Gael-force Irish too strong for AFL Sydney

The NSW Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) side took out the Mick Raftery Cup for the first time on Saturday with a comfortable 25 point victory over AFL Sydney in the International Rules match played at Mahoney Park. Final score 4.7.8 (53) to 0.7.7 (28).

Blustery conditions greeted the two sides in the third annual clash between the two local codes and how the teams mastered the strong wind would be crucial to the final outcome.

Running with the wind, the Irish fully utilised the conditions and made the perfect start with a 24-point lead in the first quarter.  Any fear that the NSWGAA had on an AFL Sydney three-peat had been quickly extinguished with two early goals by Mickey Kennedy and Padraig Berry, much to the delight of the strong Irish contingent in the crowd.

Three overs by Declan Donahue early in the second quarter inspired AFL Sydney to bounce back strongly but poor disposal of the round football would ultimately prove costly as the Irish defence stayed firm to secure a 14-point lead at the main break.

In the third quarter, the NSWGAA continued to pile on scoreboard pressure and extended their lead to 24 points with a goal to Roch Hanmore who plays Australian Rules with the newly promoted Premier League side UTS. 

These International Rules clashes are renowned for the strong finishing by the Australians and with the wind behind their backs for the last quarter, it was expected that AFL Sydney would mount a strong challenge to retain the crown and set the match up for a thrilling climax. 

But any hope of the AFL Sydney winning the Mick Raftery Cup for a third time was evaporated by a goal in the opening minute of the last quarter by the GAA’s (and UTS) ruckman Alex Whooley. 

After the match NSWGAA’s captain Mark Murphy was presented with the Mick Raftery Cup from Mai Raftery whilst NSWGAA’s Padraig Berry, who has played county football in Ireland with Longford, was presented with the Kerry Murphy medal for a best on ground performance.

In the earlier match of the day, the NSWGAA women easily accounted for the SWAFL 8.19.16 (119) to 0.1.5 (8).

AFL Sydney  0.0.2  0.4.3  0.5.5  0.7.7 (28)
NSWGAA  2.3.5  2.4.5  3.7.5  4.7.8 (53)

AFL Sydney

Goals:
Overs: Declan Donahue 3, Lynn Roehrig, Matt Edwins, Ryan Bottin-Noonan, Earl Shaw
Behinds: Declan Donahue 2, Lynn Roehrig, Matt Edwins, Ryan Bottin-Noonan, Alex Sneddon, 1 rushed
Best: Declan Donahue, Lynn Roehrig, Max Carter, Matt Edwins, Ryan Bottin-Noonan, Jack Dimery

NSWGAA

Goals: Mickey Kennedy, Roch Hanmore, Padraig Berry, Alex Whooley
Overs: Padraig Berry 3, Mickey Kennedy 2, Fergal Purcell, Richie Hoare
Behinds: Fergal Purcell 2, Roch Hanmore, Cathal McKenna, Ciaran Brady, Padraig Berry, Alex Whooley, 1 rushed
Best: Philip Bredin, Mark Murphy, Cathal McKenna, Damien Flaherty, Padraig Berry, Fergal Purcell

Kerry Murphy Medallist: Padraig Berry (NSWGAA)

At HJ Mahoney Memorial Reserve.

In the earlier match of the day …

SWAFL 0.1.0  0.1.0  0.1.5  0.1.5 (8)
NSWGAA  2.5.2  4.9.4  5.14.6  8.19.16 (119)

SWAFL

Goals:
Overs: Renee Socher
Behinds: Renee Socher 2, Emma Yuen, Lara Creber, 1 rushed
Best: TBA

NSWGAA

Goals: Fiona Cotter 3, Joann Roann, Sandra Ryan
Overs: Yvonne Connell 3, Michelle Bergin 2, Fiona Cotter 2, Laura McCann 2, Sandra Ryan, Eilish McCarron, Joann Ronan, Davina O’Hara
Behinds: Fiona Cotter 2, Pamela Fitzpatrick 2, Sandra Ryan 2,
Best: Suzanne Flaherty, Yvonne Connell, Carol Breen, Fiona Cotter, Keira Kinahan, Ciara McMenamin

Best on Ground Medallist: Keira Kinahan (NSWGAA)