2005 MENS FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINAL REPORT

Michael Cusacks overcame archrivals Young Irelands to win their first NSW League football final since 2001 with a three-point win at Auburn on Sunday 19 June.

The sun shone on Princes Park and the red clad Cusack fans were in fine voice as they packed into the flag and balloon adorned stand. They were treated to a tremendous opening from the boys in red when Trevor Dowd fired Cusacks into a 1-1 lead with a well-taken penalty and a great point. However, wind assisted Young Irelands weren't long coming to grips with the game and got some good scores. The hardworking Paul Maher got a great point for Cusacks before midfielder Joey Drumgoole slotted over a crucial point before half time to leave Cusacks in arrears by 1-7 to 1-4 at the break.

On the restart Cusacks began to get the upper hand at midfield where the midfield partnership of Drumgoole and Dave Farley was giving their side an edge in this crucial area. With the advantage of the wind and a couple of shrewd changes in personnel Cusacks were back on the offensive and a great cheer welcomed Trevor Dowd's equalising point early in the second half. With the he score now at 1-7 each it was anyone's game and this was when the character and strength of the boys in red was really tested. The powerful Conor Bourke was now storming out of defence and his incisive passing and ability to spot unmarked teammates was a major bonus for his side. Forwards Fluer McAuliffe, Carl Kiernan, Gerry Nugent and Anthony Ryan were now imposing themselves on the game and showing for every ball. Corner back Gavin Ward also inspired his teammates with one brilliant save on the goal line. Their hard word paid off when Cusacks second goal was brilliantly flicked to the net by substitute Dermot Mulhall to give Cusacks a lead of 2-9 to 1-9. Points were exchanged before the final whistle but Cusacks were now emphasising their superiority and they went out worthy winners by 2-11 to 1-11.

Proud captain Farley accepted the trophy and Fluer McAuliffe was a worthy winner of the man of the match award. Along with McAuliffe, full back Fionnan Kennedy, and the half back line of Quanah McBride, Barry McKieran and Paul O'Donaghue also impressed. It was just reward for a team who had trained hard since March and just reward for a club who have won 12 NSW League titles since their formation in 1988.

Cusacks team and substitutes: Frank Hegarty, Gavin Ward, Fionnan Kennedy, Conor Bourke, Quanah McBride, Barry McKieran, Paul O'Donaghue, Joey Drumgoole (0-1), Dave Farley (0-1), Paul Maher (0-1), Carl Kiernan, Fluer McAuliffe (0-1), Gerry Nugent, Trevor Dowd (1-6), Anthony Ryan (0-1). Subs: Dermot Mulhall (1-0), Donal Foley, Ian Wogan, Padraig O'Reilly, Barry Gallagher, Thomas Conway, Kevin Hughes, Barry Boyle, Raymond Crosby, Kevin O'Keefe, Aidan Harnett and Celestine Spillane.