Downhills Dual

Holloway Gaels: 2-08
Round Towers: 1-11

Strong Start
Match day at Downhills meant an extra half-hour in bed for most on Saturday October 10 th and all the extra energy gained was needed in the contest against 2019 League winners Round Towers. With a loss to Parnells earlier in the competition, Holloway needed to perform strong in the game to give themselves a fighting chance for a Championship final place. This was, in all intents and purposes, a semi-final game for both sides and neither were willing to give an inch. Ciara O’Murchadha Flynn palmed down the John Reape throw in to mid-field partner Cliona, who quickly set about creating a Holloway attack. In resemblance to Holloway’s opening game against Anthony’s the first attack led to a well worked goal, this time courtesy of Clare woman Kate O’Brien. Marian added a point soon after which made clear the Gaels’ objective. But Towers proved to be no shrinking violets and were ready with attacks of their own. One such attack for the girls in blue resulted in a penalty being awarded. Aisling, who had earlier that morning hung the goal nets, had no intention of picking the ball from the net and deftly guided the spot- kick over the crossbar. A lift for the Gaels and poetic justice in the eyes of many. Car Mac added three points to the Holloway tally and Cliona tagged on another, to see the Gaels head in at the short whistle on a score line of 1-05 to Towers’ 0-06

Tight Call
The second half saw intensity much like the first. Both teams were unwilling to give an inch and it was mistakes or well-timed tackles that saw possession overturned. The Holloway backs and mid-field duo were superb under the constant Towers’ attacks with the half-forward line ably supporting when called upon. It was not uncommon to see a red and black double digit jersey scooping up ball in the Holloway back line. Holloway added another goal in this half courtesy of the ever effective Marian and could have had another if the shot from Caroline Hanley had not been deflected by the keeper for a 45.

A few injuries saw Holloway introduce a number of subs in the second half and all got directly involved, not an easy feat when the pace was so fast and they had little time to adjust. But all performed with the tenacious Holloway spirit required. The Towers girls racked up 1-05 in the second 30, whilst Car Mac added two to her tally and Sheila tipped over a point to see Holloway accumulated 1-03 in the half.
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​Level pegging at the final whistle with a Championship point for both sides.

Panel & Management: A.Clifford, E.Murphy, R.Hunt, C.Flanagan, N. Kelly, M.Jordan, S.Grozotis, C.Twohig (0-01), C. O’Murchadha Flynn, C.Hanley, E.Mulhern, C. Faughnan, C.McCarthy (0-05 (2f)), K.O’Brien (1-00), M. O’Donnell (1-01), S. Walshe (0-01), S.Kerins, A.Walsh, S. O’Sullivan, E. O’Donnell, ME. Cannon, S.Ledden, E.deCaires, L.Keane, K.Bradshaw, A.Cosgrave, C.Brosnan, S.Colleran, AM.Micallef, R.Doyle, A.Greene, C.McElhinney, J.Day

Huge thanks as always to Aileen, Caitriona and Ciara Holland for their work on the side-line ably supporting Ciaran, Jack and Aisling. Also thank you to our band of loyal supporters including future Holloway star Lauren (let’s get you on the Holloway books!). Special mention and gratitude to Ger for carrying out the role of umpire for us on the day.

Written by: C. Hanley