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Trim travelled to Walterstown GFC on Sunday morning for a Premier 2 Championship Relegation Semi-Final against old advisories Seneschalstown. Both teams were desperate to avoid an end of the season Relegation playoff final and with this in mind Trim took to the field determined to make a fast start and take advantage of the breeze in the first half. The opening score of the game came from Owen McGrath, who slotted home a point inside the first couple of minutes and this was followed almost immediately by a  Seneschalstown's point. Trim then went on a run of 6 more points from all of which were unanswered. Among the early scorers was the excellent Daniel Murray, Cormac Slattery, Neil Sweeney (2), Aonghus Shortt and the impressive Caelum Casserly who made a great run from defence before slotting home a fine point.  Trim were on top and only for two great saves from the Seneschalstown goalkeeper they would have stretched their lead even further. Seneschalstown responded just before the break with a goal opportunity of their own but good work from Peter Brennan and Cian Wash with a number of blocks on the line ensuring the green flag stayed down,  Seneschalstown did however get a point from play and the first half drew to a close. Trim led 7 points to 2, the question remained, would they regret the two goal opportunities when playing against the wind... 

 

 

The second half started as the first had ended, with a point for Seneschalstown, this was quickly followed by two further points without reply leaving only 2 between the teams. Trim were struggling to get a foothold at this point and injuries to key players (Caelum Casserly & Aonghus Shortt) were having an impact, this is when Seneschalstown sensed an opportunity and when Trim lost possession in the middle of the field, they broke at speed and worked a fine goal, suddenly Trim were behind for the first time. Trim were determined to not let this game go and another fine score from McGrath saw the teams level again only for Seneschalstown to score and reopen their advantage. With 8 mins remaining of normal time, Sean Foley a second half substitution (Neill Sweeny 45 mins) broke free after some fine play and equalised. Trim were dominating and looked the stronger team, this was further evidenced by a well worked Foley goal which put Trim 3 up with 4 mins to play. Owen McGrath slotted over another fine point for what was the insurance score. Trim still had time to work another goal opportunity which was narrowly missed by the hard-working Conor McKeown.  Trim as they have done throughout the campaign finished the stronger team, they put in a fantastic performance built on a rock solid defence, marshalled by the Downes brothers and Padraig Walsh along side great displays from Caelum Casserly and a rejuvenated Ian Birmingham. Trim's midfield duo, Mark Murray and Cian Walsh were excellent and dominated much of the game particularly in the first half, up front Neil Sweeney, Cormac Slattery, Aonghus Shortt (Luke Carolan 32mins) and Conor McKeown scored and worked great opportunities.  Foley and McGrath were given huge support and opportunity by Daniel Murray who caused Seneschalstown trouble constantly, winning great ball whilst creating spaces, scoring and providing exceptional support to the midfield. 

 

Trim's Championship comes to an end, the right way, they retained Prem 2 Championship status with a very young team who benefited greatly from the experience of the senior players in the squad, a fantastic future lies ahead for this team.

 

 

Peter Brennan, Cian Walsh, Shane Downes, Caelum Casserly (0-01), Ian Birmingham, Cian Downes, Padraig Walsh, Mark Murray, Cian Walsh, Neil Sweeney (0-02) Cormac Slattery (0-01), Aonghus Shortt (0-01), Conor McKeown, Daniel Murray (0-01), Owen McGrath (0-03), Luke Carolan, Eoin O’Reilly, Karl O'Dwyer, Sean Foley (1-01), David Boyle, Cormac Doyle