http://www.milonic.com/ test
 
 

The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

 
 
 
 
Vincents and Portumna triumph

St. Vincents and Portumna both emerged victorious in the All-Ireland club finals in Croke Park on St. Patrick’s Day.

Dublin champions St. Vincents beat Cork’s Nemo Rangers on a slender 1-11 to 0-13 scoreline in the football final while Portumna beat near neighbours Birr in the hurling final by 3-19 to 3-9.

Inspired by teenager Joe Canning, Portumna claimed their second All-Ireland crown in three years but got off to a dreadful start after Birr grabbed two goals through Stephen Whelahan and Sean Ryan.

The Galway champions were looking shaky but Andy Smith helped settled their nerves when he goaled midway through the half.

Portumna were awarded a soft penalty on 20 minutes but Canning’s shot was blocked on the line.

The teenager’s head didn’t drop though, and a well-driven ’65 gave his side the lead going into the break, 1-11 to 2-4.

Despite playing into a strong breeze in the second-half, Portumna began the stronger and they opened an eight-point gap when Smith grabbed his second goal of the day.

Damien Hayes goaled with 10 minutes left and although Whelahan found the net for Birr a minute later, the result was never in doubt.

The football final looked to be all over as a contest at half-time.

With the assistance of a strong breeze, St. Vincents dominated proceedings and a Diarmuid Connolly goal and seven points from captain Tomas Quinn had the Leinster side in the driving seat at the interval, 1-7 to 0-4 the score.

Nemo were lucky not to be further behind at the short whistle, talisman James Masters keeping them in contention with some well-taken scores.

But the 2003 champions battled back after the restart, with Masters beginning to find more room to manouevre.

Alan Cronin bagged a quick brace of points before a cracking effort from Masters reduced the deficit to four points.

Rangers were now in the ascendancy and Dylan Mehigan should have found the net when he jumped highest to fist Masters’ lofted ball on to the crossbar.

Nemo were within touching distance of their opponents yet never managed to regain parity and although Masters reduced the deficit to the minimum with seconds remaining, the resultant kick-out was met with the final whistle.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 © IrishAbroad.com 2008
About Us | Site Map | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Membership Terms
Contact Us | FAQs | Advertising | Add To My Site | Don't forget to bookmark us! (CTRL-D)