Stories from the Examiner's GAA section for 4/10/99
http://www.examiner.ie
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MAYO: Ballina’s reign ends as McAndrew inspires Crossmolina in game of few highlights
Crossmolina 0-9 - Ballina 0-7
BALLINA STEPHENITES, who lost by a point to Crossmaglen Rangers in the All-Ireland Club Football Final last St. Patrick’s Day, surrendered their Mayo crown to neighbours Crossmolina in a sluggish Mayo final played before a crowd of around 3,000 in McHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday evening.
Ballina manager, Noel O’Dowd, joined in the congratulations to Crossmolina.
"We wish Crossmolina the best of luck.The first half produced very disappointing fare with Crossmolina shading the verdict by 0-5 to 0-4 at the interval after playing with the help of the strong wind. One of the few highlights of the half was the consistently good showing of Pat McAndrew in the Crossmolina defence and he even managed a point from play.
Class points from Enda Lavelle and Gerard O’Malley also added some sparkle to the mediocre proceedings.
When Paul McGarry fired over the equaliser two minutes after the resumption, things looked pretty serious for Crossmolina. But this very talented sidefinally began to motor in style.
Kieran McDonald edged them ahead when he converted a free and then James Nallen brought supporters to their feet when he landed a brilliant long range point.
Crossmolina were buzzing now and you could sense their determination as they rose their performance to a higher level. Pat McAndrew, Stephen Rochford, Thomas Nallen, Gerard O’Malley and Damian Mulligan showed true grit and resilience with excellent rearguard performances.
Michael Moyles and James Nallen were doing well in the middle while Enda Lavelle was outstanding in a forward division which also had strong performances from Kieran McDonald, Paul McGuinness and Noel Convey.
Midway through the half, Paul McGuinness extended the lead to three points. Both teams worked hard over the next ten minutes with Ballina’s James Devenney, Brian Ruane, David Brady, Keith Lynn, Paul McGarry, Liam McHale, and Liam Brady trying desperately to rally the troops.
Brady and Convey swopped points and the champions came very close to scoring goals twice in the last three minutes.
CROSSMOLINA: B. Heffernan, F. Costello, T. Nallen, S. Rochford, P. McAndrew(0-1), D. Mulligan, G. O’Malley (0-1), J. Nallen (0-1), M. Moyles (0-1), E. Lavelle (0-1), K. McDonald (0-2), P. McGuinness (0-1), N. Convey (0-1), L. Moffatt, G. Walsh. Subs: J. Leonard for L. Moffatt (inj)., P.J. Loftus for G. Walsh.
BALLINA: J. Healy, B. Heffernan, J. Devenney, D. Leydon, K. Golden, B. Ruane, S. Sweeney, L. McHale, D. Brady, K. Lynn (0-2), P. McGarry (0-1), D. Coen, G. Brady, P. McStay, L. Brady (0-4). Subs: M. Barrett for D. Leydon, S. Barrett for P. McStay, M. McGrath for D. Coen.
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CORK: Blackrock rescued by last minute comeback
by Michael Ellard
St Finbarr’s 0-16 Blackrock 2-10
ST FINBARR’S had victory agonisingly snatched from their grasp at Páirc Uí Rinn yesterday when, in a sensational finale to the TSB Cork county senior hurling championship semi-final, Blackrock climaxed a fantastic late comeback with a fifth minute injury-time equalising goal from left half back Fergal Ryan.
It was an absolutely incredible ending to a game St Finbarr’s seemed certain of winning until Ryan, one of the hero’s of Cork’s All-Ireland victory swooped like a predatory bird on unsuspecting prey to flash a high cross from substitute Barry Hennebrey to the Blues net when all appeared lost for the Rockies.
The final result was a heartbreaking experience for a young St Finbarr’s side that cloaked itself in a mantle of distinction for much of the game but it also proved once again that a match is never over until the referee’s whistle sounds. Top credit to Blackrock for refusing to surrender when the temptation must have been great indeed.
Up to five minutes from the end of normal time an lifeless Blackrock side played second fiddle to a sweet striking and finely-tuned St Finbarr’s team whose outstanding accuracy looked like planting the seeds for success. But Blackrock’s character surfaced when it was needed most and that is the reason why the men representing the famous fishing village remain in the race for championship honours.
With a strong downfield wind to their backs in the first half, a much unheralded St Finbarr’s side caught the eye with splendid stickwork and brilliant pointscoring. Unerring in their shooting the Barrs scored 11 points in the opening period and registered no wide - a graphic testament to one of the finest exhibitions of scoring seen for quite some time in this competition. Left half back Aidan Fitzpatrick converted three 65s and was also on target from a long distance free, while midfielder Pascal McSweeney scored three beauties from the centre as the Barrs with radar-like precision threatened to smother the Rockies.
In stark contrast a slumbering and completely out of touch Blackrock side scored just two points, both from centre forward Alan Browne, who hit over one from a free, and the pre-match favourites chalked up a first half total of six wides. Blackrock were denied a goal at the end of the first quarter when the great Ger Cunningham came off his line to stymie right corner forward Brian O’Keeffe.
But in essence there was no comparison between the quality of the hurling served up by both combatants. The Barrs, left corner back Ger O’Regan, centre back Ronan Curran, Fitzpatrick, McSweeney and centre forward Ivan O’Mahony to the fore, were streets ahead in this regard and richly deserved their nine-points interval lead.
When an anticipated counter-resurgence from Blackrock after the break failed to materialise, despite the spur of another point from Browne in the first attack following the change of ends, it seemed that this would be an occasion of real doom and gloom for last season’s defeated finalists.
And but for a truly miraculous save by goalkeeper Trevor Barry who deflected a shot from Cathal McCarthy around the post for a 65 in the 40th minute, it would have been curtains for Blackrock. As events subsequently transpired Blackrock were still knee deep in troubled waters six minutes from the end of normal time when they trailed by seven points.
But then came the Rockies first important lifeline. Midfielder Liam Meaney broke through the centre and passed inside to Jim Cashman who billowed the St Finbarr’s net with a cracking drive. The Rockies were imbued with a new lease of life and suddenly began to fire on all cylinders. Aidan Ryan followed with a point from a free and impressive substitute Barry Hennebrey and old fox Cashman added two more from play. In the twinkling of an eye and midst tremendous excitement Blackrock whittled the deficit down to the bare minimum two minutes into injury time.
But when Hennebrey hit wide, with an equalising point in his sights, and the Barrs thundered up field to score what seemed to be two match-clinching points from Cathal McCarthy and Eoin Fitzpatrick, once again the Rockies goose looked to be well and truly cooked.
But then in the 65th minute came Ryan’s lifesaving goal. Ecstasy for the Rockies. Agony for the Barrs.
Scorers St. Finbarr’s. A. Fitzpatrick 0-4 (0-3 from 65s; 0-1 from free); P. McSweeney 0-3; I. O’Mahony 0-3; C. McCarthy 0-2; E. Fitzpatrick 0-2; B. Cunningham 0-2 (0-2 from frees).
Blackrock: J. Cashman 1-1; F. Ryan 1-0; A. Browne 0-4 (0-1 from free); B. O’Keeffe 0-3; B. Hennebrey and A. Ryan (free) 0-1 each.
ST. FINBARR’S. G. Cunningham; G. O’Halloran, T. Doolan, G. O’Regan; J. Griffen, R. Curran, A. Fitzpatrick; P. McSweeney, A. Dwyer; M. Ryan, I. O’Mahony, C. McCarthy; K. Kelleher, B. Cunningham, E. Griffen. Subs. E. Fitzpatrick for E. Griffen; B. O’Shea for Kelleher; B. O’Connell for O’Regan (injured).
BLACKROCK. T. Barry; W. Sherlock, N. Keane, D. O’Sullivan; A. Ryan, J. Browne, F. Ryan; A. Cummins, L. Meaney; D. Dempsey, A. Browne, M. Harrington; B. O’Keeffe, J. Cashman, A. Coughlan. Subs. B. Hennebrey for Coughlan; S. Coakley for Harrington.
Referee. J. Motherway.
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ULSTER: Carson goal wins title for Cushendall
Cushendall (Antrim) 1-12 -Ballygalgett (Down) 1-8
BIG Jackie Carson grabbed the glory as Cushendall Rory O´g’s relieved Ulster club hurling champions Ballygalgett of their crown at blustery Casement Park yesterday.
Antrim’s eternal hurling enigma magnificently doubled on a high lob from Mark McCambridge to the Ballygalgett net ten minutes into the second-half.
Sambo McNaughton’s side had the breeze in the opening half and points flowed from Conor McCambridge and Carson - while Ballygalgett replied through Martin Coulter.
Cushendall led by 0-9 to 0-4 at half time - but the Down boys had just narrowed the gap - when big Carson pounced.
And, the losers were always chasing matters thereafter, although Brendan Coulter did manage a late consolation goal .
Elsewhere Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) showed exactly why they are All-Ireland club football champions after a marvellous comeback, to defeat Eamon Colemans Gowna (Cavan) by 0-14 to 2-7 at Breffney Park.
But, it took a last gasp point from Joe Fitzpatrick to seal matters for the champions - who were rocked by a two-goal burst from the Breffney men in the opening half.
now look forward to meeting Antrim champions Cargin in the semi-final.
Cargin got their semi-final slot thanks to an injury time free from their outstanding figure Seanie McQuillan against Tyrone champions Carrigmore in the curtain-raiser at Casement Park.
Cargin defeated Carrigmore by 0-13 to 2-6, but they can thank classy McQuillan who hit 0-7 against a Tyrone side who relied too much of the wiles of wee Brian Gormley but lacked finish.
It took a last minute goal from young Enniskillen Gales star Ronan McCabe to tie matters (1-12 to 1-12) against Burren (Down) in Newry yesterday.
McCabe’s smash and grab act gave the Fermanagh champions a somewhat fortunate second chance as the John Traynor inspired Burren led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half time.
A well worked goal from Traynor pushed the Down nominees into a six points lead - but Paul Brewster inspired the Enniskillen lads and McCabe sealed a draw.
The replay is in Enniskillen next week - but the replay between Castleblainey and Bellaghy will be at the latter venue next Sunday.
Castleblainey dominated for long periods - but eventually yielded to a spirited Bellaghy comeback which tied this absorbing affair on a score of 2-6 to 1-9.
Castleblainey led by 2-4 to 0-4 at half time but to be heading for an unlikely win when a late point from Blainey veteran Declan Loughman levelled matters.
