Boston GAA Sunday June 3rd

Orl Benson Cup [Ladies Football]

Boston Shamrocks 3-08 to Roscommon 1-07

SFC

Donegal 1-12 to Galway 3-09

Wolf Tones 0-11 to Shannon Blues 0-05

SHC

Galway 0-07 to Tipperary 2-11

Boston GAA Saturday May 26th. SFC: Shannon Blues v Galway

Galway would turn the tide on the Blues in the second half [Photo/Neil McDaid]

Galway claws back to claim their first senior victory in years

By Neil McDaid

Saturday May 26, 2007 - Canton, Ma. Galway started their 2007 campaign in the same manner as they closed their 2006 season, with a victory. Although this victory came with much less fanfare than when Galway took the 2006 Boston North East Intermediate title, today’s win marks a long awaited return to senior championship football for this storied Boston GAA club.
Although Galway opened quickly in the first half, scoring a point from play in only the second minute, they would struggle to come to grips with a new look Shannon Blues team.
The Blues seemed to have the upper hand in midfield. New addition Richey Hennessy worked the ball well into a very fast moving Shannon Blues forward line, who were in superb form in the first half. Conor Daly would split the Galway uprights on a fine pass from Gary Henry to get things moving for Shannon Blues.

Once things got going for the Blues there was virtually no stopping them as they delivered point after point to close the first half with a 8-3 advantage. Galway’s manager, Manus McFadden, didn’t panic however as he encouraged his men at the break.
Words of encouragement went a long way as again Galway would open the scoring in the second half with a point from Peter Nolan. Shortly thereafter Donal Redmond found an opening and made a deposit into the Shannon Blues net.
An exchange of points from both sides would keep things interesting, but it was veteran player Mickey Joe Hynes who almost stole the show. After an excellent through ball from Tom Walsh, Mickey Joe would work his way within range of the Blues goal, but a miss-judged aim would rob him of his glory.
His disappointment was short lived as Mick Curran, who was brought in as a sub, would get a fist to the ball again raising the green flag for Galway.

The tide had turned on the Blues; they had let Galway claw their way back from their shortfall at the half. Possibly the 85 degree heat or playing into the sun in the second half had taken affect on Shannon Blues. They seemed to slow as the game ticked away but, but as we all knew, the Blues were not going to go down without one last charge.

In the closing minutes of the game we would see a furious attack from the Blues. Down by four points a ballistic rip from forward John Wall could have made the difference for the Blues, but it clipped the cross bar and went over for a point. Another drive from Conor Daly would rebound to Wall who delivered a towering point to close the game.
An elated Galway side had achieved their goal. Knowing that this is only the start of a long season they were very satisfied to be off to a good start. Finals score 2-9 to 0-13.

Boston GAA

The Pat O'Brien Cup, semi finals. Donegal Vs Kerry and McAnespies Vs Galway

Donegal’s Michael McGinty sent his first attempt a bit to the Stranorlar side, early days yet an extra tug on the boots should sort things out.

Donegal Vs Kerry Photo/ Neil McDaid

Canton, Ma. May 6, 2007 - Donegal would claim a place in the Pat O’Brien Cup final after taking care of Kerry in the first of the semi-finals played on this day. Donnacha Gallagher would point for Donegal to get things underway. It was to be a lead that the boys from the Northwest would never relinquish.
Kerry showed little organization as Donegal controlled the play and continued to pile on the scores.
Down by 1:06 with only a minute in regular time on the clock, Kerry would make one last desperate drive on the Donegal net. Although Donegal’s keeper Marty Callaghan caught the ball he was unable to keep it from crossing the line. Final score 1-09 to 1-03

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McAnespies Vs Galway

McAnespies Vs Galway Photo/Neil McDaid

No surprises in the second semi-final; McAnespies [Tyrone], the clear favorites going in, would run riot over Galway. McAnespies, the defending 2006 Boston North East Champions, are showing some great early season form. Although Galway did manage the first score, it was not long until a nice ball from McAnespies mid-fielder Nail Donaghy was delivered to the boot of Benny McGettigan. McGettigan wasted no time in burying the ball into the back of the Galway net. This would be the first of two goals for the red headed wonder. Colm ‘Minnie” McCory was seeing yellow from referee Gerry Rowley for rough play just before the half time mark.
McAnespies would keep the pressure on into the second half. An unmarked Paddy McCusker would add to the goal tally taking all hope of a miraculous recovery from Galway. Tempers flared late in the game resulting in the ejection of two players [one from each side]. Final score in favor of the Mc's 3-06 to 0-06. [Galway again lined out in Wexford colors]
The stage is set for a classic Boston Gaa clash as McAnespies will meet Donegal in the O’Brien cup final.
If past performances are anything to go on, it will be well worth the price of admission, for there is no love lost between these two strong northern sides. After today’s performances McAnespies are showing as the stronger team going into the final.

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The Orla Benson Cup semi final [1]

Photo/Neil McDaid
Orla Benson cup:
The 2007 season opener for ladies football would get underway with the first qualifier for the Orla Benson Cup. Although not representative of the final score, Roscommon had the upper hand on Tir Na Nog throughout the game, aided by a goal in the first half via a hand pass from Stephanie Flynn. The final score 1-08 to 1-03. Despite the loss, Tir Na Nog will get another crack next Sunday when they meet the Shamrocks. The winner will go on to meet Roscommon in the final.

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The Sheehan cup semi final [1]

Although this wasn’t championship caliber hurling by any means, Tipp would see off Wexford to mark their spot in the Cup final scheduled for May 20th. Final score 2-06 to 1-05.

In the second of the semi finals, Cork will be hoping that the boat will dock with some much needed help later this week. They are scheduled to meet Fr. Toms next Sunday to decide who will meet Tipp in the final.