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Birr shocked by Coolderry

Offaly SHC final/Coolderry 3-10 Birr 2-11: Birr, going for a record sixth Offaly title in succession, were shocked by Coolderry…

Mon Oct 11 2004 - 01:00

Offaly SHC final/Coolderry 3-10 Birr 2-11: Birr, going for a record sixth Offaly title in succession, were shocked by Coolderry in the county final at St Brendan's Park, Birr yesterday. Two goals in a two-minute spell early in the second half proved decisive for Coolderry.

Coolderry's third goal was scored by substitute Pat O'Connor who was the only survivor from their last success in 1986.

Coolderry had stars all over the field. The man of the match award went to 18-year-old Cathal Parlon, son of Minister of State Tom Parlon. He scored five impressive points from play in a terrific all-round display. He had great assistance in attack from Paddy Teehan, who scored two goals, and Brian Carroll, who later moved to midfield with great effect.

In defence Coolderry were also very strong. Kevin Brady played consistently well throughout and when the pressure was on in the second half, his brother Joe, who captained the team, made some magnificent clearances. Barry Teehan was another to stand out in defence.

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The game got off to a great start with a goal for each side in the first four minutes. Dylan Hayden was on the mark for Birr before Paddy Teehan netted his first for Coolderry.

Coolderry moved two points in front approaching half-time but Hayden got in for his second goal to give Birr a 2-5 to 1-7 lead at the break.

After an early exchange of points in the second half Coolderry hit the front with a well taken goal by Paddy Teehan. Two minutes later O'Connor got in for his goal and a Parlon point put them five points up.

When Parlon scored his fifth point with 11 minutes left they were still five clear but they failed to score again as Birr fought back. They scored three points but the goal they needed didn't come and Coolderry held on for a record 27th title.

COOLDERRY: E Kennedy; T Corcoran, B O'Meara, K Teehan; K Brady, J Brady, B Teehan; A Hall, M Corcoran; C Parlon (0-5), S Tooher, D Dooley (0-1); B Carroll (0-3), P Teehan (2-0), D Murray (0-1). Subs: D O'Meara for Hall, A Corcoran for K Teehan, P O'Connor (1-0) for Dooley, D Masterson for Tooher.

BIRR: B Mullins; P Cleary, J Errity, JP O'Meara; D Franks, Brian Whelahan, N Claffey; Barry Whelahan (0-1), G Cahill; S Browne (0-2), G Hanniffy, P Molloy; D Hayden (2-0), D Pilkington (0-1), S Whelahan (0-6). Subs: L Power for Molloy, P O'Meara (0-1) for Cahill.

Referee: B Gavin (Clara).