Clann na nGael recently celebrated its 75th year in existence so it was a fitting birthday present that the current senior side made no mistake about the outcome of this relegation final. The famed south Roscommon club are no longer the force they once were but maintaining their senior status is every bit as, and perhaps more valuable, than any of the many county and provincial titles won in years gone by.
Their opponents St Aidan’s have been badly hampered this year with absentees and while a number of players returned for this must-win game, it wasn’t enough to prevent them making the slip to intermediate for 2012.
The game was still in the balance at the break with Clann leading 0-6 to 0-4. The turning point came two minutes into the second half when Alan Dunne found the net to give Clann a bit of breathing space.
A mass brawl midway through the second half left a sour taste on proceedings and left replacement referee Tom Killian with no option but to brandish three red cards, two to St Aidan’s which included one to a player who had been substituted. The Saints were reduced to 13 when James Kenny was also shown red.
After a turbulent year Clann will be delighted that they can look forward to senior football in 2012 while St Aidan’s will have to regroup and do all in their power to lift the intermediate title next year.
