Hero Gallagher takes Bull by the horns
The Black Bull team and some of their supporters celebrate with the Fitzsimons Cup.
Wednesday June 02 2010
BLACK Bull put the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion from Division 2 behind them as they secured the Fitzsimons Cup in a thrilling final at the MDL Grounds last Saturday evening.
After some very close battles involving the eventual promoted teams Kentstown Rovers and Kells/Blackwater, the Drogheda side might have thought Division 3B opponents Bailieboro would present a much easier test, but afterwards their captain JP Egan in his acceptance speech admitted the match was probably the hardest they had played all season.
They began in a very confident fashion and took the lead after 15 minutes with a fine header from Joe Healy following a wonderful cross by Ian McCullen – that after Charlie Egan and Richard Gallagher had already gone close to opening the scoring.
Bailieboro responded well, though, and after a period of dominance they levelled after 33 minutes, before another goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Black Bull keeper Alan Sweeney.
The second half saw both teams throw caution to the wind and the game ebbed and flowed, with Gallagher, Stephen Murray and Barry Byrne all going close for the Drogheda men, but the score remained at 1-1 until the Bull struck the decisive blow in the 75th minute.
John Gallagher unleashed a 30-yard piledriver which finished in the top corner of the Bailieboro net, a memorable goal that would have been savoured at any level.
Still, the Cavan side – winner of this cup back in 1994 – wouldn't lie down, but try as they might, they couldn't get back on level terms and Black Bull held on for a memorable victory.
After the match MDL secretary Gerry Gorman presented the trophy to Black Bull captain JP Egan, and best for the winners were Mark Gibbons, Byrne, John Gallagher and Healy. BLACK BULL: A Sweeney, JP Egan, D Heeney, J Healy, S Murray, M Gibbons, I McCullen, J Gallagher, C Egan, B Byrne, R Gallagher, Subs: D Leddy for R Gallagher, I Corrigan for Healy, D Gallagher, T Martin.
