Eskra And Drumragh Ease Into Championship Quarter Finals

Sunday 10.09.2023

Club

The final game of the weekend saw Eskra ease into the quarter finals after they defeated a disappointing Brackaville side at Augher 2-13 to 0-7.

Right from the throw in the Emmets were very much on top and with Eoin Mc Caffrey, Johnny Hackett, Mickey Woods and Joe Mc Carroll leading the way they soon built up a significant lead. Points from Woods and Tommy Meegan plus a goal from Hackett put their opponents on the back foot from early on. Further points from Mc Caffrey (2) and Niall Marlow left the score 1-5 to no score after twelve minutes.

Brackaville manager Enda Kilpatrick was forced into early changes but even the introduction of new faces and the change in direction did not make any significant difference to the flow of the game.

Dale Mc Sorley, Jason O’Neill , Shea Fee and Ciaran Gervin did their best to carry the fight to Eskra but despite their best efforts they reached half time trailing 1-7 to 0-3 with their points coming from Tiernan Mc Glinchey, O’Neill and Dale Mc Sorley.

The second half saw Eskra continue to dominate and had they been more ruthless they could have won by more. They added 2-5 in the second half with the highlight being a superb run and finish by Cathal Arkinson to put his team 1-11 to 0-4 ahead.

Jason O’Neill and Dale Mc Sorley clipped over points for the Roes but in truth they never really troubled Eskra who were on top throughout. Tommy Meegan added a second goal late in the game as the Emmetts qualified comfortably for the quarter finals.

Before this game Drumragh locked horns with Derrytresk and with Tommy Murphy (3-6) in fine scoring form they eased to the next round.

the Sarsfields sent out a message of intent with a hugely impressive performance over a disappointing Derrytresk. Tommy Murphy will rightly grab the headlines with a wonderful 3-6, but this was a team effort with every player making a contribution.

Tommy Murphy opened the scoring from a mark quickly atoning for an earlier miss.  Kian Murphy converted the first of his six points before Niall Gavin got Derrytresk on the scoresheet. Little separated the sides at the end of the first quarter. However, Derrytresk were having difficulty breaking down a stubborn defence. On the other hand, Drumragh moved the ball quicker with both Murphys availing of scores.

The first goal arrived on 20 minutes. Tommy Murphy capitalised on a poor kick out to smash home. Liam Slater got a much needed point at the other end to reduce the deficit to five.

A strong finish to the half ultimately took the game away from Derrytresk as points from Shane Cleary, Tommy Murphy and Kian Murphy saw the victors lead by nine at the short whistle.

Credit Derrytresk they started the second half with greater resolve, creating several point opportunities, but a solitary Niall Gavin point was their only reward.

Tommy Murphy got his second goal on thirty eight minutes, with the easiest of finishes after Kian Murphy and Andy Colgan combined.

Drumragh used the chance to get some minutes into their subs with Kevin Marron, particularly impressive scoring with his first touch and setting up Murphy for his third goal with a lovely flick. Subs Eoin Montgomery and Alex McGlinchey both registered late points.

Drumragh know a greater challenge awaits when they face Glenelly in the quarter final.