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GALWAY: Polished Athenry sweep Ardrahan aside
Athenry 2 24 Ardrahan 2 7
RANK outsiders Ardrahan were swept aside by 1996 All Ireland club champions Athenry in a poor Galway hurling semi final at Kenny Park, yesterday.
Appearing in their first county semi final for over two decades, Ardrahan’s limited challenge was almost contemptuously swept aside by an Athenry outfit rarely forced out of cruise control.
Having lost by 16 points to the title holders in a group tie last July, the odds were stacked against Ardrahan, but few anticipated they would bow out so tamely in an embarrassing mismatch.
The writing was on the wall for Ardrahan when they trailed by 0 12 to 0 6 at the interval despite having the assistance of the wind. Four of their scores came from frees three by former county player Dermot Fahy with only Ivan Linnane and David Greene hitting the range from play.
In contrast, Athenry were much more formidable up front. Eugene Cloonan, Donal Moran and young David Donoghue often led the Ardrahan rearguard a merry dance as the champions quickly asserted their authority.
Ardrahan desperately needed an early second half goal to revive their flagging morale, but instead Athenry piled on the agony with two opportunist goals from the in form Cloonan.
This forgettable semi final now developed into glorified target practice for Athenry as Donoghue, Pat Higgins, Brian Hanley and substitute Aidan Poniard and Declan Higgins all lofted over points.
The Ardrahan supporters in a crowd of about 7,000 got some crumbs of comfort when bustling full forward James Fahy found the net twice in the closing quarter. But even these scores couldn’t take the bad look off the scoreline.
Scorers for Athenry: E. Cloonan 2 9 (0 6 f), D. Donoghue 0 4, D. Moran, P. Higgins 0 3 each, B. Hanley, J. Rabbitte, C. Moran, A. Poniard, D. Higgins 0 1 each.
Ardrahan: J. Fahy 2 0, I. Linnane 0 3 (0 2f), D. Fahy 0 3 (all f), D. Greene 0 1.
ATHENRY: M. Cremins; E. Keogh, G. Keane, J. Feeney; B. Higgins, B. Feeney, P. Hardiman; B. Keogh, B. Hanley; J. Rabbitte, P. Higgins, D. Moran; C. Moran, E. Cloonan, D. Donoghue. Subs: S. Donoghue for Hanley, A. Poniard for C. Moran, D. Higgins for Cloonan.
ARDRAHAN; C. Callanan; M. Brennan, N. Connors, C. Whiriskey; F. Fahy, D. Fahy, J. Breenan; R. Burke, D. Shaughnessy; I. Linnane, S. Connolly, C. Doherty; S. O’Neill, J. Fahy, D. Greene. Subs: R. Shaughnessy for Brennan, J. Howey for O’Neill.
Referee: M. Bodkin (Pearses).
Sarsfields force draw after fright
Sarsfields 1 9 Abbey/Duniry 1 9
FORMER All Ireland club champions Sarsfields hopes of regaining the Galway hurling title just about stayed afloat after a hard fought draw with last year’s finalist Abbey/Duniry.
The second semi final was no better in terms of quality, but at least the outcome remained in doubt until the end of a match which rarely produced the expected drama. Of the two, Sarsfields will be slightly more aggrieved that they didn’t finish the job yesterday with the normally reliable Aidan Donoghue spurning a couple of chances to break the deadlock in the closing minutes.
Credit, however, must go to Abbey/Duniry, coached by Galway boss Matt Murphy, who refused to yield after falling three points in arrears midway through the second half. They forced a replay with late points from the impressive Tomas Kavanagh, county player Kevin Broderick and PJ Kenny.
Sarsfields had flattered to deceive early on with points from wing back Cahill Murray, Noel Morrissey and Peter Kelly in the opening six minutes and actually went in arrears at the interval after Duniry midfielder, Declan Donnelly found the net close to half time.
Barely 30 seconds of the second half had elapsed, however, when Joe McGrath’s pass was expertly driven home by Padraic Forde. Subsequently Donoghue shot four points (3 frees) to open up daylight between the teams.
Surprisingly, Sarsfields failed to score again in the closing 14 minutes, and Abbey/Duniry rallied off the ropes to earn a draw.
Scorers for Sarsfields: A. Donoghue 0 5 (0 4 f), B. Forde 1 1, C. Murray, N. Morrissey, Peter Kelly 0 1 each.
Abbey/Duniry: D. Donnelly 1 1, T. Kavanagh 0 3, M. Kenny (f), K. Broderick 0 2 each, PJ Kenny 0 1.
SARSFIELDS: T. Kenny; Padraic Kelly, B. Cooney, D. Keane; C. Murray, M. Ward, W. Earls; J. Cooney, N. Morrissey; P. Forde, J. McGrath, A. Donoghue; R. Quinn, M. McGrath, Peter Kelly. Subs: J. Keane for Peter Kelly.
ABBEY/DUNIRY: K. Devine; K. Finnerty, L. Hodgins, V. Kavanagh; J. Sheils, F. Flynn, N. Finnerty; G. Lynch, D. Donnelly; P. Kenny, D. Redpower, T. Kavanagh; K. Broderick, M. Kenny, M. Sheils. Subs: D. Blackpower for M. Sheils.
Referee: JJ Corcoran (Castlegar).
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CORK: Brave Blarney fight to end for coveted place in final
by Bob Lester
Blarney 1 10, Douglas 0 10
IT’S been a long, long time but brave, defiant Blarney are again on the brink of championship glory following their three point victory over fancied Douglas in the TSB Cork county intermediate hurling semi final in Church Road yesterday.
But what a rearguard battle they had to endure in a gripping second half to hold off a resurgent Douglas side. Indeed it was only the final moments that they secured a memorable victory when last gasp points from wing back James Hughes and the excellent Ross McNamara put paid to never say die Douglas’ brave challenge.
And how Blarney celebrated at the final whistle as Herculean performances in defence by the magnificent Denis O’Donovan, as well as Steve Hughes and Julian and Steve O’Donoghue, non stop action from Ronan Sheehan at midfield and the promptings of Tomas Harrington, Adrian Shanahan and McNamara up front ensured a sweet victory.
Blarney’s commitment was total in the opening half, for despite trailing to a Tomas Twomey free after five minutes they proved immediately that they were up for this one. Almost from the puck out John Hurley raced through the Douglas defence and kicked a goal. And when Sheehan and McNamara added points, Blarney’s 1 2 to 0 1 lead after the opening quarter was fully deserved.
On a splendid pitch, almost unaffected by all the recent rain, the strong swirling breeze that blew across the pitch failed to upset two very committed sides.
Although Blarney, thanks to a resilient defence, were always looking the better side.
Steve O’Donoghue and Shanahan stretched Blarney’s lead further before Douglas at last got in on the act, a point from a Gary Wade 65 after Blarney ’keeper Ronan Byre had made a fine save from Danny Twohig.
But every time Douglas managed a score, Blarney counteracted with a point of their own and it was no surprise that Blarney led 1 7 to 0 3 at the break. Douglas having introduced Ronan McCarthy and Ronan O’Hara to the action during the half.
It was a different story in the second half though as Douglas gave it one mighty go and almost saved the game, confining Blarney to just one single point before their clinching brace late in the game.
After Wade and Shanahan exchanged early frees Douglas took up the running and a no nonsense defence this time, with Paddy Barry being particularly outstanding, moved the ball quickly from defence and upset Blarney’s rhythm.
O’Hara, Wade with a free and Killian Hogan had reduced Blarney’s lead to four points, 1 8 to 0 7, entering the final quarter and then Douglas had a gilt edged chance to rock the Mid Corkmen when Hogan was upended and referee Ken Healy awarded a penalty.
Unfortunately O’Hara’s well drilled penalty sailed over the bar, much to the delight of the Blarney defence.
Not to be denied their opportunity for a win Douglas battled away gamely with two more Twomey points, leaving just the minimum between the sides with only a minute remaining in normal time.
But it’s as close as they came, with Hughes and McNamara making sure Blarney were going to have their big day out.
Scorers for Blarney: J. Hurley 1 0, R. McNamara A, Shanahan 0 3 each, B. Sheehan, S. O’Donoghue (‘65), E. McCarthy J. Hughes 0 1 each.
Douglas; T. Twomey (0 2 frees), G. Wade (0 2 frees, 0 1 ‘65) 0 3 each, R. O’Hara (0 1 penalty) 0 2. W. Coveney, K. Hogan 0 1 each.
BLARNEY: R. Byrne; J. O’Donoghue, R. Coleman, D. Coleman; J. Hughes, S. O’Donoghue, D. O’Donovan; E. McCarthy, B. Sheehan; A. Shanahan, T. Harrington, J. Hurley; J. McSweeney, R. O’Sullivan, R. McNamara. Subs: J. Downey for McSweeney, D. McCarthy for E. McCarthy.
DOUGLAS: T. O’Donovan; J. Grimes, R. Wade, A. Joyce; G. Wade, P. O’Callaghan, P. Barry; F. Hayes, W. Coveney; K. Hogan, D. Twohig, G. McLoughlin; B. Boyle, T. Twomey, R. Gunn. Subs: R. McCarthy for Joyce, R. O’Hara for Boyle, D. Synnott for McLoughlin.
Referee: K. Healy (Ballymartle).
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WATERFORD: Rathgormack hang on in thriller to pip The Nire
by John Murphy
Rathgormack 1-7 - The Nire 0-9
ALTHOUGH they failed to score throughout the entire second half, Rathgormack were deserving winners of this exciting Waterford senior football championship semi-final replay at Fraher Field, Dungarvan, on Saturday.
The very strong wind made conditions extremely trying for the players and also ensured that the game was essentially going to be one of two halves. Rathgormack laid their victory foundations in an opening half which they dominated to a decisive degree, but it was largely backs-to-the-wall stuff for them as they tenaciously defended an eight-point interval lead in the second half as The Nire made a brave bid to save the day.
Over the hour Rathgormack were marginally the better side, but their inability to translate liberal possession into scores came within an ace of costing them dearly. They kicked ten first half wides without even one in reply from The Nire, and they had a final tally of 16 to their opponents six. Many of those Rathgormack misses were inexplicable, including three frees ballooned wide of the target by the usually unerring Martin Power.
They had a dream start when corner forward Franny Halpin, whose overall influence on the game was major, crashed a great ball to the net inside a minute. They were five points clear in as many minutes, playing with verve and confidence.
