County club finals round-up

WESTMEATH SFC FINAL:

Garrycastle 3-8 St. Loman's 0-6

Dessie Dolan scored six points as Garrycastle took their fourth Westmeath SFC title this decade with a 3-8 to 0-6 victory over St. Loman's at Cusack Park this afternoon.

In a fast-paced encounter, it was a trio of points in the closing stages which confirmed Garrycastle's latest success.

St. Loman's had made a determined second half comeback. The Mullingar outfit cut the deficit to eight points as the game entered the final quarter, following a Conor Lynam score.

Anthony Cunningham's Garrycastle charges made the brighter start, leading by 1-4 to 0-1 after 20 minutes.

The Dolans were certainly to the fore for Garrycastle with Dessie and Gary in superb form throughout. Rising star James Dolan also played vital role, netting his side's first goal in the 20th minute.

As Garrycastle pressed hard in attack, Dolan gathered possession and had no hesitation in slotting the ball over the advancing Loman's goalkeeper Stephen Gallagher for a well-taken goal.

Dolan's effort ensured Garrycastle opened up a six-point lead, with Kieran Lynam keeping Loman's in touch.

Lynam and Conleth Reilly added scores for Loman's in the closing ten minutes of the opening half, but Garrycastle held firm for a 1-4 to 0-3 interval advantage.

Garrycastle extended their lead to 11 points within ten minutes of the restart, helped on their way by Gary Dolan's 33rd-minute goal.

Conor Lynam was among those who helped bring Loman's back into contention, with a trio of unanswered points.

However, Garrycastle's greater experience shone through in the end.

The Westmeath champions will now face either the Longford or Wexford winners in the quarter-finals of the Leinster SFC on November 8 at Cusack Park.

CAVAN SFC FINAL:

Cavan Gaels 1-20 Denn 2-11

Aided by a strong first half performance, Cavan Gaels beat Denn by 1-20 to 2-11 to claim their third Cavan SFC title in-a-row.

Led by county star Seanie Johnston, the Gaels quickly built up a 0-6 to 0-2 lead by the 18th minute.

A strong defensive display saw the eventual winners keep the momentum going before the interval, with a Michael Lyng goal powering his side to a 1-10 to 0-5 half-time lead.

Denn failed to give up and ensured a keenly-contested closing 30 minutes, as they staged a fiery comeback.

Cavan Gaels were under extreme pressure in defence, with Colin Kiernan and John Smith breaking through for second half goals.

However, Cavan Gaels were able to hold out and secure their 11th Cavan SFC title success.

MEATH SHC FINAL:

Kildalkey 1-19 St, Peter's Dunboyne 2-8

A 37th minute goal from Nick Fitzgerald paved the way for a first Meath SHC success for Kildalkey since 1951, as they got the better of St. Peter's at Pairc Tailteann, Navan.

Goals from Mick Dunne and John Watters got the Dunboyne side back in touch in the closing stages, but it was a case of too little, too late.

The final began at frantic pace, with the sides tied at 0-4 apiece at the end of the opening quarter.

St. Peter's took the lead for the first and only time soon after, when Neil Hackett pointed his fourth free of the contest.

However, Kildalkey took control as they tightened up in defence and powered forward to land seven unanswered points.

Padraig Geoghegan and Derek Doran took fine scores from placed balls, before four Noel Kirby points - one '65' and two frees - drove Kildalkey into a 0-10 to 0-5 advantage.

Hackett added points for Dunboyne either side of the interval, but Kildalkey, who missed a goal chance through Doran, bounced back strongly.

In search of their first title in 58 years, they led by 1-13 to 0-7 with 17 minutes remaining thanks to a Nick Fitzgerald goal.

This vital three-pointer arrived following an excellent team move, with Geoghegan dispatching a long delivery, Fitzgerald gaining possession with a high catch and following a quick turn, the forward smashed the ball to the net.

St. Peter's kept plugging away but late goals from Dunne and Watters were mere consolation.

Although it was their second Meath SHC title triumph, Kildalkey have the honour of bringing home the Jubilee Cup for the first time.