The Swinford senior team suffered their first competitive defeat to a resolute Garrymore on Monday.

[singlepic id=208 w=320 h=240 float=right]In the first half, Swinford had the slight breeze and had the majority of possession but unfortunately this was not reflected in the score. Points from Darren Campbell, Colin Dempsey and John Carney meant Swinford went in 0-04 to 0-03 at half time.

Garrymore stepped it up in the second half and started showing their senior experience as they took the lead midway through the second half. Darren Campbell had to go off injured and was replaced by Stephen Henry.

Swinford have been showing more resilience of late and again they rallied to keep in touch with Garrymore. In a move involving Kevin Doyle, Barry McShea and ultimately Eoin Gallagher, Swinford managed to score a goal to retake the lead at 1-05 to 0-07. Garrymore responded immediately and drew the game level in the next play.

Swinford had played a championship game against Kiltimagh just 36 hours before this game and tiredness started to show with 10 minutes to go. As Garrymore once again took the lead, and quickly doubled their advantage, enormous credit is due to Swinford for their final push which resulted in 2 fine points from Colin Dempsey and with the game going into extra time, the sides were level once again.

With the last play of the game, Garrymore won a Swinford kickout, pass found Sean Golden and he cooly converted the point to give Garrymore their first win in the league this year. It was a bitter disappointment to Swinford but an experience that may well prove something in the difficult games ahead this season in Division 1B.

Final Score:
Kiltimagh 0-11
Swinford 1-07

Swinford Team:
Damien Geraghty, Jason Carney, Fergal Harte, Paul McDonagh, Colin Davey, Barry McShea, Paul McNicholas, Joe Kelly, Kevin Doyle, Steven Walsh, Eoin Gallagher, Conor Horan, Darren Campbell, Colin Dempsey, John Carney Subs: Tom Horkan, Vin Roughneen and Stephen Henry

Thanks again to Pete Glavey for sending on the pictures.