The Nire’s opening point came from a Michael Guiry free in the eighth minute but they didn’t score again until seconds before the interval when their best attacker, Martin Walsh, found the range. In between those two Nire scores, Rathgormack were totally dominant, and but for wayward shooting by their forwards they might well have been out of reach at the break.
Their outstanding player over the hour, wing back Denis Hassett, showed his forwards the way with two great points, and with Joe Murray also chipping in with a brace they weren’t flattered by their 1-7 to 0-2 half-time lead.
Amazingly, however, that was to be their total contribution to the scoreboard. They found themselves pinned ever more deeply into their own half as The Nire took control on the turnover and when Pat Walsh, Brian Wall, and Connie Power rifled over points within ten minutes of the restart the game was set up for a thrilling finish.
Martin Power missed a third scoreable free for Rathgormack as their jitters increased, and when the excellent Martin Walsh and Tony Condon narrowed the deficit to the minimum with four minutes still remaining it looked odds on the game going into extra-time. Try as they might The Nire couldn’t get through for the equaliser as the winners put themselves in line to win their third title of the decade on Sunday week.
Scorers for Rathgormack; F. Halpin(1-1); D. Hassett(0-2); J. Murray(0-2); E. Hogan and M. Power(0-1) each.
Nire; M. Walsh(0-3); M. Guiry(0-2); P. Walsh, B. Wall, C. Power, and T. condon(0-1) each.
RATHGORMACK; P. Fahy; K. Power. J. Crotty. V. O’Shea; D. Crotty. N. Murray. D. Hassett; T. Bolger. R. Power; E. Hogan. M. Power. J. Murray; P. Crotty. G. Power.F. Halpin; Sub; A. Power for Hogan.
NIRE; M. Doocey; J. J. Wall. T. Walsh. J. Moore; I. Walsh. M. Byrne. K. Mulcahy; P. Walsh. D. Ryan; C. Power. T. Condon. M. Walsh; B. Wall. P. Walsh. M. Guiry; Subs; G. Walsh for J.J. Wall; J.J.Wall for P. Walsh(inj).
Referee; Pat Moore, Ballinacourty.
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CORK: Vincents left to rue missed chances
by Brendan Larkin
Naomh Abán 0-10 - St. Vincents 1-3
NAOMH ABAN had to survive a tremendous second-half fight back by St. Vincents before emerging winners of this exciting TSB Cork county intermediate football championship semi-final played at Carrigadrohid on Saturday last.
The Ballyvourney side looked to be heading for a comfortable victory and a place in the final against Castletownbere when they led 0-7 to nil at half time but in a marvellous second-half were forced to live on their nerves for long periods as Vincents thundered into the match after Jonathan O’Callaghan goaled in the 40th minute to throw the issue wide open.
However the city side were unable to build on that score despite having the lion’s share of possession and Donal O´ Cróinín’s point in the 60th minute ensured Naomh Abán a place in the final for the first time since 1977 when they defeated Castlehaven.
Vincents will have nightmares about losing this game, but they have only themselves to blame. Given the difficult underfoot conditions their obsession in playing the short passing game cost them dearly as did the wastefulness of their forwards who kicked a total of 16 wides as opposed to seven for Naomh Aban, over the hour.
In contrast Naomh Abán made maximum use of limited possession particularly in that opening half. They kicked just one wide, but more importantly they scored seven points without reply and effectively won the game in that first 30 minutes.
Incessant pressure by Vincents almost yielded a goal in the 18th minute but Justin Twomey saved on the line from Jonathan Buckley. Some of Naomh Aban’s points were scored with the minimum of fuss while it was clear that the occasion was proving too great for the city side who wasted chance after chance to register a score in that opening half.
The Saints continued to dictate matters on the change over with Stephen Rea a commanding figure at midfield for them and they finally got on the scoreboard with a Jonathan Buckley point in the 31st minute.
Despite being well on top, Vincents continued to find scoring very difficult mainly due to a combination of poor finishing and some great defending by Anthony Lynch, his brother Gary and Donal O´g Lehane, and by the end of the third quarter Naomh Abán still had their seven point half-time lead intact after Miceál O´ Cróinín cancelled out Buckley’s point with a superb long range effort.
Vincents incessant pressure finally told in the 46th minute when Jonathan O’Callaghan’s slid home a goal and it set up a grandstand finish by the city side. However Naomh Abán’s defence put up the shutters for those closing minutes and restricted Vincents to just one more score, a Gavin O’Connor point in the 48th minute.
With 10 minutes remaining just three points separating the sides, but Namh Abán’s backs continued to excel, and in a breakaway attack Donal O´ Cróinín ensured a final place for his side with the insurance point a minute into injury time.
Scorers - Naomh Abán: M. O´ Cróinín 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 45); D. Lynch, D. O´ Cróinín 0-2 each; D. O’Sullivan, D. O´g Lehane, A. Lynch 0-1 each. St. Vincents: J. O’Callaghan 1-0; J. Buckley, B. Healy, G. O’Connor 0-1 each.
NAOMH ABA´N: D. Dineen; J. O’Herlihy, G. Lynch, P. Murphy; C. Twomey, A. Lynch, D. O´g Lehane; K. Lucey, J. Twomey; D. Lynch, M. O´ Cróinín, S. O´ Cróinín; K. Lynch, D. O´ Cróinín, D. O’Sullivan. Subs. J. Lynch for J. Twomey.
ST. VINCENTS: P. O’Shea; P. Cunningham, M. O’Neill, P. Daly; K. Goulding, D. O’Connell, R. O’Shea; S. Rea, K. Rea; B. Healy, G. O’Connor, K. Dalton; J. P. Murphy, J. Buckley, J. O’Callaghan. Subs. T. O’Sullivan for Murphy; D. Hennessy for K. Rea.
Referee, G. Sweeney (Glenville).
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KERRY: Lixnaw and O’Neills must battle it out again
by Murt Murphy
Lixnaw 2-8 - Crotta O’Neills 2-8
THE AIB Kerry County Senior Hurling Championship final may have failed to live up to pre-match expectations in it’s quality but the closeness of the scoring and a bizarre Lazarus-type recovery by Crotta’s chief marksman Mike Carleton meant that the game ended in a draw and both sides will have an opportunity of redeeming themselves on Sunday next at the same venue.
It was a hard fought contest throughout between two clubs that are so close that some players who live in the same street actually played against each other.
Mike Carleton opened the scoring in the third minute but immediately Lixnaw’s youngest player, 16-year-old Michael Conway struck a superb goal to give his side a dream start.
However an injury sustained by Mike Carleton when he appeared to collide with the referee, saw the game being held up for ten minutes and he was removed from the pitch on a stretcher wearing a neck collar to a sympathetic round of applause.
However within five minutes he was warming up on the sideline again ready to join his teammates.
Crotta, who were on top at midfield in the first-half, had the better of matters and with Brendan O’Mahony and Sean Twomey on top of their games, they were level 0-3 to 1-0 after 25 minutes.
Then John Edwards was allowed too much latitude by a slack marking Lixnaw defence as he found the net from a Brendan O’Mahony shot. Eamon Fitzmaurice, the UCC footballer, got a point back for Lixnaw but Denis O’Mahony had restored Crotta’s goal advantage as injury-time was played.
Lixnaw struck their second goal when Paul Galvin set up Pat O’Connell who sent an unstoppable shot to the Crotta net but from the puck-out Crotta were ahead again when John Edwards found himself isolated behind the Lixnaw cover and he kicked the ball to the net to leave Crotta leading 2-5 to 2-1 at the break.
Lixnaw upped the tempo of their game in the second-half as their defence, inspired by captain Trevor McKenna, closed off the path to goal and the moving of Paul Galvin to the 40 from full-forward proved the turning point. Pat Cronin, with a long-range point in the 32nd minute was followed with two further points from Paul Galvin and a free from Michael Conway so that in the 40th minute the sides were level 2-5 apiece.
Then Crotta introduced Carleton to take a free from the half-way line which he duly converted and they seemed to be on their way to victory.
However Lixnaw, through Paul Galvin, stayed in touch but two further points from fit again Carleton saw Crotta move 2-8 to 2-6 in front entering the final ten minutes.
The game then took on a frantic pace as the battle intensified but Trevor McKenna, who moved up front, made a big difference and when he was fouled Michael Conway sent over the equalising point.
Despite a couple of late chances both sides had to be content with a draw and so must meet again.
Scorers for Lixnaw: M. Conway 1-2, P. O’Connell 1-0, P. Cronin 0-3, P. Galvin 0-2, E. Fitzmaurice 0-1.
Crotta-O’Neills: J. Edwards 2-0, M. Carleton 0-4, S. Twomey 0-2, B. Mahony, D. Mahony 0-1 each.
LIXNAW: E. Thornton; P. Dowling, C. Lyons, M. McCarthy; A. Cronin, T. McKenna, T. O’Mahony; E. Fitzmaurice, P. Cronin; E. Galvin, P. O’Connell, J. Maher; M. Conway, P. Galvin, M. Kelleher. Subs: F. Fitzmaurice for M. Kelleher; D. McCarthy for J. Maher; J. McCarthy for E. Galvin.
CROTTA O’NEILLS: T.R. McElligott; J. Quilter, K. McKenna, T. B. McElligott; A. Keane, T. Cronin, D. Fitzmaurice; J. O’Sullivan, P. Cronin; M. Carleton, D. Mahony, J. Edwards; S. Twomey, B. Mahony, P. McGrath. Subs: T. Stack for M. Carleton; M. Carleton for J. O’Sullivan; J. O’Sullivan for T. Stack.
Referee: R. Williams (Dingle).
In the curtain-raiser, Abbeydorney defeated Kilmoyley 1-10 to 1-6 in the County Minor Hurling final, with Brian O’Donovan shooting six points from midfield and wing-forward Kieran Hanafin blasting home a second-half goal.
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CORK: Sharper Erins Own book place in county minor final
Erins Own 3-7 - Sarsfields 0-8
SHARPER Erins Own reaped a rich dividend when they defeated Sarsfields to win the AIB sponsored Cork County Premier, county section, minor hurling championship at Carrigtwohill on Saturday.
Sars could not quibble with the outcome as their failure to convert numerous point scoring opportunities in the opening 30 minutes, when they had the advantage of a strong breeze, cost them dearly.
