Brave Roscommon bow out

THE dream is finally over for the brave players of the Roscommon & District Football League. Despite another heroic display in their quest to reach a first ever Oscar Traynor Cup decider, Gerry Tully"s side exited the competition at the semi-final point at the hands of a strong Cork AUL outfit. Despite a second half which was dominated for long spells by Roscommon, it was Cork AUL who sealed a first Oscar Traynor final appearance for 40 years upon the final whistle. In fairness to both sides, this was a game that could have gone either way. Both teams had a fair percentage of possession but much of the story revolves around how Cork made it through to the final for the first time in forty years against a side who totally outplayed them in the second half but could not get the ball past the visiting "keeper. The sight of collapsed players at full-time was heartbreaking to watch for Roscommon supporters and officials, but there are many reasons to be proud of this team and they made many friends with their free flowing style of confident football along with a team spirit that was infectious. Cork started the game in brighter fashion at the home of Shiven Rovers in Newbridge, when a snap-shot from John Betts flew over the Roscommon crossbar. It was a certain sign of intent from Cork. Cork"s fast and uncompromising style gave Roscommon no time on the ball and this showed in the opening stages. But, in saying that, chances really did not fall to either side as defences started to dominate. Kevin Flanagan, in the centre of the Roscommon defence, was running things along with the excellent Gary Furey and Peter Keighery, while team captain David Fitzpatrick was working very hard. But Cork attacked again, this time through the impressive Derek Varian, who found space only for his shot to be well saved by Michael Killilea. Roscommon would get their first free kick of note after twenty minutes, but Gary Egan"s effort was over the bar. Roscommon were now starting to settle and play some decent football, and Mark Duffy and Robbie Brooks were bossing midfield. Duffy even had a half chance well saved by Pat O"Regan. However, Cork soon got back into the tie and broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. A free kick on the edge of the box was taken by Derek McCarthy and it was perfectly placed into the top right hand corner of the net. Cork"s slender advantage was probably deserved at this point but one could get the feeling that there was more to this Roscommon team and it would come in the second half. When Conor McSharry was fouled before the break, an opportunity arose but Cork"s use of the quick clearance caused some confusion and it took the solid Roscommon defence to tidy up. Roscommon soon found their rhythm after the restart. A free kick from Fitzpatrick was turned away for a corner and Roscommon set up camp inside the visitors" half of the field. Ronan Curran also came on for Egan, giving Roscommon pace on the right, and it caused all sorts of problems in the Cork defence. Cork were seriously under pressure now and Roscommon looked destined to equalise. A deserved leveller then arrived when a free kick to the right of the Cork goal was taken by Donal Warde. His pass was perfect and Kevin Flanagan"s header found the net. Roscommon were back in the match and the home crowd were roaring them on. However, what happened next would ultimately break Roscommon hearts and it would be slightly controversial. A free kick was parried by Killilea and as Derek Delea went for the rebound he looked to have slipped, but referee Emmet Dynan, who was well positioned, pointed straight to the spot. McCarthy lined up the penalty and despite Michael Killilea going full length in the right direction, the positioning was perfect and Cork were ahead again. It was now a case of racing against the clock and Roscommon had their best period of play as they charged forward in search of an equaliser. A high effort from Warde went narrowly wide, McSharry went close and then Roscommon had the ball in the net only to be pulled back for offside. What happened next would anger the Roscommon support as a high cross seemed to be met by a Cork hand. However, the referee waved play on, denying Roscommon a penalty. Roscommon even had a shot cleared off the line before Conor McSharry and Curran went close. Time was now running out but Roscommon were throwing everything at Cork. Flanagan found space but went for the shot when Ronan Curran was outside him and free. Then, Mark O"Brien went close with a shot before Emmet Dynan blew full-time, bringing to an end to Roscommon"s run in the competition. Roscommon had four efforts cleared off the line and hit the crossbar twice, and had what seemed a good goal ruled out for offside. But it was the Cork side who scored that all-important second and that"s what ultimately counted. The sight of devastated Roscommon players at full-time told its own story, as they had given everything to the cause, and they deserve great credit for what they have achieved in this season"s Oscar Traynor Cup. It has certainly been a run to remember. Roscommon & District Football League: Michael Killilea; David Fitzpatrick; Gary Furey; Kevin Flanagan; Peter Keighery; Robbie Brooks; Gary Egan; Mark Duffy; Conor McSharry; Declan Murphy; Donal Warde. Subs Used: Ronan Curran, Mark O"Brien and Shane Harkin.   Cork AUL: Patrick O"Regan; Anthony Peelo; Jason Keegan; Eric Shinkwin; Brian O"Sullivan; Derek Delea; Derek Varian; Derek McCarthy; Stephen O"Donovan; John Betts; Paul O"Mahony. Referee: Emmet Dynan.