Monksland hit Birr for seven as McCarthy grabs treble

Monksland United 7 Birr Town 1

By John Dingle

Christmas came early for manager Tommy Naughton when Monksland United claimed a much needed three points with a big win at Cushla Park last Sunday.

Birr Town had taken an early lead but three goals in ten minutes later in the opening half had the hosts in control at the break. Monksland ran riot in the second half, adding four more goals, as Josh McCarthy completed his hat-trick to wrap up victory for United in the last outing before Christmas.

Both teams had been struggling to establish some momentum in the CCFL Senior Division and Birr were handed a much needed confidence boost with the opening goal after just three minutes . The first corner kick of the contest saw Ricky Fitzsimons deliver the ball to the near post where Luke Nolan came in to head past the goalkeeper's left.

Birr looked to build on their promising start and Nolan was denied a second goal when his shot was blocked by stand in keeper Sean Kelly with a second corner also being earned.

It was soon to unravel though for the Offaly outfit. Monksland had got off to a sluggish start but could easily have levelled matters from their first meaningful attack after 16 minutes. Callum O’Brien set up McCarthy whose shot was blocked by Birr keeper Dean Nettleship. A

Despite a couple of corners, a goal still seemed far away for United as Fitzsimons drilled a Birr free kick over the bar.

The game was soon to turn in a significant way in favour of Naughton's men, with McCarthy grabbing the equaliser after 34 minutes. The number eleven took on the Birr defence on the right and after cutting inside, fired a low shot past the keeper’s right.

Being penalised for a handball proved costly for the visitors as they went behind after 38 minutes. Ryan O’Connor sent in the resulting free kick from the right edge of the penalty area which carried over the helpless keeper into the net.

Two minutes before the break, Monksland made it three. O’Connor sent in another free from the right which was met by Nacho Gonzalez who swept it to the Birr net.

The second half was mainly one way traffic as United completed the rout with their shaky start soon forgotten about. Callum O’Brien had the first chance when play resumed and a fourth home goal followed just before the hour mark.

After two assists, it was O’Connor’s turn to get on the scoresheet when he deftly flicked the ball past the keeper's left. The floodgates did not open just yet however as Birr kept the score at four until later in the half.

Persistent home pressure eventually paid off after 73 minutes as United’s two flying wingers linked up. O’Connor’s initial attempt at finding the net was blocked by Nettleship but McCarthy reacted quickly to accurately tuck away the rebound.

The game was well over as a contest heading into the last quarter of an hour's play with Birr struggling as they tried to cope without any substitutes to utilise. The home team was also short on numbers with three experienced starters suspended. O’Connor for Monksland had a shot saved with Michael Harrington also denied by the Birr keeper as he looked to reestablish himself in the team following injury.

A rare away opportunity which fell to Nolan was wasted as the ball was fired wide. Birr tried hard but a corner with ten minutes remaining was the last time they tested the United rearguard.

Monksland tacked on two further goals in the closing stages to end the 2024 campaign on a high note. Goal number six came after 84 minutes from the penalty spot. Tomas O’Neill was tripped as he ventured forward into the penalty area. The resulting spot kick handed McCarthy the chance to complete his hat trick and he duly took advantage of the opportunity. The Birr keeper was sent the wrong way as the number eleven could now claim the match ball.

The scoring was not completed yet and a seventh home goal arrived in the penultimate minute. O’Connor again delivered the goods with a fine free kick from the right which was met by substitute Donagh McCarthy.

It's only Monksland's second league win of the season but allows them to leapfrog over Birr into a mid-table position as the season now takes a break until the New Year.

Man of the match: Ryan O’Connor (Monksland). The number seven was involved in five of the home side's goals, netting twice himself while also providing assists for three more.

Monksland United: Sean Kelly, Tomas O’Neill, Cathal O’Brien, Michael Harrington, Nacho Gonzalez, Callum O’Brien, Sean Ryan, Ryan O’Connor, Cormac Moore, Josh McCarthy, Brian Francis. Subs: John Shine for Francis (57 mins); Donagh McCarthy for Moore (74); Kevin Gaylard for O’Brien (86).

Birr Town: Dean Nettleship, Ben Pardy, Joe Hoctor, Max Boyd, Keith McEvoy, Conor Hanamy, Luke Nolan, Padraic Watkins, Rian Quinn, Ricky Fitzsimons, Niall Lyons.

Referee: Paul Malone (Offaly).