They held only a one point advantage at the interval, 0-5 to 1-1, and really the writing was on the wall for them at this stage.
Sars opened the scoring in the first minute, courtesy of a Kieran Murphy point, but the normally reliable full-forward did not have much luck afterwards from dead ball situations.
In those opening sequences the Erins Own defence shone through, with Shane Cunningham and Kevin O’Shea particularly prominent, while in the middle of the field Mark O’Connor was ruling the roost. Indeed he proved to be the most influential figure over the 60 minutes.
Erins Own received a huge boost in the 18th minute when a long delivery from the impressive Alan Lane was finished to the net by left half-forward Kieran Murphy.
Eoin O’Neill levelled matters for Erins Own shortly after the resumption and when Thomas O’Leary put them in front shortly afterwards, it looked like an uphill struggle for Sars.
One of the crucial moments in a game which never really sparkled, came in the 39th minute when another long delivery from Lane was held by Sars goalkeeper John Walsh, but he was deemed to have carried the ball over the line.
Two Mark O’Connor points from frees had Erins Own firmly in control by the three quarter mark and when Fergus Murphy finished the sliothar to the net from Kieran Murphy’s pass in the 54th minute there was no way back for Sars. Despite the trojan efforts of David Kenneally at wing-back and Trevor McCarthy at full-back the title deservedly went to Erins Own, who now face Glen Rovers in the county final.
And the Blackpool boys have been warned, because in Mark O’Connor, Shane Cunningham, Kevin O’Shea, Tomas O’Leary and Alan Lane, Erins Own have very efficient performers.
Scores Erins Own : K. Murphy 1-0, A. Lane 1-0, F. Murphy 1-0, M.O’Connor 0-2, T.O’Leary 0-3, E. O’Neill 0-1, S. Murphy 0-1.
Sarsfields : K. Murphy 0-5 E. Barry 0-1, R. Murphy 0-1 Rory Duggan 0-1.
ERINS OWN : S. Bowen, D. Dennehy, S. Cunningham, A. Finn, C. O’Connor, K. O’Shea, M. Fenton, E. O’Neill, M. O’Connor, A. Lane, T. O’Leary, K. Murphy, S. Dennehy, S. O’Neill, F. Murphy. Subs: S. Murphy for S. O’Neill, P. Cremin for E. O’Neill.
SARSFIELDS : J. Walsh, P. Fitzgerald, T. McCarthy, M. Kenneally, D. Kenneally, T. Duhig, C. Fennell, R. Ryan, P. Buckley, M.Collins, E. Barry, C. Mulvihill, R. Murphy, K. Murphy, R. Duggan.
Subs K. Goggin for C. Mulvihill, G. O’Loughlin for P. Buckley.
Referee: T. Canavan.
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DUBLIN: Sherlock and Macken save the day for na Fianna
Na Fianna 2-15 - Kilmacud Crokes 0-13
SECOND-HALF goals from Jason Sherlock and Armagh’s Des Macken helped Na Fianna avenge last year’s Dublin senior football championship final defeat to holders Kilmacud Crokes in an entertaining semi-final at Parnell Park.
Inspired by a superb display of marksmanship from former Dublin star Mick Galvin, who kicked six first half points (including three long range frees) the Glasnevin club secured a 0-9 to 0-4 interval lead.
Kilmacud struggled in a number of sectors during that opening period and but for an impressive four points (two from frees) from lone scorer left corner forward Mick O’Keeffe, they would have been further in arrears at the break.
Two minutes into the second half, Sherlock availed of a delightful pass from midfielder Macken to blast home the opening goal.
That increased Na Fianna’s lead to eight points but largely through the industry of midfield duo Conor Duigan (ex Down) and Maurice Leahy, Kilmacud fought back midway through the second half and four successive points from Ray Cosgrove, Mick Dillon and O’Keeffe (twice) helped cut the deficit to three points 1-11 to 0-11 with 12 minutes remaining.
Na Fianna needed somebody to steady the ship and Armagh’s intercounty star, Kieran McGeeney answered the call, storming forward from his centre half back berth to finish a sweeping move with a superb 40 yard point.
Dublin’s Dessie Farrell and free taker Ian Foley extended Na Fianna’s lead with further points and all hope for Croke’s title was lost for the remainder of the match when Sherlock and Pat McCathry set up Macken for a late second goal.
Scorers: Na Fianna; M. Galvin 0-6 (3 frees), I. Foley 0-5 (5f), J. Sherlock 1-1, D. Macken 1-0, K. McGeeney 0-2, D. Farrell 0-1.
Scorers, Kilmacud; M. O’Keeffe 0-9 (5f), R. Brennan, M. Dillon, R. Cosgrove, R. Kelleher 0-1 each.
Referee: T. Farrell (Man-o-war).
St. Brigid’s 0-10 - Ballyboden St. Enda’s 0-9
SIX points from former Leitrim and current Dublin star, Declan Darcy, helped St Brigid’s to a final place for the first time in an encounter at Parnell Park on Saturday.
With just a minute of normal time remaining, Darcy curled over a superb 45 yard effort to seal the Blanchardstown club’s victory.
Ballyboden kicked a total of six first half wides, and they only managed a single point from play (from Stynes brother David after 25 minutes) before the interval.
Points from Darcy (twice) and Ken Kilmurray left Brigid’s well placed at the break and these players added two points each in the third quarter in order to give Brigid’s a 0-7 to 0-5 lead.
Ballyboden responded well to the challenge, and four points in their dominant spell midway through the second half from Damien Bolger (two frees) and the Stynes brothers, Brian and David saw them gain a lead, 0-9 to 0-8 with ten minutes to go.
However, a 50 yard point from midfielder Ken Darcy brought Brigid’s level and Darcy maintained his composure to slot a winning point for Kevin Kilmurray’s young charges.
Scorers: St. Brigid’s; D. Darcy 0-6, K. Kilmurray 0-2, K. Darcy, D. Fitzgerald 0-1 each. Ballyboden; D. Bolger 0-4, D. Stynes 0-3, B. Stynes, C. Doyle 0-1 each. Referee: P. Kiernan (St. Olafs).
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SLIGO: Senior football championship title of the decade
Tourlestrane 1-11 - Easkey 1-9
INSPIRED by county duo Eamon O’Hara, at midfield, and tricky corner forward Gerry McGowan, scorer of 1-5, Tourlestrane claimed their third county senior football championship title of the decade.
But the South Sligo side were pushed al the way by energetic Easkey.
Tourlestrane deserved their half-time advantage of six points, 1-6 to 0-3, with Gerry McGowan pouncing for an opportunist goal in the 13th minute.
Assisted by the firm breeze for the duration of the second half, Easkey were immediately inspired by Fintan Feeney’s goal two minutes after the restart.
They picked off their points after that and reduced the lead to two points in the dying minutes. Indeed they almost snatched victory in injury-time when Noel Maguire’s shot hit an upright.
Scorers for Tourlestrane: Gerry McGowan (1-5), Matthew Walsh (0-3), Eamon O’Hara (0-2),Shane Dunne (0-1).
Easkey scorers: Fintan Feeney (1-2), Dessie Sloyan, Noel Maguire (0-3 each), Brendan Rolston (0-1).
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Ladies break Mayo’s Croke Park hoodoo
by Eamonn Sweeney
AN essay on why county characteristics do not cross gender barriers. Or, to be less high faluting, why it’s Mayo’s women who don’t let themselves down in Croke Park.
They came to Croke Park with everyone expecting them to complete an imperfect ten for the county. In this decade, Mayo had lost two Senior finals, two U 21 finals, two Minor finals and three All Ireland club finals and in none of those games had they been such outrageous outsiders as they were yesterday.
The vital difference may have been that this time around it was Mayo’s women who were in action.
Or maybe even Mayo’s girls. Because this extraordinarily youthful team was powered by players who’ve just moved past the age of securing half fare on trains. And it was this callow aspect of their side which saw them arrive on the pitch with their pretensions towards triumph as disregarded as can be possible in a two horse race.
This final was touted as a possible mismatch. It assumed the lineaments of a classic upset. And Mayo’s teenagers proved that while inexperience can count against you on the big stage it also has a side effect which Ulster teams in search of the Sam Maguire utilised to the full in the early nineties. Neophytes with nothing expected of them are nervous about nothing, scared of nothing and willing to try anything.
Just to prove that the county’s ghosts were of little moment to them, they even contrived to get into a classic Mayo situation, one point up in the final ten minutes. Here is where the panic, the crumbling and the self inflicted wound would have been forthcoming from their male counterparts.
The teenagers merrily tagged on three points to seal victory. Pat Holmes should be on the phone to find out what their secret is.
It was a victory which the game of ladies football needed.
Waterford have been dominant in recent years and had they achieved the expected landslide victory, the worry that this game is as exclusive at the top level as camogie or, at a pinch, hurling would have been paramount in the after match analysis. But Mayo’s effervescent victory shows that ladies football can support a disparate top echelon of some quality.
Their status as, probably, the youngest side to win the All Ireland also gives credence to the hopes that further quantum leaps are possible in the quality of the game over the next few years.
Players this good at sixteen or seventeen in their first year of championship football could be quite something to behold with another five seasons under their belt. If this Mayo side stays together they can lead an exciting new era for ladies football.
Waterford have, in recent years, been one of the wonders of Irish sport. But this defeat should lead to a stock taking. Their football last year was wonderfully stylish but there were signs in the semi final win over Monaghan that they were leaning too heavily on the physical advantage which they hold over other teams. Against a lighter Mayo side, they often forswore the sweeping attacking play which can be their greatest glory and instead carried the ball straight down the middle.
The victory of the side which played the ball wide and played with the greater exuberance and innocence had a touch of justice about it.
Teenage enthusiasm was not enough for the outsiders. The youngsters needed a leader and they found one in corner forward and captain, Diane O’Hora. She was fouled for three pointed frees, slotted over a couple herself and killed off the Waterford revival with three splendid points from play. The last of these, a super effort on the run showed that to condescend to this game is to be a fool.
As did the display of centre half back Yvonne Byrne whose fielding was superb throughout, a one handed fetch in the second half stood out, and she inspired a defence under severe pressure for much of the game. Midfielder Christina Heffernan unexpectedly ran Waterford ragged in this sector while if Denise Horan had not made two brilliant saves in the first five minutes the expected cakewalk might well have transpired. And Imelda Mullarkey, for all the world like a female Kenneth Mortimer, showed that the Mayo corner back factory is still working well.
