Clara denied by Trim in Leinster decider
Clara's hopes of winning the Leinster club intermediate football title were thwarted by Trim at Páirc Tailteann, Navan yesterday (Sunday).
Trim emerged victorious at the end of a highly entertaining, engrossing encounter that ebbed and flowed throughout, defeating Clara on a 1-15 to 2-8 scoreline.
Three players received red cards in an uncompromising clash. Trim's Gerry Dwayne and team captain Alan Douglas were both red-carded, while Clara's Matthew Mitchell was also dismissed.
Clara, the Offaly Senior 'B' champions, booked their place in the final by overcoming Kilcock of Kildare, having previously defeated St Brigid's Killashee (Longford) and St Patrick's Donabate (Dublin).
But Trim proved a bridge too far for Clara, as Kevin O'Reilly's troops continued their remarkable unbeaten record. Trim went into this game on the back of 17 straight wins and the kind of confidence that run engendered was evident.
It was particularly memorable victory for one of Trim's marquee players, Aaron Lynch, who bagged 1-7 in a barnstorming display.
Goals from Cathal O'Meara and Ross Brady kept Clara in touch in the first half, but Trim still led by 1-9 to 2-3 at half-time.
The Meath side stayed strong in the second half to see out the game and secure the win and another piece of silverware.
Clara went into the game without the services of one of their best known players of recent times, Thomas Deehan. The former Offaly footballer recently underwent surgery to have a kidney removed.
SCORERS - Trim: A Lynch 1-7 (3 frees); M Cullen and E O’Connor 0-2 each; R Bourke, C Caulfield, C Joyce and J Toher (f) 0-1 each. Clara: R Brady 1-3 (0-2f); C O’Meara 1-0; L Hiney, M Mitchell, P Smith (f), J Fleming and C Delaney 0-1 each.
Trim: P Farrell; G Dwane, L Moran, D Dowling; C Quigley, J Toher, C O’Rourke; R Bourke, S Fitzgerald; C Caulfield, A Douglas, D Lynch; M Cullen, A Lynch, E O’Connor. Subs: J Murray for D Lynch 53 mins, B Holden for Cullen (56), I Bermingham for O’Connor (59), C Joyce for Fitzgerald (63).
Clara: J Deehan; S O’Brien, Ciaran Doyle, C O’Meara; Colm Doyle, J Ledwith, L Hiney; C Stewart, G Guilfoyle; C Egan, E Cullen, M Mitchell; J Fleming, R Brady, C Delaney. Subs: D Falsey for Egan, S Brady for Ledwith (both half-time), P Smith for R Brady (51 mins), A Kelly for Delaney (53), A Ngo for Hiney (59).
Referee: John Hickey (Carlow).