Moy bridge 26-year gap for Division 7 honours

Moy 3-12   Killimer 0-3

MOY bridged a 26-year gap to their last title win when they defeated Killimer in the Division 7 league final.
On a dry afternoon in Quilty, a strong breeze cut across the field as a big turnout from both parishes cheered on their teams.

This was Killimer’s first season back in competition after a four-year absence from adult competition.
Both finalists were already guaranteed promotion to Division 6 before Saturday’s final.
Having lost three league finals in the past five years, Moy were clearly determined to come out on top in this one and win their first title since their Junior Championship success back in 1986.
Playing against the wind, Moy’s Alan Sexton raised the white flag in the first minute with a well-taken point. It was his midfield partner Damien Finucane who, midway through the first half, scored the game’s first goal. It was 1-8 to 0-2 in Moy’s favour at the interval.
Early in the second half, Moy settled quickly and Paudie Killeen put the game out of reach with Moy’s second goal, which was soon followed by a Peter Gunter goal after Seamus Conway’s shot had rebounded off the crossbar.
Thomas Garrihy was outstanding from placed balls in the windy conditions, hitting six frees. Ruairí Norrby was Killimer’s most dangerous forward but supply to him was poor. As the match became one-sided, Moy cleared the bench with five minutes to go and veteran Brendan McMahon, a member of the ‘86 panel, was narrowly wide with a well-struck kick.
Killimer’s full-back trio of Martin Crowe, Derek Flavin and James Blake worked hard throughout.
The result sparked off great celebrations amongst the Moy followers. The cup was presented to team captain Alan Sexton by Clare GAA official Michael McDonagh.
Micheál Keane, Brendan  MacMahon, Frank Gunter and Sean Curtin made up the successful management team.
Training continues this Thursday at 8pm in Moy GAA field in preparation for the championship.

Moy: George Benn; Pat Hohey, Brian Curtin, Stephen Pender; Brendan Hayes, Willie Curtin, Michael Flanagan; Damien Finucane, Alan Sexton; Thomas Garrihy, Pádraig Killeen, Eamon Moore; Peter Gunter, Noel O’Brien, PJ Benn.
Subs: Seamus Conway for PJ Benn (25mins), Carlsen Cloney for Killeen, Brendan McMahon for Moore, Patrick McEvoy for Peter Gunter, John O’Looney for O’Brien (all 55mins).
Scorers: Damien Finucane (1-2), Alan Sexton (0-3), Thomas Garrahy (0-7, 6f), Pádraig Killeen (1-0), Peter Gunter (1-0).

Killimer: Richard Carmody; Martin Crowe, Derek Flavin, James Blake; Jack Browne, Brian Grogan, Enda Mulqueen; Mark Moloney, Michael Troy; Eoghan Keniry, Adrian Fitzpatrick, Eoin Grogan; Ruairí Norrby, Gerard Culligan, Paul Browne.
Subs: Senan McMahon for Mark Moloney; Pádraig Flanagan for Mulqueen; David Kelly for Grogan; Thomas Smith for Troy; Pat McMahon for Norrby.
Scorers: Ruairí Norrby (0-2), Senan McMahon (0-2).

Referee: John Brew, Kilmurry-Ibrickane.