The tendency is to regard upset defeats for great teams as harbingers of the end. But there’s no need to be elegiac about a Waterford side which also has more than it’s fair share of talented youngsters. They may, in fact, benefit from the gauntlet which Mayo have now thrown down to them. With Monaghan, and potentially the game’s biggest star Edel Byrne, also in the shake up, there are now three top class teams in this sport. It makes for real championship struggles.
It won’t be much consolation to her but Geraldine O’Ryan did retain her standing as the finest player in the country, kicking three great points and having a hand in everything else good that Waterford did. Elsewhere there was a sense that absences had made the heart of the holders grow weaker and that, like any athlete asked to peak too often, key players had invested too much in that classic semi final.
The ball is in the association’s court now. Waterford, Monaghan and Mayo have shown the way and challenged more traditionally strong counties to follow their lead. If the investment is made in coaching, there’s no reason that we can’t have a game which earns countrywide allegiance from that often overlooked, in GAA circles, half of the Irish population whose days in Croke Park grow more rewarding every year. The association must be man enough to do the best by it’s women, in other words.
Finally, maybe it’s just me but has the determination of the GAA to keep fans off the pitch not reached ludicrous levels when teenage girls are confronted with a phalanx of Gardai barring their way at the final whistle. What, in God’s name, were they doing there? And in such numbers?
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WESTMEATH: Senior football semi-final results
Athlone 0-12 - Castledaly 1-5
CHAMPIONS Athlone were fully extended by a battling Castledaly side in this replay of the Westmeath senior football semi-final at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday.
An 11th minute Joe Sherrin goal gave Castledaly a one point lead.Joe Fallon, Damien Kelly and Neil Dolan got a point each in the second quarter to edge Athlone into a 0-6 to 1-2 half-time lead. Neil Dolan then scored four second-half points to help win a final spot for his team.
Scorers: Athlone; N. Dolan 0-5, J. Fallon 0-4, S. Hahessy, D. Kelly, D. Prendergast 0-1 each. Castledaly; J. Sherrin 1-0, S. Connell 0-3, M.J McLoughlin, P. Cooke 0-1 each.
Referee: Pat Foxe (Rosemount).
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CORK: Battling Mayfield take chances as Kilbrin pay penalty for shooting 15 wides
by John McHale
Mayfield 0-11 - Kilbrin 0-10
THE story of this game is quite simple. Mayfield have advanced to round two of this year’s Cork County Junior ‘A’ hurling championship because of their ability to take their chances when presented.
Kilbrin know they should have at very least drawn this game and if the truth be told they had enough chances to win two matches.
Fifteen wides over the hour tells its own story, with their final wide coming deep into injury time.
With Mayfield ahead by the minimum, Kilbrin full forward Shane O’ Riordan won possession out on the forty.
He created space for himself , looked up at the posts but saw his effort go right and wide with the very last puck of the match. Mayfield were through thanks to five star performances from corner back Donal Hurley, wing forward Eoin Crowley and free taker Alan Murphy. Murphy and Crowley combining for ten of the city champions scores.
Mayfield led 0-7 to 0-5 at the end of a very even and competitive first half. While underfoot conditions made it difficult for both sides, Mayfield’s lively half forwards, Eoin Crowley and Barry Collins were causing lots of problems for the Duhallow champions.
Mayfield dominated the opening exchanges of the second half and had increased their lead to four points (0-10 to 0-6) by the end of the third quarter. Kilbrin kept battling hard and two points in as many minutes brought them storming back into this game.
But Alan Murphy eased Mayfield’s nerves with his seventh point of the game to restore a three point lead with just five minutes to play. Kilbrin refused to panic and further points from Diarmuid Aherne and Damien Crowley had the lead down to one as the game entered injury time.
Kilbrin engineered one final chance to snatch a draw.
But just like they had done all day they couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity and Mayfield were through.
Scorers for Mayfield: A. Murphy 0-7 (5F), E. Crowley 0-3, K. Hyland 0-1.
Kilbrin: D. Crowley 0-2, N. O’ Callaghan 0-2, W. King 0-2,D. Aherne 0-2, J. Shehan 0-1,S. O’ Riordan 0-1.
MAYFIELD: C. Hurley, J. Caulfield, P. Peate, D. Hurley, T. Lotty, J. Ahern, D. Sheehan, M. O’ Callaghan, C. Brosnan, E. Crowley, A. Murphy, B. Collins, S. O’ Donovan, K. Hyland, C. O’Donovan.
Subs: R. Lee for S. O’ Donovan, D. Lucey for C. Donovan.
KILBRIN: P. O’Callaghan, M. O’ Donoghue,S. Butler, N. Cronin, E. Casey, T. Cronin, D. O’ Sullivan, T. McMahon, W. King, D. Crowley, N. O’ Callaghan, D. Breen, J. Sheehan, S. O’ Riordan, I. O’ Sullivan. Subs: D. Aherne for N. O’ Callaghan, S. Field for D. O’ Sullivan, J. Shortall for J. Sheehan.
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CORK: Clonakilty breeze past tired Ballincollig to earn u-21 county final date with Beara
by Bob Lester
Clonakilty 1-9 - Ballincollig 0-2
CLONAKILTY set up an intriguing all west Cork county U-21 football championship final against specialists Beara when they proved far too crafty for a jaded-looking Ballincollig outfit in Newcestown yesterday
In truth, this was a poor contest, with little good football, and it wasn’t until the final quarter that the West Corkmen blossomed against a Ballincollig side who had 10 players involved in their minor side’s victory over Castlehaven the previous day.
How this unfortunate situation came about is mind boggling and Ballincollig were rarely in a match that had far too many frees. Indeed referee Ger Harrington was a busy man, taking far too many names and sending off one of Ballincollig’s best players, Denis Spillane, for a second yellow card late in the second-half.
Perhaps two game inside 24 hours did take its toll on the Ballincollig players.
On the day though Clonakilty were by far the better side and should have had this game wrapped up by the break.
However, a staggering 12 wides while playing with the strong breeze at their backs gave them only a five point interval advantage, 0-6 to 0-1, leaving the Mid Corkmen in with a shout.
Two points from Conrad Murphy and another from Timmy O’Sullivan made it 0-3 to 0-0 after the opening quarter, with the excellent Michael Greene, who battled hard all through, getting Ballincollig’s lone first-half score.
It was all Clon again in the second quarter, with Colin and Barry O’Donovan doing the damage on the scoreboard.
Wind assisted, Ballincollig made a better go of it in the second-half but were always playing second fiddle to a far more skilful Clonakilty side.
Colin O’Donovan scored the only point of the third quarter for Clon but when Denis Spillane kicked a splendid point for Ballincollig in the 47th minute there was hope of a Mid Cork revival.
Not so though. Clon toyed with their opponents in the final 10 minutes, looking very tasty at times with brothers Donal and Liam Lyons excellent in defence.
Harrington and Colin O’Donovan stretched Clon’s lead further with a point apiece and then came the coup de gras - a splendid goal from Barry O’Donovan just on time following a quick free from Harrington.
Scorers for Clonakilty: B. O’ Donovan 1-1, C. O’Donovan 0-4 (0-2 frees), C. Murphy 0-2 (0-1 free), T. O’Sullivan, M. Harrington 0-1 each.
Ballincollig: M. Greene, D. Spillane 0-1 each.
CLONAKILTY: P. Regan; D. Lyons, T. Angling, L. Lyons; M. Griffin, D. O’Brien, T. O’Sullivan; C. Murray, N. Hayes; C. Murphy, M. Harrington, H. Kenny; G. O’Callaghan, B. O’Donovan, C. O’Donovan.
BALLINCOLLIG: E. Dorney; E. Barry, N. Barry, D Spillane; M. Spillane, M. O’Brien, A. O’Brien; J. P. O’Leary, J. O’Brien; T. O’Leary, J. O’Neill, T. Galvin; D. Twomey, C. Noonan, M. Greene, Subs: R. O’Doherty for Twomey, P. O’Toole for A. O’Brien.
Referee: G. Harrington (Carrigaline).
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LONGFORD: County SFC final
Dromard 1-10 - Abbeylara 1-8
DROMARD held on through six minutes of injury-time to defeat favourites, Abbeylara, in the county SFC final at Pearse Park.
Dromard led 1-6 to 1-3 at the interval but Abbeylara, aided by a strong wind, were back within a point of Dromard with 20 minutes left. However, points from James Martin and Sean Hagan saw Dromard lead 1-10 to 1-7 by the first minute of injury-time. Arthur O’Connor pointed to reduce the deficit and Dromard then had a lucky escape when Niall Sheridan’s fisted effort came back off the crossbar.
Scorers, Dromard; S. Hagan (1-1), E. Macken (0-4), B. Kiernan, J. Martin (0-2 each), D. Coneferey (0-1). Abbeylara; T. Drake (0-4), N. Sheridan (1-0), M. O’Connor, J. Kiernan, G. Fay, A. O’Connor (0-1 each).
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Duhallow’s firepower proves too much for Na Piarsaigh
by Michael Ellard
Duhallow 3-8 - Na Piarsaigh 2-6
LEAVING every other division in the shade by maintaining a remarkable level of consistency and achievement, Duhallow reached the penultimate stage of the TSB Cork county senior football championship yet again at Dr, Mannix Park, Charleville on Saturday.
A decisive five points victory over Na Piarsaigh in an error-strewn quarter-final replay, contested on a very slippery surface, paved the way for Duhallow’s progression and ended the city side’s brave and exciting run in the competition.
Always stronger and more assured on the ball in the very difficult and heavy underfoot conditions Duhallow, who kicked 16 wides to Na Piarsaigh’s six, could have been out of range of their opponents before a two-goal blast from Mark O’Sullivan in the third quarter resolutely decided the issue.
In what was almost an exact replica of the drawn game in the opening sequences Duhallow, although playing into the teeth of a strong wind, quickly gained territorial control but unfortunately for the north-west divisional representatives their finishing failed to match their spirited and creative approach work.
After a most uninspiring first quarter with Na Piarsaigh hanging on for dear life, Duhallow led by two points to one but then in the 18th minute fortune smiled favourably on the boys from Fairhill when goalkeeper Jerry Pat O’Leary cleanly handled a 30-metre free from Mark Mullins but was deemed to have stepped over his own line in so doing.
