Silverware for Strokestown, Michael’s and Fuerty…

< SEAMUS DUKE

Senior champions Strokestown added the O’Gara Cup (league Division Two) to their trophy cabinet to get their year off to an impressive start when they had two points to spare against Castlerea St Kevin’s at a wet and windy O’Rourke

Park on Saturday last.

Two goals from Colin Compton and Shane McGinley against the run of play in a three-minute spell just before half-time were decisive. At that stage Castlerea were leading by three points but those vital goals proved crucial in the end.

The second half was low scoring as Castlerea battled to get back into the match but The Town held out for a notable victory.

In the Tansey Cup final (Division Three), St Michael’s bridged a 35-year gap to take the title when they defeated Strokestown by 3-9 to 2-8 in Cootehall.

The home side laid the foundations for their victory in the opening half; Jack Lane and Bryan O’Connor got the goals as they led by 2-7 to 0-6 at the break.

But Strokestown were always in the hunt in the second half and Mikey Kavanagh was outstanding, scoring 2-5 from play. However, Michael’s held out for a tremendous win with ‘man of the match’ Fiachra Henry scoring 1-7 for the winners.

Finally, in the Division four final, Fuerty pipped Boyle by a point (2-6 to 0-11) after extra-time in Abbey Park on Friday night to take the title.