Disputed goal breaks hearts of heroic Naomh Anna men

Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir  2-12

(AET)

Pádraic Ó Ciardha at Pearse Stadium

THERE was heartbreak for the footballers of Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir as Mikey Cox’s disputed goal in added-time of extra-time stole the Connacht Intermediate Football title from under the Connemara men’s noses and sent the Roscommon champions into jubilation.

Naomh Anna have come back from the brink again and again during this campaign but they had no chance to fight back this time as referee Barry Judge blew the final whistle after the restart, bringing an end to a remarkable game.

The Galway side surely thought they had done enough when substitute Myles Mac Donnacha edged them a point ahead a minute into the two minutes of added-time at the end of extra-time. The second minute was well-passed when Cathal Gunn launched a hopeful ball in the direction of the Naomh Anna goalmouth and Faithleach’s full-back Mikey Cox, who had stationed himself at the opposite end of the field in hopes of getting a hand on something, did just that, supplying the vital touch that sent the ball into the net.

Naomh Anna players protested that the goal be ruled out for a square ball, for a push, for anything, but it wasn’t to be. The goal was fair and Naomh Anna were left with nothing but disappointment. It’s often said a penalty shootout is the cruelest way to end a game but this was worse, victory snatched away in an instant and with no opportunity to respond.

The game turned on two missed goal opportunities. Naomh Anna could have been dead and buried after just 12 minutes had Seán Andy Ó Ceallaigh not pulled off a miraculous goal line clearance to deny Diarmuid Murtagh and stop Faithleach’s going nine points ahead. The Roscommon side did extend their lead to seven after converting the resulting ‘45 but Naomh Anna were sparked to life and, having looked very flat up to that point, kicked 1-5 in the next 12 minutes.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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