Rossies' run brought to an end by Kerry League

THE Roscommon & District League's epic voyage in their bid for Oscar Traynor Cup glory ended last weekend, as two-goal hero Peter McCarthy inspired the Kerry League to victory over Henry Loughnane's brave side at Mounthawk Park, Tralee. It could have been very different for Roscommon, who will look back on this fixture with some real regrets. The Rossies made a very slow start to the game, and conceded the opening goal after three minutes. They will also be disappointed that McCarthy's second half free-kick found its way through a seemingly well-constructed defensive wall and into the net for 2-0. After that, Roscommon struck the crossbar through Ballinasloe Town striker Liam Lynch, who then had the misfortune to missing a penalty. Roscommon, though, have had a fine run in this competition, and those present at Lecarrow some weeks ago will never forget the exciting victory over a highly-rated Limerick League in the quarter-finals. They most certainly made Kerry fight hard for the victory and were very much in the ascendency for long periods of the second half. The Kingdom side got off to the best possible start after three minutes. David Conway and James Sugrue worked the ball into the path of Peter McCarthy. He was grounded inside the box by Shane Harkin, and referee Pat Gleeson had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot. McCarthy gave Roscommon 'keeper Aidan Fallon no chance with a clinical finish. Kerry had a great chance in the 20th minute when McCarthy was the provider for Gary Keane, who drilled the ball across the goalmouth, but Bryan Murphy scuffed his shot. They went close again when Keane set up Bryan Murphy, but he could not beat St John's Athletic netminder Aidan Fallon, who made a great block. Roscommon put a great move together in the 23rd minute with David Fitzpatrick and Aidan Dooney combining to make space for Lynch, and they had strong claims for a penalty, which was denied, when a Kerry defender appeared to handle. Kerry 'keeper David Hennessy was called into action in the 35th minute with Dooney setting up David Cullan, but the Ballinasloe player's shot was saved. Kerry had claims for a penalty in the 52nd minute when Maurice O'Rahilly and Keane opened the Roscommon defence. Murphy's shot seemed to be handled but the referee was not interested. Henry Loughnane brought on Roscommon GAA star Conor Devanney and he made an immediate impact. But things went horribly wrong for Roscommon just past the hour mark when McCarthy sent a thunderous free-kick through the wall and into the roof of the net. The home side began applying containment tactics but Kerry had a let-off in the 66th minute when Devanney delivered a measured cross for Lynch, whose header was touched onto the crossbar by Hennessy. They went close again when Dooney set up Fitzpatrick, who tried to chip the Kerry goalie, but Sugrue came to the rescue and cleared to safety. In the 81st minute, Roscommon were awarded a penalty. However, Lynch pulled a low shot just outside the left hand post. To their credit, Roscommon kept battling to the end but got no change from a solid Kerry defence. Kerry now advance to meet Dublin AUL in the final.. Kerry District League: D Hennessy, M O'Rahilly, B O¹Reilly, B Spillane, D Hayes, J Sugrue, D Conway, F Maunsell, Bryan Murphy, G Keane, Peter McCarthy. Subs: Stephen Hayes for Keane, Pa McCarthty for Murphy, Con Barrett for Maunsell. Roscommon & District FL: Aidan Fallon, David Fitzpatrick, Martin Lennon, John Tierney, Martin Killilea, Aidan Dooney, David Keegan, David Cullan, Liam Lynch, Colm Killackey, Ronan Curran. Subs used: C Devanney, C Galvin, Dave Grehan. Referee: Pat Gleeson (Clare)