A stunning and most fortuitous goal indeed but an essentially lightweight Na Piarsaigh side were unable to capitalise tellingly on this extraordinary slice of good luck and Duhallow, with right half forward Dermot O’Sullivan, accurately and inspiringly converting three frees in rapid succession, soon found themselves back in the driving seat again.
However, in a disappointingly lack-lustre replay that provided precious few highlights, Na Piarsaigh looked like holding a slim one point team at half time before calamity befell them three minutes into injury time. Left corner back Darren Mannix completely misjudged the hop of the ball and right corner forward Don O’Sullivan powered Duhallow into a 1-5 to 1-3 lead at the break with a splendid opportunist goal.
Against the wind Na Piarsaigh, with Sean óg O´ h-Ailpin figuring prominently at centre back, picked up the tempo of their game after the resumption, but like their opponents previously, were guilty of some very faulty shooting in front of goal. However, a point from substitute John Murphy in the 37th minute left just the bare minimum between them and the scene appeared to be set for a fight to the death.
But two minutes later the wind was knocked out of Na Piarsaigh sails when left half forward Johnny Buckley was fouled and from the resultant penalty Mark O’Sullivan found the target with a sweet and controlled shot to the corner of the net.
Duhallow’s joy was short-lived however, and almost immediately Na Piarsaigh were back in the hunt again when Mark Mullins brilliantly punched home a goal after rising spectacularly to connect with a high centre from midfielder Mark Prendergast to leave a point between them again.
But as events transpired this proved to be the last throw of the dice for Na Piarsaigh and Mark O’Sullivan’s second goal in the 42nd minute, when he clinically finished off a superb forward passing movement with a gem of a goal, turned the game decisively in Duhallow’s favour and set up them up for a semi-final with Nemo Rangers.
Scorers. Duhallow. M. O’Sullivan 2-1 (1-0 from penalty); Don O’Sullivan 1-0; Dermot O’Sullivan 0-6 (0-4 from frees); J. Buckley 0-1.
Na Piarsaigh: M. Mullins 2-2 (0-1 from free); D. Gardiner and J. Murphy 0-2 each.
DUHALLOW: J. P. O’Leary (Millstreet); D. Cashman (do), J. O’Keeffe (Dromtarriffe), D. Riordan (Kanturk); S. Walsh (Knocknagree), M. Angland (Kiskeam), A. Keane (Freemount); D. C. O’Connor (Boherbue), D. O’Brien (Newmarket); Dermot O’Sullivan (Cullen), E. O’Mahony (Kiskeam), J. Buckley (Knocknagree); Don O’Sullivan (Cullen), M. O’Sullivan (Newmarket), J. Herlihy (Kiskeam). Sub. N. O’Sullivan (Dromtarriffe) for O’Mahony.
NA PIARSAIGH: R. Dalton; S. Guitheen, R. Burns, D. Mannix; M. O’Sullivan, Sean óg O´ h-Ailpin, B. Murphy; A. Daly, M. Prendergast; K. Butterworth, M. Mullins, R. Healy; G. Casey, D. Gardiner, C. Fitzgerald. Subs. J. Murphy for Butterworth; T. O´ h-Ailpin for B. Murphy; C. O’Sullivan for Casey.
Referee: J. Geaney.
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WEXFORD: Forde turns on style for Kilanerin
Kilanerin 1-13 - Castletown 1-7
NEIGHBOURING north county parishes were in opposition in the Wexford Senior Football Championship Final at Gorey, when Kilanerin won their fourth senior title of the decade with a brilliant second-half display.
Castletown enjoyed wind advantage in the opening period and led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval.
Many thought their chance was gone but when Darragh Murphy crashed a rebound to the net within 30 seconds of the restart there was a change of opinion.
Some brilliant open football was produced by a very youthful Kilanerin team as they mounted their 0-3 to 1-5 fightback.
In 20-years-old Matty Forde they had a brilliant forward and the ace free-taker initially took his team to within two points of the opposition, and then in the 43rd minute carved his way through the Castle defence to give keeper, Nigel Kavanagh, no chance.
Kilanerin were ahead for the first time 1-6 to 1-5 and they subsequently tore the Castletown defence to shreds.
In the last quarter they tacked on seven points against two for their near neighbours.
Scorers for Kilanerin: M. Forde 1-8 (0-6 frees), J. Hegarty 0-3, P. Hughes and D. Noonan 0-1 each.
Castletown: D. Murphy 1-1, N. Morris 0-2, D. Scallan, J. Holmes, M. Hempenstall, C. Sunderland 0-1 each.
KILANERIN: B. Hughes; P. Murray, M. Darcy, Micheal Hughes (Capt); G. Hughes, N. Darcy, Michael Hughes; J. Darcy, S. Hughes; P. Forde, P. Hughes, M. Forde; D. Noonan, J. Hegarty, M. Hegarty.
CASTLETOWN: N. Kavanagh; C. Morris, S. Kavanagh, P. Morris; M. Quinn, S. O’Shaughnessy, D. Mulhall; B. Kavanagh (Capt.), T. Sheehy; J. Holmes, M. Kavanagh, D. Scallan; D. Murphy, N. Morris, M. Hempenstall. Sub. C. Sunderland for Hempenstall.
Man of the Match: Matty Forde
Referee: Brian White (Cushinstown).
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TIPPERARY: Glorious Corbett goal gives Gortnahoe narrow success
Gortnahoe/Glengoole 2-6 -Thurles Sarsfields 0-11
A GLORIOUS goal by Keith Corbett two minutes from time gave Gortnahoe/Glengoole a narrow win over Thurles Sarsfields in the mid Tipperary intermediate hurling final at Holycross yesterday.
In a lack lustre first-half, Gortnahoe were on top and led by 0-4 to nil at half time.
A goal by Nigel Kenny eight minutes into the second half put them 1-5 to 0-2 ahead but then Sarsfields got going and with a succession of points were level by the 20th minute.
The closing stages were very exciting as Sarsfields edged one point clear with three minutes to play.
Then Keith Corbett pounced for Gortnahoe’s goal but in the last minute, a Tony Ruth effort for Sarsfields went over the bar as he sought a winning goal.
Brendan Hogan, John Keehan, Martin Lanagan, Kevin Laffan and Nigel Kenny were most prominent for the winners, while for Sarsfields, Lenny Philips, David O’Riordan, John Dwyer, Fintan Moore and Jamie Barrett caught the eye.
Scorers: Gortnahoe; K. Corbett 1-2, N. Kenny 1-0, K. Laffan, M. Lanagan 0-2 each. Sarsfields; F. Moore 0-4, J. O’Dwyer 0-3, T. Ruth, L. Duggan, D. O’Riordan 0-1 each.
GORTNAHOE/GLENGOOLE: P. Barnaville, S. MacMonagle, B. Hogan, P.J. Gleeson, M. Gleeson, J. Teehan, J. Hogan, M. Cleary, M. Lanagan, J. Lanagan, R. Stanley, K. Corbett, N. Kenny, K. Laffan, V. Ryan.
SARSFIELDS: K. Jordan, P. Broderick, T. O’Meara, M. Kennedy, L. Philips, N. O’Riordan, D. O’Riordan, J. Barrett, R. O’Riordan, J. Bowe, N. Skehan, A. Rossiter, N. Dundon, L. Duggan, J. O’Dwyer. Subs. F. Moore for R. Riordan, T. Ruth for N. Dundon.
Referee: R. Lowry (Upperchurch).
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Gormley steals the show as Tyrone triumph
by John Murphy
Tyrone 3-12 - New York 2-4
IT might be a trifle unkind to a fine all round Tyrone side to describe yesterday’s All-Ireland ladies junior football final at Croke Park as the Eilis Gormley show.
However the game will be remembered for the splendour of the Carrickmore player’s display who capped a magnificent personal performance with a whopping tally of 3-6 ö only two points of which came from frees.
Gormley started in the full forward berth but it was her subsequent move to the right corner that brought this final crashing down around New York’s ears. She simply got better and better with every passing minute, and her hat-trick of goals were garnered with clinical perfection by a class footballing act.
It looked like being a very different story for much of the first half when New York played their best and brightest football. Full forward Catherine McAteer landed three points inside the opening eight minutes, although the service to her all but dried up as Tyrone took near total second half control.
The New Yorkers opened up a five-point lead in the 21st minute when Cathy McKenna crashed the ball to the net. But Tyrone’s - and Gormley’s - response was immediate. She latched onto a fine delivery from midfielder Clare Egan and shot the ball into the back of the net. It was a foretaste of what was still to come from the irrepressible Gormley.
New Yorks’ interval lead of 1-4 to 1-3 looked less than secure given the strength of the breeze that had assisted them in that opening half, and it took Tyrone little time on the restart to take this final by the scruff of the neck.
They were level within four minutes and when Gormley knifed her way through the defence in the 40th minute for her sides second goal they had taken the lead for the first time.
Two minutes later Gormley completed her hat-trick, and though Rosie O’Reilly’s goal in the 48th minute renewed New York’s hopes they were just as quickly dampened as Gormley rifled over three more points to complete what was a deserved and comprehensive Tyrone victory.
Scorers for Tyrone: E. Gormley (3-6, 0-2 frees); L. Hughes (0-2); E. Kelly, S. McGirr, C. Donnelly, B. Daly(0-1) each.
New York: C. McKenna (1-0); R. O’Reilly (1-0); C. McAteer (0-3); G. Bennett (0-1).
TYRONE: E. McElroy; C. Fox. M. Kelly. A. McCloskey; N. McCartan. S. McGarvey. L. Donnelly; C. Donnelly. L. McGirr; E. Kelly. L. Hughes. S. McGirr; J. Poyntz. E. Gormley. A. Donnelly; Subs; C. Strain for Hughes; B. Daly for A. Donnelly; C. Kelly for E. Kelly’ A. Gildernew for McCloskey. H. Boyle for McElroy.
NEW YORK: M. McEvoy; F. Ward. O. Wilson. C. O’Sullivan; E. McGrail. C. McElligott. J. Clifford; A. Lineen. A. McMunn; G. Mahon. G. Bennett. M. Dineen; R. O’Reilly. C. McAteer. J. McKenna; Subs; C. McKenna for McMunn; L. McMahon for J. McKenna; S. Gallagher for O’Sullivan; K. Galvin for Bennett.
Referee: Pat Molyneaux, Limerick.
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CORK: Students strike late for win
by Brendan Larkin
UCC 2-14 - Imokilly 2-12
AN injury-time goal by Joe Deane proved the decisive score in this tremendously exciting TSB Cork county senior hurling championship semi-final at Pairc Uí Rinn yesterday.
