Gowna in control

CAVAN/SF Final: Gowna, winners in 2000, regained the crown held by Cavan Gaels following a comprehensive victory at Breffni Park yesterday.

Cavan Gaels went into the game as strong favourites but Gowna coached by former Derry manager, Eamonn Coleman, produced a top- class performance in a final which was closely fought in the early stages; but deteriorated thereafter as Gowna completely dominated.

Gowna, leading by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time, took a firm grip on the exchanges when Cavan Gaels were reduced to 14 players six mins into the second half following the dismissal of fullback Darren Rabbit

Gowna, led by county senior players Dermot McCabe and Gerald Pierson, tightened their grip on the exchanges and points from Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Dessie Brady saw them lead 0-9 to 0-6 after four minutes.

Then came the sending off and Cavan Gaels' grip on the cup disappeared as Gowna added four points to stretch their lead to six points with less than 15 mins left.

GOWNA: R Bannon; G Hartin, F Hartin, B Sorohan; C Hartin, J Brady, C Madden; B Morris, P Brady; C Fitzpatrick (0-2), M McKeever, N Madden; C Brady, D McCabe (0-8), G Pierson (0-6). Subs: S Pierson (1-0) for C Fitzpatrick; D Brady (0-1) for C Madden; D Duignan for J Brady.

CAVAN GAELS: E Elliott; P Smith, D Rabbit, F Brady; K Crotty, E Reilly, J Doonan (0-1); D Reilly, C Collins; P O'Donnell, N Walsh, C Neligan (0-4); G Duffy (0-1), S Johnston (0-2), N Collins. Subs: M Graham for N Collins; E King for D Reilly;

Referee: M Henry (Belturbet)

Gowna ... 1-17

Cavan Gaels ... 0-8