(Hospital) memorial tournament
In the semi final played on Wednesday August 9th, Herbertstown overcame Knockainey on a 1-0 scoreline. This game was a teak tough encounter with few chances but a couple of good performances from Shane Mulcahy at right back and Tom Wallace at Centre half. The deciding goal came right on the end of play with a Daryl Wright corner finding the head of Keith 'Beach' Keogh to give victory to the town.
Team: Mark Bermingham, Daryl Wright, Tom Wallace, Mike Leahy, Shane Mulcahy, Don Wallace, Shane Keogh, Pat Dooley, Andy Healy, Keith Keogh, Wayne Wright. Subs Tony Hanly, James O'Dea, John Ryan.
In the final, Herbertstown faced old foes Ballylanders who had beaten us 1-0 in the final of this tournament in 2003 and on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 2004. As Herbertstown had also lost the final of 2005, this was a game we felt we had to win. New gaffer John O'Shea made it clear he wanted victory and with Mike Leahy giving an exhibition in midfield Herbertstown set about the task well. Early on a few Ballylanders attacks looked cunning but were thwarted by the tackling of James O'Dea and Daryl Wright at full backs and Tom Wallace at centre back. At the half hour mark we conceded a penalty as Sean Kiely in goal was considered to have fouled a Ballylanders attacker. However heads never dropped and Shane Mulcahy, Shane Keogh & Don Wallace in midfield, helped by the aforementioned Mike Leahy, piled on the pressure on Ballylanders. From a corner taken by Daryl Wright, Tom Wallace & Mike Leahy helped the ball over the line to leave the scoreline 1-1 at half time.
In the second half, John O'Shea made his changes at the right times. With Keith Keogh & Wayne Wright showing more & more threat up front, Johnno changed both his wingers to freshen up the men providing the service to the front players. Andy Healy replaced Shane Mulcahy on the left flank & Ger Fitzpatrick replaced James O'Dea (Don Wallace moved to right back). The move of the match came when Wayne Wright & Keith Keogh combined to play Ger Fitz into possession on the right wing and Fitzy sent a peach of a cross to the back post where Andy Healy made no mistake. Andy back to the club after 2 seasons away, will be delighted with his finish. As the game neared its conclusion, Sean Kiely in goal stopped a number of efforts from the men in blue, ensuring his goal was safe from attacks.
In the end Herbertstown held out for a well earned victory and well done to John O'Shea and his players for a good solid display. Keith Keogh, who was captain for the night in Kevin Higgins abscence, accepted the trophy on behalf of Herbertstown.
The tournament was a fitting tribute to Seamus O'Toole.
Panel: Sean Kiely, Daryl Wright, John Ryan, Tom Wallace, James O'Dea, Shane Mulcahy, Shane Keogh, Mike Leahy, Don Wallace, Keith Keogh, Wayne Wright, Andy Healy, Ger Fitzpatrick, Leo Keogh.
Manager: John O'Shea