Sunday’s County final saw a rip roaring game between two very well acquainted sides. St Joe’s started very strong with an early goal from Rory Harnedy and another by his brother Hugo. 4 points were also tagged on and Éire Óg could only muster a solitary point through Piers McGlynn. Going into the break the Waltham Cross side led by nine points and looked home and hosed.
Éire Óg managed to regroup however and started to work their way back into the game. An early goal from Neil Jordan and points from Sean Black and Gareth Deery reduced the deficit. As Eire Og pushed up St. Joe’s were dangerous on the break and scored a nice counter attacking goal after an excellent move saw Hugo Harrnedy finish into the net for his second and St Joe’s third goal. Éire Óg made a raft of changes and they began to pay dividends. Points from Ryan McAteer and Colin Forde reduced the deficit before a goal from Deery saw the lead cut.. St. Joes ‘s replied with a point but Éire Óg rallied with a point from team captain Piers McGlynn to draw the game and bring it to extra time.
In extra time the Oxford side started brightest with points from McAteer, Sean Black and McGlynn. St. Joe’s got a good score from Ryan O’ Brien. Shea Coyle kicked two magnificent points to seal the victory and the James Foley Championship Cup returns to Oxford for the second year running and the seventh time in the club history.
The game was very well marshalled by Marty McManamon of Glen Rovers and his officiating team. County Board Chair Frank Dillon was on hand to present the trophy top Piers McGlynn.
Half Time Éire Óg 0-01 St Joe’s 2-04
Full Time Éire Óg 2-09 St Joe’s 3-06
Half time Extra Time Éire Óg 2-13 St Joe’s 3-08
Full time extra time Éire Óg 2-14 St Joe’s 3-08
Teams: Éire Óg: R Davies, É Connaughton, S Black, J Mangan, D Inyang, B Egan, R Jones, C Dillon, J Collins, D Wade, A Hanley, N Jordan, A Ferry, P McGlynn (capt), G Deery: Subs D Fahy for E Connaughton, J Corrigan for C Dillon, C Forde for D Wade, R McAteer for A Ferry, S Coyle for N Jordan, P O’ Reilly for J Corrigan, K Bohan for S Coyle, C Phillips for R Jones, C Dillon for J Mangan: J McLoughlin, C Feehily, C Garvin, P Quinn, C Vine Nealon, C Martin, E Doherty.
Management Team: Dave Behan, John O’ Driscoll, Lar Hogan, John Gaughan, Colin Forde, Tommy Griffin.
St. Joe’s: D Bonsignoiri, J Carroll, M Pollis, F Ginty, B Fynan, J McGee (capt), O Portilli, R O’ Brien, D Gallagher, C Harnett, O Heath, S Griffin, H Harnedy, P O’ Brien, H Harnedy