Farrell returns to inspire Edenderry to comeback win over 14-man Raheen

Cian Farrell made a triumphant return to the Edenderry colours at a wind-swept Daingean on Sunday as they came from behind to edge out 14-man Raheen in a techy semi-final, and book their place in the Tullamore Court Hotel Offaly Intermediate Football Championship decider against St Brigid’s.

Tullamore Court Hotel Intermediate Football Championship semi-final

Edenderry 0-17

Raheen 0-15

After spending the summer in the US where he helped Sligo to a New York Senior Football Championship final victory over Cavan a fortnight ago, the former county sharpshooter is eligible to play for the Reds’ second team and proved his worth with an 11-point haul that included no fewer than five-point frees. His last two-point free in the first minute of stoppage-time was hugely contentious as it was originally awarded for a foul close to the right sideline before being moved into the centre after referee Bill Glennon was informed by linesman Chris Dwyer that a breach was committed.

That handed Edenderry a 0-16 to 0-15 lead and Farrell was involved again moments later when he sent Alan Harte through for the insurance point. Despite a herculean effort from their county star Dylan Hyland, who kicked a pair of two-pointers in the first half, Raheen came up narrowly short, with their cause not being helped by the dismissal of Brian Crombie in the 47th minute.

The centre forward picked up a needless second yellow card following an off-the-ball incident with Cathal Nolan and Edenderry worked an equalising point from the resultant free before making their numerical advantage count in the closing stages. Tempers boiled over after the final whistle when a mass brawl broke out in the centre of the field, by which stage the match officials had already left.

The melee lasted for about a minute or so before calm was eventually restored. Edenderry centre forward Ciaran Farrell seemed to come out worst as he lay prostrate on the ground before being helped back to his feet as his team-mates headed for the dressing-room.

A strong wind that blew straight down the pitch was always going to have a big bearing and so it proved. Raheen had it to their backs in the first half, but a 0-9 to 0-3 lead at the break didn’t look like it would be enough, especially with a shooter of Cian Farrell’s calibre in the opposing attack.

Dylan Hyland gave Raheen the perfect start with a two-point free off the ground in the second minute. But it wasn’t until the start of the second quarter that they finally took advantage of the elements. Edenderry had contained the Geashill-based outfit before they clicked into gear with six unanswered points in as many minutes.

James Nolan ended a 15-minute scoring drought before Danny Gorman set up Hyland for a brilliant two-pointer from play. Gorman then got on the scoresheet himself before further points from Hyland (free) and Kevin Sweeney left Raheen perched on a 0-8 to 0-0 lead after 21 minutes.

Having dropped a couple of frees short earlier, Cian Farrell made amends with an excellent two-point effort into the gale after the ball had been brought forward following an infringement by Brian Crombie, who was booked for a separate incident moments later.

Crombie atoned for that with a super score before Alan Harte replied to leave six in it at the interval.

Cian Farrell nailed his second two-point free five minutes after the restart to bring the Gaelic Park club closer, only for Colm Nolan and Cein Gorman to restore Raheen’s six-point advantage with quickfire points.

Farrell (free) and Danny Gorman swapped scores before two more two-point frees from the former and a point from play by veteran substitute Sean Doyle reduced the deficit to the minimum, 0-11 to 0-12, after 46 minutes.

The momentum shifted further in Edenderry’s favour a minute later when Crombie received his marching orders and Alan Harte brought them level for the first time. Doyle followed up with a two-pointer to make it 0-14 to 0-12 before Raheen rallied with two points from Cein Gorman either side of a 13-metre Lee Mulpeter free to edge back in front, 0-15 to 0-14, with two minutes of normal time remaining.

But they wouldn’t score again as Farrell restored Edenderry’s lead from his fifth two-point free before Alan Harte sealed the deal with the last kick of the game after taking a return pass from the top-scorer.

It all means that the year could yet have a silver lining for the Reds - who are also through to the U16 Championship final - after a disastrous Dowling Cup campaign.

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Cian Farrell (Edenderry): While he didn’t score from play, Farrell’s dead ball expertise was absolutely crucial to the outcome. His former county team-mate Dylan Hyland played his heart for Raheen, and sometimes sailed close to the wind, but couldn’t save them from a gut-wrenching defeat.

THE SCORERS

Edenderry: Cian Farrell 0-11 (2ptfs x 5, 1f), Alan Harte and Sean Doyle (2pt) 0-3 each. Raheen: Dylan Hyland 0-5 (2ptf, 2pt, 1f), Cein Gorman 0-3, Danny Gorman 0-2, Colm Nolan, James Nolan, Brian Crombie, Kevin Sweeney and Lee Mulpeter (f) 0-1 each.

THE TEAMS

Edenderry: Eric Corcoran; Mark McCarthy, Lorcan O’Dwyer, Conor Hynes; Johnny Foran, Peter Butler, Leslie Nolan; Bobby Reynolds, Cillian Foran; Alan Harte, Ciaran Farrell, Jamie O’Leary; Ciaran Breen, Cian Farrell, Sean Moriarty. Subs: Cathal Nolan for L Nolan (7 min, injured), Sean Doyle for J Foran (half-time).

Raheen: Keith Kirwan; David Carthy, Aidan Pierce, Eamon Bolger; Dylan Cahill, Rory Grehan, Peter McKeagney; Danny Gorman, Dylan Hyland; James Nolan, Brian Crombie, Colm Nolan; Cein Gorman, Lee Mulpeter, Kevin Sweeney. Subs: Padraig Bracken for Sweeney (51 min), Dara Grehan for McKeagney (51 min).

Referee – Bill Glennon (Rhode).

REFEREE WATCH

Bill Glennon didn’t endear himself to Raheen with a couple of late calls, but they could have no complaints about Brian Crombie’s dismissal which had a big bearing on the outcome.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Cian Farrell’s fifth two-point free for a breach in the 60th minute was the winning of the match.

VENUE WATCH

Despite incessant overnight rain, the Daingean pitch was in great shape for this 12 noon fixture. The newly-built stand was also a godsend on a cool and blustery day.

WHAT'S NEXT

Edenderry march on to the final against St Brigid’s in a fortnight, while it’s the end of the road for Raheen.

STATISTICS

Wides: Edenderry 5 (1 in first half, 4 in second half); Raheen 5 (4 in first half, 1 in second half).

Yellow cards: Edenderry – 0; Raheen – 4 (Brian Crombie x 2, David Carthy and Dylan Hyland)

Black cards: none

Red cards: Brian Crombie (Raheen).