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*Wolfe Tones captain John Guilfoyle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
WOLFE TONES boss Conor Dolan struggled to comprehend how they finished with thirteen men in their third championship defeat of this season.
In the clash of the neighbours, Newmarket-on-Fergus recorded a 3-17 0-18 win over Wolfe Tones on Sunday.
Much of the commentary on the game was not on its quality but rather the second half bust-up which held up play for ten minutes in the second half and resulted in the dismissal of Wolfe Tones captain John Guilfoyle and Newmarket-on-Fergus maor uisce John Lynch.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Wolfe Tones manager Conor Dolan expressed his annoyance with the dismissal of the skipper and corner back Liam Murphy. The defender received his marching orders after swiping across Colin Ryan with sixty minutes played in Clarecastle.
Dolan said, “Eighteen minutes gone in the second half and we were two points up. We had double figures in the wides, we were creating the chances which is a massive positive. For John Guilfoyle to get sent off in the manner he did with a guy coming into the pitch, its mind boggling. The second sending off was a bit harsh in my eyes as well”.
Indeed the manager of the Shannon side also was shown a yellow card by referee Joe Mullins late in the contest. The Tones are anticipated to appeal the red card issued to Guilfoyle.
Meelick native Conor who is in his first year as Wolfe Tones manager felt their display against Newmarket-on-Fergus was for the most part their best display of the year. “Look the guys went out, they were determined and I can’t fault their effort. These guys have massive pride in the jersey of the club they represent and I wouldn’t expect anything less from them.
“They have been training well we have let ourselves down in the first two games against Clooney/Quin and Cratloe but they had an awful lot of pride to play for in this derby game. They fought with their boots on. They are a proud senior club and I have no doubt they will stay up”.
Who they face in the relegation play/off in four weeks remains to be seen but as it stands they will be without both Guilfoyle and Murphy.
