GAA JOE football team of the weekend

Niall McIntyre

Provincial final weekend.

Some magnificent wins for Munster and Ulster clubs.

In Ulster, Kilcoo got the headlines, but Monaghan’s Magheracloone Mitchells were arguably the story of the round. Two years after losing the county senior final, the Mitchells bounced back with a convincing triumph at the intermediate grade.

Here’s where the story gets miraculous though. Back in April, the club’s pitch was split down the middle by sinkholes which led to the swallowing of some of the club’s equipment.

The pitch was closed off pronto and hasn’t since re-opened, leaving the club homeless. It was during that time though, when their men turned adversity into determination. And turned determination into glory. Despite training in grounds all over the county and country – they trained in Simonstown in Leinster the week of the Ulster final – Magheracloone Mitchells were undeterred and they sealed a famous win.

Magheracloone Mitchells don't even have their own pitch to train on, but they became Ulster champions last night.

The Monaghan side beat Galbally comfortably in the final with Paudie McMahon and legend Tommy Freeman doing the damage.

Some club 👊 pic.twitter.com/ZsFhYVjz7C

— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) December 1, 2019

The legendary Tommy Freeman did damage for them, the corner forward hitting four from play against Tyrone side Galbally. But it was far from a one man job with Paudie McMahon and Allan Kieran in devastating form for the winners.

In the senior final, Mickey Moran’s Kilcoo were breath-taking. Their fitness was a sight to behold and nobody summed it up better than the Branagan brothers – Aidan, Eugene, and Darryl in particular, while Ryan Johnston was also sharp. Conor Laverty was unplayable on the inside line. The dancing forward scored 0-1, and set up 2-5 of their 2-11.

Darryl Branagan is a Ferrari.

Get that man on the Down teampic.twitter.com/8pRQKPwLiE

— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) December 2, 2019

In Munster, the peerless Luke Connolly was inspired for Nemo. Aidan O’Reilly did a good job on Clonmel’s danger man Quinlivan while Kevin O’Donovan attacked with verve from half back.

Kerry won yet another intermediate title, the magnificent Templenoe doing the honours this time. They could barely field a team 15 years ago and they could be the same again in 15 more years. For now though, they have four Kerry seniors and they have their best ever team.

While the Spillanes, Morley and Crowley all impressed, it was Michael Hallissey and Stephen O’Sullivan who caught the eye most.