SHANE FILAN PLAYING FOOTBALL (January 01.2009)

Athlone IT’s lack of scoring power proved costly as they exited the O’Byrne Shield with this defeat to UCD in miserably wet conditions at the AIT grounds last Sunday.

Edward Burns’ side enjoyed plenty of possession in this wind and rain swept encounter, but they could just could find the finishing touch to complement their often fine approach work. AIT only managed to score two points from open play, and one of those was scored by half-back Shane Filan.

In mitigation, the home side were without some key players who could have made a difference in attack. Cavan’s Ray Galligan was ruled out after picking up an injury in the previous Sunday’s game against Longford, while Ballinagore’s James Durkan remained absent due to injury. In addition, Maryland’s James Reynolds, who lined out at wing-back against Longford, was unable to play due to illness. AIT’s hopes of victory were dealt a further blow 14 minutes into the second half, when their leading forward Brian Smyth (Westmeath) was forced off through injury.

On the other hand, UCD could call on the scoring skills of Barry O’Rorke (who scored three points from play), Mark Ronaldson and Wexford star Ciaran Lyng. The Dublin side led by 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time and it continued to be a close affair in the second half, before Ronaldson eventually wrapped up victory for his side with two late points.

Despite this defeat, there were some positives for AIT. The defence did quite well and the work-rate throughout the team could not be faulted. Tang’s Ciaran Duncan had some good moments at corner-back, while the half-back line - which was impressively anchored by Athlone GAA clubman Gary Quinn, with David Reilly and Shane Filan on the wings - proved a good unit. Midfielders David Reynolds and Ger Dennigan had periods of prominence though neither managed to fully impose themselves on proceedings. AIT moved listed full-forward John Stapleton to midfield for long spells and although this helped them to garner more possession, it left them short of a targetman in attack.

The AIT forward line lacked penetration and composure in front of goal, although there was no lack of effort from the likes of Sean Lowry, Brian Smyth (until injury ended his involvement) , Trevor Phelan (Doon) and Niall Judge.

If the Athlone side can get some key players back and work on their finishing, they have every chance of a victory in their forthcoming Sigerson Cup clash against IT Tralee.

The UCD line-up included Castledaly’s Tommy Warburton at wing-back, and the Westmeath U21 panellist had a fine game - particularly in the first half, during which he got forward to score a splendid point.

The handful of hardy spectators in attendance were totally exposed to the elements and rain fell almost throughout the contest. A tricky crossfield wind made scoring difficult at both ends and it was hard to know if it favoured either team at any stage.

AIT centre-forward Brian Smyth and UCD’s Mark Ronaldson swapped points from frees inside the opening six minutes, before former Dublin minor star Barry O’Rorke put the visitors in front with a good point following a patient build-up (10th minute). UCD’s Colm Murphy was the dominant figure at midfield in the early stages, as he showed his fielding ability.

The home side drew level courtesy of another free from Smyth. The umpires disagreed over whether it was a point but referee John Bannon awarded the score. In the 21st minute, AIT corner-forward Niall Judge hit a terrific point from a free (off the outside of his right foot) close to the right touchline.

AIT keeper Donal Moore (Roscommon) denied UCD a goal in the 25th minute, with a point-blank save from Mark Ronaldson. Three minutes later, Tommy Warburton levelled matters after O’Rorke and Murphy were involved in the move. The diminutive but lively Niall Judge then did well to earn a free-in which he pointed himself to put AIT back in front.

However, the Dublin side then reeled off three points on the trot to claim a two-point lead. First, Jamie Owens hit the target, and then Mark Ronaldson set up Colm Murphy for an excellent point. Moments later, Barry O’Rorke seized on a loose ball and surged forward unchallenged before pointing off his left foot.

In the 35th minute, Brian Smyth gave AIT a lift, scoring a fine point from distance to leave UCD leading by a single point at half-time (0-6 to 0-5).

Shortly after the restart, Ciaran Lyng pointed a free to increase UCD’s lead and the No 13 on the other side, Alan Douglas, then squandered two good scoring chances. First, he palmed the ball into the grateful arms of UCD ‘keeper Ronan Colgan - had Douglas opted to catch the ball, he certainly would have had a better chance of scoring. Moments later, Douglas fired wide from close range and AIT’s difficulties in front of goal continued throughout the second half. At the other end, O’Rorke popped over a point after being set up by full-back Cian O’Sullivan.

In terms of the experimental yellow card rule, John Bannon was quite lenient, sensibly allowing for the conditions and opting to issue black cards rather than yellow on several occasions. The first player to be shown a yellow card was UCD defender Paul Kelly, about ten minutes into the second half.

AIT’s first score of the second period came from (Niall Judge), who was now struggling to make an impact from open play. Ciaran Lyng, an All-Star nominee in 2008, replied with a point for UCD. Shane Filan lifted the home side with a fine point, after a well-worked move. Crucially, however, the Dublin students were able to respond any time their lead looked threatened and Tiernan Diamond restored their three-point cushion.

Judge reduced the gap to two points with another pointed free, but Mark Ronaldson sealed victory for UCD with two late points.

SCORERS – UCD: B O’Rorke 0-3; M Ronaldson 0-3 (1f); C Lyng 0-2 (1f); T Warburton, C Murphy, J Owens, T Diamond 0-1 each.

Athlone IT: N Judge 0-4 (4f), B Smyth 0-3 (2f), S Filan 0-1.

UCD: Ronan Colgan; Peter Kelly, Cian O’Sullivan, Danny Curran; Paul Kelly, Cormac Brady, Tommy Warburton; Mark Loftus, Colm Murphy; John Fitzpatrick, Tiernan Diamond, Barry O’Rorke; Ciaran Lyng, Jamie Owens, Mark Ronaldson. Subs: Mick Gurn for Paul Kelly (yellow card, 46 mins); Declan Trainor for Owens (46); Finian Canavan for Brady (yellow card, 60).

ATHLONE IT: Donal Moore; Ciaran Duncan, Fintan Reilly, Sean Rattigan; David Reilly, Gary Quinn, Shane Filan; David Reynolds, Gerard Dennigan; Sean Lowry, Brian Smyth, Trevor Phelan; Alan Douglas, John Stapleton, Niall Judge. Subs: Liam Fox for Smyth (inj., 49 mins); Dean Leahy for Rattigan (yellow card, 70).

REFEREE: John Bannon (Longford).

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