Early goals cost Abbvie in All-Ireland final

All-Ireland Interfirms Intermediate Final

Regeneron (Limerick) 2-6

Abbvie (Sligo) 0-8

In Sligo

A good start is half the battle and this proved true as Regeneron claimed their first All-Ireland title when they defeated local side Abbvie in the All-Ireland Interfirms Intermediate Football final, which was played in perfect conditions in Kent Park, Sligo on Friday evening.

Early goals from Fergal Keane and Conor Herlihy had the Limerick side five clear at the Interval. Despite the slow start, Abbvie rallied in the second half, but Regeneron never looked like losing this decider.

Regeneron, despite playing into a stiff breeze, started the brighter.

Knockmore native Fergal Keane – one of two Mayo men on the Renergon team along with Cill Chomáin’s Ruari Ginty - found the back of the net inside the opening minute. This was a tonic start for the Limerick side who played with more composure throughout.

Fiachra O’Grady after a fine move stretched his side’s advantage before Alan Kennedy opened Abbvie’s account in the fifth minute. Regeneron were on top in most sectors. Scores from Niall Flynn and Adrian Enright had the Shannonsiders five clear inside the opening ten minutes.

Abbvie battled hard to get into the match and a fine Kevin Kilkelly point reduced the lead before the second major of the evening, this time from Conor Herlihy had the Limerick side seven clear at the end of the opening quarter.

The local company, to their credit, came into the contest in the second quarter with points from Alan Kennedy (free) and Kevin Kilkelly reducing the arrears to five. Adrian Enright and Liam Reilly then exchanged points to leave Regeneron five clear at the interval.

Abbvie started the second half in a determined manner to get back into the match. Wayward shooting proved their downfall and Regeneron were happy to soak up pressure and attack on the counter.

Despite Abbvie’s promising start, it was Regeneron who stretched their advantage when Niall Flynn found the range in the 34th minute.

Abbvie’s second half efforts were rewarded when substitute Fiachra Henry and an Alan Kennedy free reduced the gap to four entering the final quarter.

The Sligo side were frustrated by wayward shooting while Regeneron were always in control on the scoreboard.

With his third point, Adrian Enright had Regeneron five clear coming into the final stretch.

Abbvie needed a goal to rescue the match and were foiled by two fine saves from Conor Ranahan in the closing stages.

A third Alan Kennedy free was the final score of an entertaining contest as Regeneron captured their first All-Ireland title.

REGENERON: C Ranahan; B Tracy, F O’Grady (0-1), D Kennelly; S Cusack, C Flanagan, P Quinn; J Fitzgerald, A Enright (0-3); T Donovan, C Herlihy (1-0), J Pomeroy, F Keane (1-0), P O’Shea, N Flynn (0-2)

Subs: P Reidy, K O’Connell, C Mann, J Kelly, C Kenny, M Vaughan, P Cusack, A Quaid, G Noonan, M Liddane, B Duffy, S Chaplin, S O’Dea, R Ginty

ABBVIE: Daniel Lyons (Shamrock Gaels), Stephen Corrigan (Louisburgh), Declan McDermott (Kilbride), Pat Kelly (Westport), Michael Regan (Curry), Kevin Keane (Westport), Enda Roche (St Johns), Liam Reilly (Curry) (0-1), David McGovern (St Marys), Kenneth Keane (Burrishoole), Killian Kilkelly (Westport) (0-2), Paul Flynn (Castleconnor), Ian Barrett (Easkey), Darren McDonnell (Westport), Alan Kennedy (Westport) (0-4, 3f)

Sub: Fiachra Henry (St Michaels) (0-1), Cathal Carolan (Crossmolina), Aaron Carey (Belmullet), Darragh Kelly (St Molaise), Steven Duffy (Crossmolina), Adrian McCann (Shamrock Gaels), John Cullen (Drumkerrin), Pat Lynch (Parke), James Kenna (St Marys), Dermot Caffrey (Ballymote), Barry Moran (Castlebar Mitchells), Shane O'Grady (Eastern Harps)

Referee: John Glavey (Mayo)