Published: Wednesday, 16th December, 2009 6:00pm

'Bridge bow out following disappointing display

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Failing to replicate some of their recent fine North Leinster League displays (particularly against St. Patrick's, Navan), the senior footballers of St. Joseph's from Rochfortbridge made a tame exit from the provincial championship when they were flattered to lose by four points to the home side Coláiste na Trionóide in Athy on Friday afternoon last.

An error-ridden performance from the boys in their resplendent navy and sky blue gear (but with near-indecipherable numbers) was a major disappointment to mentors and fans from the 'Bridge. A slicker Athy outfit always looked the more likely winners, despite Donal Hickey's brilliantly-conceived goal in the seventh minute of the second half bringing them very much into contention at a crucial juncture. St. Joseph's inadequacies on the day make it difficult to evaluate the winners' ability, but the Athy school looks to have a well-balanced side who could trouble the better-known teams in the province if they could convert a greater proportion of their scoring chances.

St. Joseph's full back Eoin Rigney came to his side's rescue in the third minute with a wonderful block as Niall Kelly seemed sure to find the net. A wasteful home side eventually took the lead in the fifth minute, Darroch Mulhall whipping over a lovely point with his left foot. More profligacy ensued from Coláiste na Trionóide, before their goalkeeper Shane Foley showed his alertness when he held Jason Cully's lobbed effort. The visitors equalised in the 12th minute, Stephen O'Connell kicking a fine score from

35 metres. Both sides were struggling to gauge the crossfield wind and the standard of football on offer was poor for long periods of the first moiety, with misplaced passes abounding, particularly from the losers.

Scores remained at a premium, but a fine three-man move in the 26th minute eventually broke the monotony for John Lawler to edge the Athy lads ahead.

As the half-hour mark approached, Paul McPadden did well to keep a wild effort from Donal Hickey in play, but no score resulted. In the first minute of added-time, Niall Kelly kicked a fine point, after producing an eye-catching sidestep. A miserable opening half for St. Joseph's was compounded in the last action of the first moiety, Donal Hickey screwing a good chance from a free well wide of the target (the suspended Clive Kiernan was undoubtedly missed for placed balls). At the break, Coláiste na Trionóide led by 0-3 to 0-1.

The winners almost got off to a perfect start to the second half, but Kevin Feely's effort to blast a goal after only 20 seconds whizzed well wide of the target. Indeed, the Athy lads continued on their wasteful ways, kicking three wides in the opening two and a half minutes. However, they increased their lead in the fourth minute when a fine catch by Liam McGovern teed up Darroch Mulhall for a well-taken point. Coláiste na Trionóide were dominating the midfield exchanges, but they were rocked in the seventh minute when a sweeping St. Joseph's move ended with Donal Hickey intuitively fisting the ball in mid-air past the advancing Shane Foley for a tonic goal. Soccer-like celebrations ensued, but the winners raced downfield almost immediately and lively corner forward Niall Kelly kicked a lead point for the lads in the colourful black and red jerseys. Donal Hickey soon popped up with a great point to level the contest again. An ambitious crossfield pass by Stephen Hannon went astray and the Athy boys made the most of it when John Lawler pointed in the counterattack. The same player then almost got in for a goal, but Paul Coates did very well to block his goalbound shot.

Athy's wastefulness both from frees and open play continued and Jason Cully's beautifully-curled free in the 17th minute kept the 'Bridge lads bang in touch but, in truth, this was really as good as it got for Cormac Davey's troops. An off-the-ball foul gifted Liam McGovern a tap-over free in the 20th minute. Midfielder Kevin Feely produced a great catch near his goalline to keep St. Joseph's at bay and, with five minutes of normal time remaining, a dipping shot from John Lawler shaved the crossbar to put Athy two points ahead, after a defensive error by the visitors. With regulation time just up, Cian Reynolds sensibly fisted a point when a goal was a distinct possibility. The losers tried to manufacture a goal from a late free, but the effort lacked conviction. Niall Kelly almost managed a goal for the home side, but they deservedly made the result safe with a late, late point from Liam McGovern, to advance to the second round in early 2010, in what this year is a knockout competition.

Coláiste na Trionóide, Athy: Shane Foley; David Hyland, Luke Thomas, David O'Toole; James Brennan, Barry Purcell, Brian Kenna; Kevin Feely, Jamie Farrell; Liam McGovern (0-2, 0-1 from a free), Cian Reynolds (0-1), John Lawler (0-3); Niall Kelly (0-2), Tony Gibbons, Darroch Mulhall (0-2).

St. Joseph's, Rochfortbridge: Paul Coates; James McPadden, Eoin Rigney, Joe Guiden; Cormac Boyle, Stephen Hannon, Jamie Gonoud; Adam Flanagan, Johnny Brickland; Adam Boardman, Jason Cully (0-1, from a free), Tom Dowling; Paul McPadden, Stephen O'Connell (0-1), Donal Hickey (1-1). Subs: Sean Deegan (for O'Connell, 44 mins), Mark Glennon (for Guiden, 51 mins), Cathal O'Reilly (for Flanagan, 54 mins).

Referee: Pat Kehoe (Carlow).