O'Reilly double helps North London Shamrocks to back-to-back titles

Michael O’Reilly scored 2-1 as North London Shamrocks retained their London SFC title with a 3-7 to 0-13 victory over Tír Chonaill Gaels at a wet and windy Ruislip.

In a game of fine margins, O’Reilly netted in each half, while Daniel Clarke also raised a first half green flag to give the holders the edge. The sides were level on 0-2 apiece before O’Reilly flicked Joe McGill’s free to the net. A second major from Clarke had Peter Witherow’s charges six points up before Tír Chonaill Gaels rallied with points from Calum Gardiner and veteran Liam Gavaghan to trail by the minimum at the break, 0-9 to 2-4.

North London Shamrocks wrestled back control with a Ciaran Diver point and O’Reilly’s second goal after the restart. Back came Tír Chonaill Gaels again with scores from Gavaghan, Josh Crowley-Holland, Liam Gallagher and Gardiner, but they couldn’t regain parity as a late McGill free finally settled it for the Shamrocks, who won their first title 12 months ago.