AFL DIV. 1 MATCH REPORT: ST SYLVESTER’S V BALLYMUN KICKHAMS
DUBLIN ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
ST SYLVESTER’S 0-13 BALLYMUN KICKHAMS 0-12
By Daire Walsh
Edmund Walsh was the St Sylvester’s hero at Broomfield on Friday night as his majestic 66th-minute point helped the Malahide men to overcome the stern challenge of Ballymun Kickhams in a tense Adult Football League Division One clash.
With the dynamic Walsh leading by example, Syls were in the ascendancy for the majority of this encounter. However, thanks to the scoring prowess of Ted Furman, ‘Mun battled back to level matters on the brink of full-time.
Yet – just when a draw appeared to be the most likely outcome – Walsh dissected the posts in devastating fashion to seal a much-needed victory for Jack Sheedy’s charges.
Following some difficult results to date, Syls could ill-afford another slip-up on home soil. Though most of their inter-county contingent were marked absent, Ballymun were able to call on a number of experienced operators for this tricky away assignment.
In addition to former Mayo panellist James Burke, the ‘Mun starting line-up also featured the Small brothers – John and Paddy. Because he is set to miss Dublin’s ‘Super 8’ clash with Donegal on Saturday evening through suspension, John was free to assume the pivotal position of centre-back.
Paddy was selected in the ‘Mun half-forward line alongside Brian Ashton and Fiach Andrews, while Furman was posted on the edge of the square.
Syls suffered a set-back prior to throw-in when full-back Conor Quinn was withdrawn from the side because of injury. He was replaced by Ciaran McArdle in a re-shuffled rearguard, but it was the home team who drew first blood courtesy of a routine Walsh free on six minutes.
‘Mun responded immediately through the dependable Furman, only to be subsequently pegged back by their determined opponents. After he brilliantly converted a ’45’ on the stroke of 10 minutes, Walsh added a pointed free to his ever-expanding personal tally.
The visitors were struggling to develop a consistent attacking rhythm, and as a result Syls were able to take advantage at the opposite end of the field. Following a fisted effort by corner-forward Brian Sexton, Walsh claimed his first point from open play.
Their lead was further extended via the boot of midfielder Gavin McArdle, before Furman ended this scoring sequence with an impressive left-footed single. His successful 35-metre free provided the 2017 Championship finalists with some much-needed breathing space, but Syls reinforced their superiority with Sexton’s second point of the half.
There was a sense that ‘Mun were beginning to settle as the interval approached, though, and Liam O’Donovan and Furman (free) found the target in quick succession for Barney Rock’s outfit.
In spite of this mini surge, it was Syls and Walsh who had the final say prior to the break. The dynamic centre-forward curled over with the aid of the woodwork, offering the his side a 0-8 to 0-5 buffer in the process.
Ronan Palmer – who was watched on by his brother-in-law, former Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane – was deployed effectively in a sweeper role in the opening period and he extended the Syls cushion on the resumption.
Ballymun added Cathal O’Tighe and Leon Young to the mix for the start of the second half, in a bid to inject fresh life to their challenge. Furman and Paddy Small gave them a fighting chance of success, but this was quickly followed by identical Syls efforts from Walsh and McArdle.
Traded scores between Furman and Walsh ensured that Syls remained four points in front on 48 minutes – and well on course for a fourth league win of 2018. However, with John Small’s influence becoming more pronounced, Ballymun were not prepared to go down without a fight.
Moments after his introduction, substitute Cian Gerrard narrowed the gap by kicking over at a tight angle. Furman and John Small both found their range when presented with opportunities inside the Syls half, which consequently reduced the deficit to a single point (0-12 to 0-11).
‘Mun were now building momentum with the finishing line in sight, and Furman displayed great composure to convert a free two minutes into time added on.
With the action held up on a number of occasions, there was always the prospect of late drama in the northside venue. While it was impossible to tell where the pendulum was going to swing, Walsh spectacularly brought his side’s 18-minute barren spell to an end with an outstanding effort off the outside of his left peg.
This proved to be the final act of an engrossing contest, played in perfect conditions throughout. Syls now move to 11th place in the table, one point ahead of Ballymun – who have a game in hand on their conquerors.
They welcome Cuala to Páirc Ciceam this coming Wednesday, whereas Syls make the journey to Silver Park to face Kilmacud Crokes.
SCORERS – St Sylvester’s: Edmund Walsh 0-8 (4f, 1 ’45’), Gavin McArdle, Brian Sexton 0-2 each, Ronan Palmer 0-1. Ballymun Kickhams: Ted Furman 0-8 (4f), John Small, Paddy Small, Liam O’Donovan, Cian Gerrard 0-1 each.
ST SYLVESTER’S: Michael Shiel; Paidi White, Eoghan Hamill, John Peacock; Andrew Cunningham, James Walsh, Ciarán McArdle; Gavin McArdle, Simon Owens; Andrew Hartnett, Edmund Walsh, Dylan McEvoy; Ronan Palmer, Jack Hazley, Brian Sexton. Subs: Glen Hazley for J Walsh (45, BC), Kevin McKeown for White (55), Ross Hazley for Palmer (59, 61, blood).
BALLYMUN KICKHAMS: Eric Cumberton; Alan George, Eoin Dolan, Alan Hubbard; Carl Keeley, John Small, James Burke; James Talbot, Davey Byrne; Brian Ashton, Paddy Small, Fiach Andrews; Liam O’Donovan, Ted Furman, Colm Hulton. Subs: Cathal O’Tighe for Ashton, Leon Young for Hulton (both half-time), Cian Gerrard for O’Donovan (45), Jason Welby for Andrewa (52).
REF: Willy O’Connor (Clontarf).