Sport

Celbridge claim first title

Celbridge 1-9 Sarsfields 0-10:  MARK O'SULLIVAN was the toast of Celbridge last night as the north Kildare outfit celebrated…

Tue Oct 28 2008 - 00:00

Celbridge 1-9 Sarsfields 0-10: MARK O'SULLIVAN was the toast of Celbridge last night as the north Kildare outfit celebrated their first senior football title with a nail-biting victory in the replayed county final at St Conleth's Park.

The young forward clocked up seven points in a brilliant all-round display that deservedly earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Mick Wright's full-length injury-time block on Enda Freaney, who looked certain to shoot the equaliser, was also pivotal.

It illustrated a magnificent defensive display by Barney Rock's side in the second half, as it was the quick break upfield that led to Tom Fitzgerald's insurance point.

READ MORE

Celbridge made a dream start with a goal after just 40 seconds. Sarsfields goalkeeper Patrick O'Sullivan was dispossessed by Pádraig Fitzgerald as he advanced and the Celbridge captain set up his brother Tom, who fired home.

Mark O'Sullivan quickly added a point from the left wing, but they managed only another two in the half as Sarsfields battled back.

Gary White's long-range effort got them off the mark and three successive points followed from White (a 45), Paddy Campbell (a free) and Dermot Earley.

O'Sullivan added two fine points for Celbridge but Sarsfields were level at the break, 1-3 to 0-6, thanks to excellent points from Alan Barry and Conor Tiernan.

Campbell put Sarsfields ahead for the first time from a free on the restart. O'Sullivan replied and the two players repeated the trick before O'Sullivan added a free and then a third point in a row. It looked all over when Barry Moyles put a goal between the sides with time running out.

But points from Campbell and Freaney for Sarsfields ensured a gripping finale.

CELBRIDGE: P Spratt; D McEvoy, R Hannon, M Deegan; C Brophy, M Wright, P Carty; H McGrillen, D Byrne; P Fitzgerald, C McEvoy, A Cahill; O Lyons, T Fitzgerald (1-1), M O'Sullivan (0-7, three frees). Subs: S Harte for Brophy (47 mins); B Moyles (0-1) for C McEvoy (52)

SARSFIELDS: P O'Sullivan; K Harvey, D Duggan, C Duffy; N Hedderman, S Usher, R Murphy; D Earley (0-1), E Freaney (0-1); C Tiernan (0-1), G White (0-2, one 45), M Dunne; A Smith, A Barry (0-1), P Campbell (0-4, two frees). Subs: E O'Sullivan for Dunne (38); J Geraghty for A Barry (58)

Referee: M Monahan (Raheens).