If there is one player you want to have with the sliothar in his hand with only the goalkeeper to beat and your side a point down, it’s would be Deane.
Earlier the Cork star had fluffed a great chance of putting the game beyond Imokilly, but just when it looked as if the defending champions would hold on for victory after Jerome O’Driscoll gave them a one point lead two minutes from time, Deane struck for the match winning goal when he again rounded Imokilly ‘keeper Bernard Rochford before billowing the net from five metres out.
Overall it was a fair result as the students were marginally the better side but credit to Imokilly who refused to give up their title without a fight.
UCC enjoyed the strong wind advantage in the opening half, even though Imokilly won the toss and the students took full advantage.
Inspired by a flawless display by corner back and captain Denis Twomey, UCC, once they drew level after five minutes, proceeded to hurl with supreme confidence all over the field.
Strong in defence where Twomey, Luke Mannix and Dan Murphy were unbeatable, UCC’s forwards were very sharp with Eoin Bennett particularly impressive and in a devastating 10-minute spell, the students hit over four points in a row to lead 0-7 to 0-3.
Imokilly struggled to cope with the enormous pressure UCC applied in that opening half and it came as no surprise when they had their opening goal in the 16th minute.
A long clearance by Dan Murphy broke inside the Imokilly defence and Eoin Bennett was onto it in a flash to beat Rochford from close range. It gave the students a commanding 1-7 to 0-3 lead and the defending champions looked in serious trouble.
John Kingston, now out on the 40, was giving Mark Landers a torrid time with his powerful running and scoring, although to be fair to the Cork All-Ireland winning captain he has was one of the few successes Imokilly had in defence in that first-half. The students continued to dictate matters and were well worth their half-time lead of 1-11 to 0-6.
With the elements in their favour in the second-half, Imokilly stepped up the pace of their game considerably and in the space of eight minutes had the deficit down to four points after Sean O’Farrell belted home a goal.
Imokilly introduced Alan Kelleher to wing back and the Dungourney man improved matters considerably for the defending champions, but John Kingston continued to cause problems with his forceful running and finishing and the students were six points to the good at the end of the third quarter, Kingston hitting over two superb efforts on the run.
Then came the first of Deane’s two goal efforts, but he was denied by a goal line save by Brian O’Driscoll and from that let off Imokilly began to take control. Derek Barrett was a lot more conspicuous at midfield and with Brendan Coleman coming more and more into the game, the deficit was down to just two points with five minutes remaining after the Youghal man hit over three points in a row.
College were now hanging on for dear life as Imokilly poured forward at every opportunity and after Alan Kelleher denied John Kingston a shot at goal with a marvellous interception, Mick Daly got on the end of Ronan Dwane’s cross to beat Brendan Kelly at the near post to give the defending champions the lead for the first time since the third minute of the game.
The tension was gripping now as Imokilly clung to their one point lead, but Joe Deane tied the match for only the second time with a point before Jerome O’Driscoll looked to have won it for the East Cork divisional side with his pointed free a minute from time.
John Kingston lost a great chance to tie the game for UCC but was wide after another great run. However they weren’t to be denied and with the game a minute into injury time, Deane became the toast of UCC when he beat his marker Brian O’Driscoll in a race for possession, then took the sliothar round his club colleague Bernard Rochford before planting it in the net to put the students into the final for the first time in 29 years while denying Imokilly a fourth successive final appearance.
Scorers - UCC: J. Deane 1-4 (0-4 frees); D. Bennett 0-4 (0-3 65s, 0-1 free); E. Bennett 1-1; J. Kingston 0-3; J. Enright 0-2. Imokilly: J. O’Driscoll 0-4 (0-3 frees); M. Daly 1-1; S. O’Farrell 1-0; B. Coleman 0-3; D. Barrett 0-2; R. Dwane, D. Creedon 0-1 each.
UCC: B. Kelly; D. Twomey, N. Murphy, L. Mannix; P. Mahon, D. Murphy, R. Flannery; E. Enright, S. Fitzpatrick; J. Enright, J. O’Brien, D. Bennett; E. Bennett, J. Kingston, J. Deane. Sub. J. McDonnell for O’Brien.
IMOKILLY: B. Rochford (Killeagh); S. Barry (Carrigtwohill), N. Fitzgerald (Bride Rovers), B. O’Driscoll (Fr. O’Neills); B. Murphy (Bride Rovers), M. Landers (Killeagh), P. Walsh (Bride Rovers); R. Dwane (Aghada), D. Barrett (Cobh); J. Smiddy (Castlemartyr), M. Daly (Cobh), B. Coleman (Youghal); J. O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers), S. O’Farrell (Carrigtwohill), D. Creedon (Aghada). Subs. A. Kelleher (Dungourney) for Walsh; J. O’Connor (Carrigtwohill) for Smiddy; T. Anderson (Cobh) for Barry.
Referee, W. Horgan (Brian Dillons).
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ALL IRELAND: Sensation as gallant Mayo topple champions to take first-ever title
by John Murphy
Mayo 0-12 - Waterford 0-8
THE LAST All-Ireland final of the millennium threw up one of the biggest sensations in championship history at Croke Park yesterday when Mayo toppled reigning champions Waterford to capture the ladies senior football title for a historic first time.
No ifs or buts about it, this was as richly a deserved victory as any Mayo footballing side has achieved down the decades. It was fashioned too by a team playing fast, fluent, open football that had the titleholders struggling virtually throughout the game.
If Waterford went into it as the firmest of odds-on favourites, Mayo were totally unaware of the script. From the very outset they displayed the kind of insatiable hunger that Waterford could never match, and long before the hour had run its course one sensed that one of the biggest championship shocks in the history of ladies football was very much on the cards.
As Mayo tore into the fray from the opening whistle Waterford looked lethargic by comparison. They could never string together the kind of football that had demolished so many championship contenders throughout a success-laden decade, and while they had possession aplenty over the hour their forwards, for once, never looked likely to breach what was a truly heroic Mayo defence.
They did come close twice in the opening half to getting what would have been crucial goals, but the Mayo defenders stood defiant in the face of the best the Deise attack could throw at them, and when they went in at the break leading by 0-5 to 0-4 having played against the stiff breeze, the writing was indelibly imprinted on the wall for the champions.
Mayo gambled by playing Maria Staunton as a third midfielder in that first half, and the move worked the proverbial treat. In what was a very crowded sector Waterford’s Martina O’Ryan and Analissa Crotty were never as dominant as might have been expected, and with the Mayo midfielders and even some of their forwards at times falling back to defend when defence was needed, the usually prolific Deise forwards were given little freedom to ply their undoubtedly talented wares. Mayo started with the injured Cora Stuanton in attack, but inside sixty seconds she was substituted by Orla Casby who proved a more than able replacement. The loss of Staunton however had little effect on Mayo with Casby roaming far and wide to win valuable possession in both halves.
The champions dominated the early sequences but couldn’t translate possession into scores, and they had to wait until the eighth minute for team captain Claire Ryan to open their account with a splendid point. When Geraldine O’Ryan, always a danger, tacked on another two minutes, later Waterford looked to be on their way.
But that was reckoning without a fired-up Mayo and when inspirational captain Diane O’Hora crashed a goalbound drive off the crossbar it was a warning shot across the champions bows. They were level by the 17th minute when another heroine of the hour, midfielder Christina Heffernan pointed a brace of frees, and the battle had now been well and truly joined.
Julieanne Torpey’s surging run upfield provided her with the lead point for Waterford again and it was added to by an equally fine score by Geraldine O’Ryan as they restored their two-point advantage. Mayo came more and more into the game however with full back Helena Lohan an inspirational figure and Heffernan and Clare Egan beginning to win more and more vital possession in the middle of the field.
The unerring accuracy of Heffernan’s freetaking brought her two further points to square things once more, and it was Mayo who retired happiest for the interval break when Sabrina Bailey’s great score gave her side a hugely psychological 0-5 to 0-4 advantage.
They began the second half like a team inspired, and four points within five minutes of the restart ultimately proved decisive in the determination of the outcome. The brilliant O’Hora landed two of them with one each from Heffernan (free) and Imelda Mullarkey who had travelled all the way upfield from her corner back berth to get on the scoreboard.
Trailing now by an intmidating five points the gauntlet had been firmly thrown down to Waterford, and to their eternal credit they responded as true champions should. Claire Ryan (free) and Geraldine O’Ryan kicked important points before teenager Niamh Barry stepped into the breach with two more that narrowed the deficit to the minimum. With eleven minutes remaining it was still all to play for, but it was Mayo who had the bit more firmly between their teeth. Again it was O’Hora who plundered a priceless point for them in the 50th minute and four minutes later her superb effort left a clear goal daylight between the sides. Waterford battled bravely in quest of an equaliser and had the Mayo defenders under intense pressure as a now gripping decider drew to its tension-charged finale.
Scorers for Mayo; C. Heffernan(0-5, frees); D. O’Horan(0-4, 0-1 free); S. Bailey, I. Mullarkey, S. Costello(0-1) each. Waterford; G. O’Ryan(0-3); C. Ryan(0-2); N. Barry(0-2); J.Torpey(0-2).
MAYO: D. Horan. N. O’Se, H. Lohan. I. Mullarkey; M. Heffernan. Y. Byrne. N. Lally; C. Egan. C. Heffernan; M. Staunton. C. Staunton. S. Costello; D. O’Hora. S. Bailey. M. O’Malley; Subs; O. Casby for C. Staunton; S. Gibbons for O’Malley.
WATERFORD; S. Hickey; T. Whyte. N. Walsh. M. Troy; O. Condon. S. O’Ryan. J. Torpey; M. O’Ryan. A. Crotty; C. Ryan. M. O’Donnell. N. Barry; A. Wall. F. Crotty. G. O’Ryan; Subs; D. Nagle for F. Crotty; P. Walsh for M. O’Ryan.
Referee; Finbarr O’Driscoll, Dublin.
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LIMERICK: Tension spoils final
by Eddie O’Hare
Ahane 0-14 - Kilmallock 2-5
NEVER mind the quality feel the tension ... that was the story behind the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship Final replay at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday where the 7,000 attendance was witness to a contest of very poor quality, marred by a series of nasty incidents which resulted in a player from each side receiving marching orders from referee, Jason O’Mahony, who had earlier flashed nine yellow cards.
