to be champions, but
nonetheless a performance that saw them through to the senior final for
the second time in three years and at the semi-final stage that is the
only kind of performance that really matters.
Undoubtedly McGaughran was the key man for them
and any player that returns 0-7 in a semi deserves a mention. However it
was by no means a one man show and given that the Emmett's went in at
half time up, despite playing into the wind, bears testimony to a job
well done by the defence with Mark Kearney, Chris McGovern and Phil
Campbell all having excellent games.
Fergus McMahon was a real class cat at
centre-field and was ably assisted by Pat Jordan while in attack on top
of McGaughran there were strong displays from Teu O'hAilpin and also the
imposing target figure of Gary Fenton.
St Gabriel's were handicapped from the start by
the loss of Pat Finneran and Brendan Bolger but never looked like a side
capable of winning this game.
That half time deficit must have been hard to
take at the break and really it was difficult to see a way back for them
in the second half.
Enda Duane, Ollie Connell and Melvin Loughnane
all played well in the backs, while Michael O'Meara and Liam Hoyne were
effective up front.
Emmett's will be looking forward to the prospect
of taking on the Murphy's and certainly the tag they have carried all
year as dark horses for the crown will sit easy on them.
They have a quality outfit, full of capable
players... it just remains to be seen if they have the big day
temperament. "
Scorers : Emmett's ; J McGaughran 0-7, C Buckley
1-0, G Fenton 1-0, T O'hAilpin 0-1, R Grimes 0-1.
St Gabriel's ; M O'Meara 1-1, J McDonnell 1-0, G
Gary 0-2, T Moroney 0-1.
HURLERS CONTINUE WINNING FORM IN CHAMPIONSHIP
27 September 2004
Our Hurlers are on course for Championship glory following their 4-09 to
1-14 victory over Fr Murphy's in their final group match at Ruislip on
Saturday last.
Having only suffered one defeat against Kilburn
Gaels in the group stages this latest victory means that they go into
their forthcoming semi-final on form and in a confident frame of mind.
Congratulations to all the squad and mentors
and, though it's imperative no chickens are counted before they're
hatched, we Club members hope that this is finally the year that the
London Senior Championship is "coming home" ! hope
HURLERS TOOK PART IN ALL-IRELAND SEVENS
13 September 2004
Well done to our Hurlers who took part in the prestigious All-Ireland
Club sevens at Kilmacud Crokes in Dublin on Saturday last.
Though pitted in a tough
group which included Mullinahone of Tipperary they acquitted themselves
well throughout the afternoon.
The tournament was eventaully
won by Portumna of Galway who defeated Mullinahone in the final.
This site was last updated 09/20/07
