1996/99
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Melvin makes his mark for 'Bonny'-Conlon
GAA
29 October 1997
Bonniconlon 2-7--------------------------- Ballintubber 1-7
Intermediate Final
Report by John Melvin
Unfortunately no relation to this writer, but David Melvin, was the toast of 'Bonny' Conlon, and being cursed by Ballintubber who left the back door open twice for the left half forward of a wizard to score the two goals which lifted the title for Bonniconlon in this absorbing thriller of a re-play at Kiltimagh on Monday.
While the two goals of Melvin proved the daggers which ultimately drew the last drop of blood from a courageous Ballintubber fight back in the second half, the losers will have reasons to remember this as a game of two penalties- the one they scored and the one they missed.
But, at the end of the day, this title was won and lost in the first half of what was at time a bruising encounter, which was high on drama, and never less than full-blooded.
Ballintubber at times stood in awe of the Bonniconlon high-risers at midfield, and had Bonniconlon put away even half their chances they would have been further ahead than just seven points at the break - 1-6 to 0-2.
Bonniconlon, fiercely competitive and determined in one-to-one situations, worked hard in all departments and in many instances it was their sheer iron will and strength which carried them through. It was obvious too that the experienced hand of trainer and former Knockmore player, Peter Hughes, came into play as Bonniconlon learned from their many mistakes in the drawn game and were certainly out of their traps long before Ballintubber knew the race had started.
Ballintubber never really caught fire until the second half and when they did, they played intelligent football which began to open avenues and create crevices of opportunities.
Unfortunately it was too late and the real damage had been inflicted in that first half while credit must be given to Bonniconlon's defence for defending brazenly and stubbornly to the bitter end.
First Goal
The first goal came from David Melvin in the 12 minute when Colm Foody drew the cover before laying-off to Melvin. Kieran McDonagh in the Ballintubber goals hadn't a prayer.
That put Bonniconlon 1-2 to 0-1 clear, Ballintubber's solitary point at that stage coming from Lyndon Reilly in the 5th minute from a free, but they managed just one further point for the half when Vinnie Keane fielded superbly and pivoted beautifully to leave just a goal in it after twelve minutes.
But it was Bonniconlon who were calling all the moves. The workaholic Niall Loftus and lanky but effective Seamus Glacken were on top at midfield, Colm Foody, Paschal Touhy, Brian McDermott, David Melvin were causing al sorts of problems for Ballintubber at the back and in a iron curtain of a defence T.J.Fleming, Fintan Touhy, Ollie Murray, Pat Reape and Daniel Ruane were simply unflinching and creating pressure all the time.
But Bonniconlon were only four points clear after fifteen minutes when Ballintubber got the break they needed. Vinnie Keane pulled down Noel Mulroe's centre and was himself taken to the surface by some over zealous Bonniconlon defending.
Unfortunately for Ballintubber, Keane's low drilled penalty effort was wide of the mark.
Bonniconlon hit back straight away and Paschal Touhy with wonderful point >from play, and two frees, bringing his personal first half tally to 0-5- he was their only other scorer other than two goal hero, Melvin- and top up Bonniconlon's lead at the break to 1-6 to 0-2.
Franny Glynn fired-up Ballintubber with an a point inside a minute of the restart, and when Noel Mulroe pulled back two in succession, Ballintubber had the lead back to just four points and were making steady progress.
Second Goal
But just when a door appearing to be slightly ajar, it was slammed shut again when Neill Loftus long ball dropped into open territory and Colm Foody came out best in the race for the ball with the Ballintubber keeper. It fell into David Melvin's path and he kept the cool to slot the ball to the empty net.
A devastating blow for Ballintubber who were clawing their way back into the game and regaining much of that lost ground at midfield.
But just as suddenly as hopes began to disappear they suddenly appeared again when Colm Staunton was taken out of it in the square having been first to react after James Horan, a growing influence when moved to the forty, saw his centre come off the crossbar.
It was a daunting task from young Brian Donnelly to face a penalty spot having been sprung from the bench just minutes earlier.
He showed no sign of the huge pressure on him to calmly drill the ball low and out of the keepers reach.
Ballintubber were back with a bang, and they still had eight minutes to get back on level terms, with a goal still between them 2-6 to 1-6.
They had their chances. Vinnie Keane blazed wide. John McGing and James Horan also saw good point chances just drift away at the very last second, but with three minutes remaining Horan kept the fire of hope still burning when he knocked over a good point.
But Bonniconlon too were blowing their point chances to secure the game as both sides are through a few yards of finger nails in this pulsating final few moments.
Not surprisingly it was the man who had kept Bonniconlon alive two weeks ago and who sustained them all through this game, Paschal Touhy, who finally settled the argument in favour of Bonniconlon with a superb point deep into injury time. Yes Bonniconlon were back.
It may be come consolation for Ballintubber to know they have so much youth on their side. Losing is a learning experience and Ballintubber will no doubt have learned enough to come back. I have no doubt they will more than make up in the years head for what they have lost in 97.
Kieran McDonagh, John Feeney, Alan Staunton, P.J.Derrig and Derek Quinn gave of their best in defence.
Neil Finnerty and Vinnie Keane worked better at midfield in the second half giving James Horan room to prosper up front while Colm Staunton had a very good second half an along with Franny Glynn and substitute Joe Glynn.
Scorers for Bonniconlon: D. Melvin 2-0; F. Touhy 0-6; Ballintubber: B. Donnelly 1-0; N. Mulroe 0-3; L. Reilly 0-1; F. Glynn 0-1; J. Horan 0-1; J. McGing 0-1.
Bonniconlon: Raymond Gallagher, Padraig Reape, Fintan Touhy, Ollie Naughton, T.J.Fleming, Daniel Ruane, Ollie Murray, Neill Loftus, Seamus Glacken, Seamus Foody, Colm Foody, David Melvin, Fergal O'Donnell, Paschal Touhy, Brian McDermott. Subs: O., Ginty for Naughton, Paul Judge for Glacken Anthony Egan for A.N. Other.
Ballintubber: Kieran McDonagh, Pat Lally, John Feeney, Alan Staunton, P.J. Derrig, Michael Derrig, Derek Quinn, Noel Finnerty, James Horan, Kieran Lally, Vinnie, Keane, Noel Mulroe, Colm Staunton, Franny Glynn, Lyndon Reilly. Subs: J. McGing for K. Lally.; B Donnelly for Mulroe, J. Glynn for Reilly.
Ref: M. Daly (Ballyhaunis).
