Cuala footballers make it a double celebration

Sun, 15th November 2015

CUALA 3-9 THOMAS DAVIS 0-15

Cuala's senior footballers made it a day of double celebration for the Dalkey club when they lifted the Dublin SFC 'B' title at Parnell Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Dalkey men recovered from a poor start as they played second fiddle to a more free-flowing Thomas Davis who led 0-6 to 0-1 inside the opening 15 minutes.

It might even have been more after Paul Hudson hit the crossbar in the 13th as he deftly attempted to lob Cuala keeper Darren McBrien and in the follow up the ball was eventually scrambled away to safety.

Most of the early opportunities went Thomas Davis's way with Hudson, the impressive Shane McGrath, Joey O'Reilly, Seán Reilly and Eoin Kirby on target.

However, Cuala then came to life to dominate the remainder of the opening half and by the interval they were 1-7 to 0-9 in front.

The goal came in the 17th minute when the pace of Mick Fitzsimons opened up the Thomas Davis defence for Darragh Spillane to fire to the net.

Points from Eoghan Breathnach, a brace from the industrious Luke Keating and another form Spillane had Cuala 1-5 to 0-6 to the good by the 22nd minute.

Three points in-a-row from Eanna O'Toole, Hudson and McGrath regained the lead for the Tallaght side before influential sub Con O'Callaghan and Matthew Clancy tagged on scores to afford Cuala a one-point half-time advantage.

Identical to their senior hurlers they goaled on the restart when Clancy fired emphatically to the net.

But Thomas Davis responded with points from McGrath and a fine Ciaran Farrelly effort.

Just at the three-quarter mark Cuala hit their third goal when O'Callaghan blasted high to the net after a clever flick on by Spillane put him through on goal.

Thomas Davis though came charging back with points form Hudson (free) and Farrelly. With five minutes to go they were awarded a penalty that could have salvaged their day, however, Hudson's spot kick was well saved by Darren McBrien.

With it went Thomas Davis's best chance as Cuala showed good nerve to play the game out and make it an extra-special day for their club.