Roche Emmets bounce back in fine style

1-14 0-9

ROCHE Emmets will take on Namomh Fionnbarra in the Division 2/3 Play-off Final after a comprehensive victory over St Kevin’s in Páirc de Róiste on Friday evening.

Roche were coming into the game just a week after their disappointing championship exit at the hands of Glen Emmets, while the Kevin’s were in buoyant mood following their championship win over Dowdallshill.

The home side played with a very strong wind at their backs in the opening half and they took full advantage early on as Kevin Callan, Conor Carthy and Liam Carthy scored points early on.

Kevin’s were really struggling in the conditions and failed to hit the target with their opening five efforts at goal.

They would go on to score a solitary point in the opening half as Roche stretched further clear thanks to scores from Cathal Byrne, Kevin Quigley and Conor Carthy.

Kevin Callan’s third point of the first period sent Roche in at the break with a useful-looking 0-9 to 0-1 lead.

The Kevin’s were much better in the second half with the wind now behind them and they rattled off three scores in succession to give their supporters some hope. A Seanie Crosbie score mid-way through the second half left five points in it as Roche now struggled in the conditions.

However, with 15 minutes remaining Evin Quigley settled any Roche nerves with a well-taken goal to end any thoughts of a Kevin’s comeback.

Both sides traded points late on, but Roche had enough in reserve to see out an ultimately comfortable victory.

Thoughts now turn to the playoff final against Naomh Fionnbarra for Roche where they will be looking to gain some revenge for last season’s crushing Junior Championship Final defeat at the hands of the same opponents.