Rhode show class to book semi-final in devastating purple patch

Rhode comfortably established their place in the semi-finals in a sunny and dry Gracefield on Saturday evening last. The reigning champions continued their unbeaten run in the championship, largely thanks to their relentless hard work, which paid off in a relentless 10 minutes of football in the first half, when they outscored Bracknagh 1-5 to 0-1.

Tullamore Court Hotel Senior Football Championship Group 2 Round 3

Rhode 1-11

Bracknagh 0-06

The teams had traded scores early on, and it took until the 14th minute for Rhode to get going. Once they did however, they put together a destructive 10 minutes upon their opponents, which began with points from Niall and Ruairi McNammee, as well as Anton Sullivan. Brian Darby scored the game’s only goal when he pulled on a loose ball inside the large rectangle. The ball trickled beyond a bewildered Keith Keogh and into the corner of the Bracknagh net. This put the reigning champions 1-6 to 0-2 ahead after 24 minutes. Mikey Cunningham and Sean Dempsey responded for a shell shocked Bracknagh, but two superb long range efforts from the goalscorer Darby and inter-county star Niall McNamee put Rhode 1-8 to 0-4 ahead at half time.

The men in blue began the better when Robin Galbraith put over a great score two minutes into the second half, before Niall McNamee responded for the champions with a free.

Mikey Cunningham put over another free seven minutes into the restart, which concluded Bracknagh’s scoring for the game. Eoin Rigney and Aaron Kellaghan then got on the scoresheet for Rhode which left the final result beyond doubt. Neither team would score after the 47th minute to the spectator’s amazement. However, Rhode showcased their ability to close out the contest, giving another reason to the rest of the county as to why they are champions.

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Brian Darby (Rhode): Former Offaly Senior Footballer Brian Darby gets the nod for an incredible display in both defence and attack, which edged him past several of his fellow teammates. The veteran scored 1-1 for Rhode, which was a well-deserved reward for his hard work throughout the tie.

THE TEAMS

RHODE: Garry Kenny; Keith Murphy, Jake Kavanagh, Gareth McNamee; Brian Darby, Eoin Rigney, Niall Darby; Darren Garry, Conor McNamee; Ciaran Heavey, Ruairi McNamee, Aaron Kellaghan; Paul McPadden, Anton Sullivan, Niall McNamee. Subs: Alan McNamee (for Conor McNamee, half-time), Padraic Sullivan (for Ciaran Heavey, 47mins).

BRACKNAGH: Keith Keogh; David Costello, Tom Hyland, Eoin Hyland; Anthony Cunningham, Ciaran Donnelly, Sean Dempsey; Mark Dunne, Peter Cunningham; Eoghan Geoghegan, Fionn Dempsey, Jason Dempsey; Mikey Cunningham, Robin Galbraith, Conor Melia. Subs: Joe Costello (for Eoin Hyland, half-time), Josh Maher (for Conor Melia, 47 mins), Colin Broderick (for Robin Galbraith, 47 mins), Darren Kelly (for Eoghan Geoghegan, 47 mins).

Referee – Chris Dwyer, Clara

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The Rhode goal in the 23rd minute was the pivotal moment. It capped off a dominant 10 minutes from the champions, while simultaneously dealing a devastating blow that Bracknagh would never recover from.

REFEREE WATCH

Chris Dwyer had a fine game on Saturday evening. He let the game flow, and restricted to only one yellow card, which at first glance looked a harsh punishment for the offence. There was a few calls he did miss, which did upset several spectators. Overall though, it was a very good display from the match official.

WHATS NEXT?

Rhode have a semi-final to look forward to, and remain unbeaten in Championship 2023. For their opponents, Edenderry’s narrow win over Shamrocks put Bracknagh third in the group and they play Ferbane in the quarter-finals.

VENUE WATCH

Gracefield was in fine condition on Saturday evening. Rain wasn’t an issue for the ground, and a fairly good crowd attended the match. The stewards were extremely organised in issuing the attendees in and out of the pitch.

THE SCORERS

Rhode: Niall McNamee (0-5, 0-3 frees), Brian Darby (1-1), Anton Sullivan (0-2), Ruairi McNamee, Aaron Kellaghan and Eoin Rigney (0-1 each).

Bracknagh: Mikey Cunningham 0-4 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ’45), Sean Dempsey and Robin Galbraith (0-1 each).