When the sides met two weeks earlier there was an acceptance that the replay could only offer an improvement. Not so, if anything this last episode in this season’s championship was even worse.
Not that the blame rested with Ahane. They were the superior team by a mile and while a three points winning margin might not suggest that, truth was that substitute, Johnny Cronin, presented a false image of Kilmallock’s contribution with a last second goal. It was a day in which Kilmallock never found their form. Short in skills and a flair for the occasion, they allowed the East Limerick side to rule from start to finish and while Ahane might have felt uncomfortable with a single point lead at the end of 30 minutes, they had nothing to fear afterwards as the Kilmallock decline continued.
There was a lot of tension throughout the match which was surprising when one considers the yawning gap in standard between them. Kilmallock so dependant this season on county players, Dave Clarke and Mike Houlihan, would have surrendered much earlier but for a 10th minute goal from Brendan Hanley. Of the five points they scored four came from placed balls.
Ahane exuded confidence but their bench could not have been happy that in the opening eight minutes they shot four wides and then Turlough Herbert lost a great opportunity of adding to three earlier points when he had a penalty deflected for a 65.
In contrast their opponents had just one wide in that first half and fared only marginally better when favoured by the elements in the second period.
County player, Ollie Moran, shone like a beacon at centre back for the East Limerick side and was complimented by the tigerish Clement Smith. Kilmallock persisted in lobbing the ball into the heart of the Ahane defence where Moran and Smith were ready to mop up with little challenge presented to them. The youthful pairing of John Meskell and Sean O’Connor held firm in the centre of the park and former Limerick player, Turlough Herbert, was the star up front, snatching half a dozen points.
Unfortunately for Kilmallock they had nobody to light the torch for them and even that early goal from Brendan Hanley failed to lift their spirits.
Clarke was never happy on James Moran and Houlihan never got the type of possession in midfield to allow him to dictate the trend.
Only two of the Kilmallock front runners who started the game managed to get on the score sheet, which, in effect, reflects their contribution.
Taking advantage of the breeze Ahane were in front in just 20 seconds when Sean O’Connor carved an opening for Ollie Moran.
Moran was in the act again two minutes later when setting up Turlough Herbert and even when Herbert fluffed his penalty they refused to drop their heads.
Ollie Moran left it 0 3 to nil when he pointed from the 65, but they received a jolt when after Dave Clarke had cleared upfield Brendan Hanley scored a goal out of nothing.
With a string of wides Ahane displeased their huge support and after 23 minutes they were just three ahead again 0 7 to 1 1 and it was even closer at the break after Houlihan and Clarke had pointed from frees.
The pressure was now on the defending champions, but with out of touch Kilmallock showing little appetite for the occasion they opened a four points advantage seven minutes into the second half with Padraig Smith, James Moran and Turlough Herbert finding their range.
The South Limerick side knew it was not going to be their day when Herbert rounded Clarke and made it 0 11 to 1 3.
It was at the same stage in the drawn match when the scores were identical that Kilmallock staged their recovery. They might have seen light at the end of the tunnel when Houlihan pointed from a free but they were unable to build on that and with Ollie Moran leading by example from the back Ahane kept a firm grip on the game. Herbert, Brian Meskell and Herbert again put seven points between them with nine minutes remaining.
It was then that the exchanges became really over heated and Michael Riordan was first to be sent off following a rash challenge on Clement Smith.
Keeping their cool Ahane were in the driving seat, 0 14 to 1 5, with five minutes remaining and were content to keep their ground. In the last minute a Clarke free resulted in a goalmouth scramble and substitute John Cronin kicked the ball to the net. Within a matter of seconds Clement Smith fell foul of the referee and he too was sent off.
Scorers for Ahane: T. Herbert 0 6, O. Moran 0 3, C. Smith, J. Moran, J. Morrissey, B. Meskell and P. Smith 0 1 each.
Kilmallock: B. Hanley 1 0, J. Cronin 1 0, M. Houlihan and D. Clarke 0 2 each, M. Nelligan 0 1.
AHANE: F. McCarthy; A. Collins, K. Herbert, M. Fitzgerald; C. Smith, O. Moran, A. Smith; J. Meskell, S. O’Connor; B. Meskell, J. Moran, T. Herbert; J. Morrissey, T. Meskell, P. Smith. Sub. J. O’Grady for T. Meskell.
KILMALLOCK: T. Hennessy; D. Barry, M. Cronin, S. O’Grady; A. Maguire, D. Clarke, J. Connery; M. Houlihan, M. Riordan; J. Fitzgerald, M. Nelligan, P. Barrett; P. Tobin, B. Hanley, P. Connery. Subs. M. Lyons for J. Fitzgerald, J. Cronin for P. Barrett.
Referee: J. O’Mahony (Kildimo).
Man of the Match: Ollie Moran.
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Simon’s goals spur Birr
by Diarmuid O’Flynn
Birr 3 15 - St. Rynagh’s 1 11
TWO goals within two minutes at the start of the second half, which did much to earn the man of the match crystal for corner forward Simon Whelehan, was the story of this Offaly county senior hurling final.
A huge roar at St Brendan’s Park, Birr greeted hometown Birr captain Declan Pilkington when he raised the Sean Robbins Cup in triumph, following this fairly facile victory over old rivals St Rynagh’s of Banagher.
But it was a roar of relief from the Birr fans among the estimated 4,000 fans, as much as celebration. In truth, coming into this game, Birr appeared to be much the stronger side, both on form and on paper.
In the round robin series earlier in the year, they had recorded an easy 0 17 to 1 7 win over yesterday’s opponents; in the semi final, they had shellacked last year’s champions, the Dooley powered Seir Kierans, by 3 22 to 1 7. Thus, all the pre game pointers were towards Birr.
However, that was also the situation going into last year’s semi final, and Rynagh’s defied the odds. Consequently, there was no complacency by Birr going into this game, and the seriousness with which they approached the game showed even in pre match manoeuvres. Of the named 15 for Birr, just four started in the positions shown in the programme, with manager PJ Whelehan keeping his cards tight to his chest right up to the throw in.
Probably the most significant of those myriad changes was Simon Whelehan starting in the left corner forward position, rather than his named slot at wing-back. Inter county corner back Simon has been starring in the forwards lately, and the move took no one by surprise, except perhaps, Rynagh’s corner back Michael Rigney, given the unenviable task of stopping the on fire star.
Playing with the aid of a strong breeze, the converted corner forward was quickly on the scoreboard, racing across goal and striking a sweet point on the run, to open the scoring on three minutes.
Rynagh’s however, struck back, and a brace of pointed frees from impressive young wing forward Eunan Martin, plus a long range effort from Paudie Mulhare, had them 0 3 to 0 2 ahead by the 10th minute. That was when Simon Whelehan made his first serious incision, grabbing a long quick puck out from Birr keeper Brian Mullins, laying off to corner forward Oisin O’Neill, who was left with the simple but satisfying task of billowing the net from all of 10 unmarked yards.
That score settled Birr jitters, and with captain and full forward Declan Pilkington especially prominent, they raced into a 1 7 to 0 4 half time lead. Dicey enough, given the breeze that was in it, but with the Birr pitch holding up very well despite heavy morning showers (a decision to postpone the minor match also helped, it must be said), dry day, the weather gods at least were with the home side.
Cue the start of the second half. Seventeen seconds, a fine point from wing forward Gary Hannify, who went on to have a stormer; 49 seconds, a goal to Simon Whelehan, following a long centre from Hannify; one minute later, goal number two from Simon, following good outfield work by Liam Power, and another long ball, this time from Declan Pilkington: 3 8 to 0 4, game over.
From there to the end, Rynagh’s stuck gamely if without much conviction, to their task. Martin Hanamy moved to quell the threat of inter county colleague Simon Whelehan, and did so (also surely quelled any question that he has gone off the boil!); Hubert Rigney did his utmost at centre back; inter county stars Michael Duignan and Paudie Mulhare also showed well.
But this was now Birr’s day. Keeper Mullins, despite shipping a nasty second half head wound, was steadiness personified; Joe Errity was enjoying the physical confrontation on the edge of his square, with Gary Cahill and Brian Hennessey in complete control on his flanks.
At the heart of defence, Brian Whelehan was in command, in under the long ball, tidying up the loose change, while Donal Franks and Niall Claffey slowed progress up the wings. In the middle of the field, Barry Whelehan kept going in where it was heaviest, and Johnny Pilkington, despite uncharacteristic finishing, with four wides and no score, once again showed why he is called silky Pilky.
It was up front, though, that Birr held the aces. Despite the presence of Hanamy and Rigney, there was no holding the big trio of Hannify, Whelehan and Declan Pilkington, abetted by Oisin O’Neill and sub Daithi O’Regan, who also made his considerable presence felt.
"I learned a thing or two from Charlie Carter and Ben O’Connor all year," a delighted Simon Whelehan said afterwards, "but I prefer corner back!" Nevertheless, he looked at home in the forwards. "I did", he agreed with a laugh, "until Martin Hanamy came on me!" They will be a force, in the club championship.
Scorers: Birr: S. Whelehan 2 2; O. O’Neill 1 4 (0 3 frees); G. Hannify 0 4; D. Pilkington 0 3; C. McClone 0 1; Brian Whelehan 0 1 (free).
St Rynagh’s: E. Martin 0 4 (0 2 frees); P. Mulhare 0 2; G. O’Connor 1 0; F. Dolan 0 2; E. Mulhare 0 1; M. Duignan 0 1; H. Rigney 0 1.
BIRR: B. Mullins; G. Cahill, J. Errity, B. Hennessey; D. Franks, Brian Whelehan, N. Claffey; Barry Whelehan, J. Pilkington; L. Power, C. McClone, G. Hannify; O. O’Neill, D. Pilkington, S. Whelehan. Subs: D. O’Regan for McClone, 51; K. Spillane for Hannify, 60; P. Murphy for Power, 60.
ST RYNAGH’S: D. Hughes; M. Rigney, S. Rigney, M. Hanamy; S. Horan, H. Rigney, L. Egan; P. Mulhare, D. Kelly; E. Martin, M. Duignan, E. Mulhare; G. O’Connor, K. McGee, F. Dolan. Subs: K. Flannery for McGee, 30; C. Keane for S. Rigney, 35; A. Kelly for Horan, 40.
Referee: M. Kirwan (Ballyskenagh).
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©The Examiner, 1999