TREACYS CLAIM FOOTBALL FINAL IN THRILLER

SEAN TREACYS 1-08 ULSTER 0-09

The width of the crossbar was all that stood between Ulster and a last gasp St Patrick's Cup victory in a pulsating game played in front of a fine crowd at Treasure Island on Sunday. The game was played at a frantic pace from the beginning with Treacys cancelling out Ulsters first point and then adding a well taken goal from Dermot Foley who was causing Ulsters defence problems anytime he gained possesion. Ulster goalie Benny Higgins who had a fine 60 mins in goal displayed the reflexes of a cat when denying Liam 'willie" Faherty when a goal seemed certain. Howie Hughes was then called into action in the Treacys goal to deny Mick McCann from point blank range, the rebound was rifled off the crossbar and eventually put over for a point by Paraic Duffy who racked up several points over the hour for Ulster in a fine display. At the half the teams were tied at 1-02 - 0-05.
The second half was more of the same with some great tussles being played out all over the field. Treacys were edging the midfield battle with Pa "mental" Turnbull putting in his best showing in a Treacys shirt for some time. Steve Barron kicked a 50 yarder early in the second half and points from Faherty, Foley and Nick Dineen putting Treacys into a 2 point lead with time almost up. Wave after wave of Ulster attacks marshalled by Greg Loughran and Simon Maxwell were repelled by Paudie Allen, Steve Barron and Gus Smith, eventually almost 3 minutes into elapsed time Ulster shook the crossbar with what would surely have been the winner, and Treacys were relieved to hear Joe Corcoran's final whistle.
Over the hour Treacys had the advantage in the possesion game however Ulster were more economical and efficient in turning possesion into scores. For Ulster Mark Cunningham, Simon Maxwell, Greg Loughran and Paraic Duffy excelled. For Treacys Paudie Allen, Ciaran Bergin, Pa Turnbull (MVP), Steve Barron and Dermot Foley all played big roles.
Referee Joe Corcoran's handling of the game was assured and consistent and contributed hugely to an entertaining game.