Stradbally see off Rosenallis challenge to claim Junior 'B' Football silverware in Portlaoise

Stradbally and Rosenallis’ second teams have been regular contenders at the Junior ‘B’ football grade over the last few seasons. Neither have managed to get over the line and win the competition though, but they both had another opportunity on Friday evening.

Stradbally 1-8

Rosenallis 1-5

In the LOETB Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise, the pair were set to clash. Stradbally saw off Rathdowney in the semi-finals, while Rosenallis defeated Portlaoise’s third team in their last four meeting.

Stradbally had already captured the Division 5 league title earlier in the season so they were slight favourites to add another trophy to their cabinet. However, Rosenallis also had a strong second team out so this one was always going to be tight.

Rosenallis had the advantage of playing behind a strong wind for the first half in Portlaoise. They made use of that sharply, as Aaron Long stepped up and struck over a fine free from distance off the ground.

 It didn’t take long for Stradbally to respond and get themselves up and running though. Midfielder Liam Clancy, who was instrumental throughout the night with his passing, showed his shooting ability to strike over after feigning past defenders.

Rosenallis edged back ahead after centre-forward Mark Dunne drilled over a delightful effort. However, that lead would be short-lived for Rosenallis, as Stradbally struck for a crucial goal to get themselves in control in Portlaoise.

Ben Dillon’s 45’ against the wind hung in the air for a while before dropping near the Rosenallis square. Stradbally midfielder Will O’Brien was on hand to get a fist to the ball and it ended up in the back of the Rosenallis net.

Stradbally looked comfortable out there now and were playing the ball around nicely despite playing against that strong wind. Benny Lawlor stepped up to the plate to land two tricky frees to continue to build on Stradbally’s excellent start.

Rosenallis had a sight of goal themselves soon after. Mark Dunne cut in from the wing and played a quick one-two with full-forward Conor Congrove. However, Dunne dragged his effort to the left and wide, with the chance gone astray.

Stradbally continued to play some beautiful football thanks to a strong and disciplined defensive display setting the tone. Cathal Buggie coolly strode past two Rosenallis challenges before adding another fine score for Stradbally before half-time.

That put ‘The Little Town’ in an ideal position at the interval in Portlaoise. They led 1-4 to 0-2 and would play behind the strong wind for the second half.

Rosenallis knew they would have to come up with something special in the second half if they were to turn this final around. Aaron Long landed a free upon the restart but Benny Lawlor swiftly cancelled that out down the other end for Stradbally.

Conor Conroy kicked over a free from the left-hand side for Rosenallis before they managed to grab a goal that got them right back into this final.

Shane Farrell flashed a ball out near the endline into the danger area. Stradbally failed to deal with this ball inside and Sam Somers was on hand to tap into the back of the goals for Rosenallis.

Suddenly, Rosenallis found themselves trailing by the minimum with over twenty minutes still to play in Portlaoise. When Conor Conroy converted another placed ball minutes later, the Rosenallis lads were level again.

Benny Lawlor did manage to edge Stradbally back in front through a converted free. Rosenallis were playing the positive football now though, as they looked in search of scores.

However, this crucial period in the contest would cost Rosenallis. They kicked several kickable scores wide, and Stradbally remained ahead as we headed for the final ten minutes of this tense Junior ‘B decider.

Stradbally had another goal chance that could have sealed this result. Colin Beale’s shot from distance came back off the uprights and fell to Benny Lawlor.

However, Rosenallis keeper Thomas Shelby did exceptionally well to save Lawlor’s shot and keep his team in the contest. Unfortunately for Shelby’s side, they could not find any more scores down the other end.

Ben Dillon popped up from wing-back to drive over a fine score for Stradbally. Benny Lawlor did then seal the trophy when he pointed on the counter-attack in stoppage time.