Fethard clear big hurdle in London
Triumphant trip to London as 14 men make semi-final
FETHARD 0-18 BROTHERS PEARSE 2-9
WEXFORD AND Leinster champions Fethard survived a late Brothers Pearse resurgence to book their spot in the semi-finals of the AIB All-Ireland Club Junior hurling championship as they won by 0-18 to 2-9 in McGovern Park, Ruislip, on Saturday.
Despite the visitors being in control for most of the game, it was the Londoners who went ahead first courtesy of Eoin Shiels.
But the St. Mogue’s hit back with two successive points, the first through reliable free-taker Mark Wallace before Graham O’Grady doubled their score.
It became apparent early on that the pitch would play a part throughout the game, with players slipping constantly. It didn’t affect Fethard’s momentum they had built up after grabbing their first two of the afternoon as they added a third point through the prolific Mikie Dwyer who had an outstanding hour.
Fethard were unlucky not to make the pressure on the Brothers Pearse back line pay off even more. They had a golden chance to grab the first goal when Wallace played in Dwyer who drove a shot low towards the posts, but Paul Egan pulled off a fine save to keep the ball out.
Fethard, unfazed by that missed opportunity, quickly added another two points to their total thanks to O’Grady and Wallace (free) as the Wexford side began to dominate.
Brothers Pearse, who seemed slow to react from the flurry of St. Mogue’s points, narrowed the deficit to two as Conor Kennedy and Tony Clarke brought the exiles back into the game.
Despite the Pearses’ strong response, it didn’t upset the rhythm of the Fethard men, especially in the forward line as they remained calm and composed.
Mark Wallace continued to trouble the Brothers Pearse defence, as he wriggled through and was bearing down on goal before earning a free.
Wallace dispatched a placed ball won by Mikie Dwyer between the posts while Garrett Foley pushed the visitors’ lead back out to four.
Fethard were still pestering Pearses goal and rattled the frame of the goal with a shot before Brothers Pearse were denied a goal at the other end.
The home side’s tails went up after their goal chance and they hit a hat-trick of unanswered points, starting with Kevin Reid who then brought it back to a one-point game with a fine free on the stroke of half-time as the sides went in at the break with Fethard just ahead at 0-7 to 0-6.
The second-half started with Fethard looking to kill any hope of a Brothers Pearse comeback, but it looked like they were dealt a severe blow when full-forward Graham O’Grady was shown a straight red card four minutes after the re-start.
Despite that setback, they grabbed their first three scores of the new period, with Wallace hitting two more frees over the bar while Mikie Dwyer and Garrett Foley excelled with their shooting from play.
Philip Hogan got Brothers Pearse’s second-half account up and running, but Fethard matched the Londoners point for point as they maintained their lead.
In the final 15 minutes the battle-hardened New Ross District men really showed their dominance as, while Brothers Pearses were hitting wides their rivals were posting vital scores.
Wallace, who was carrying on his form from the Leinster final, was putting on a fine display, and Fethard’s attackers were allowed the all the space they could possibly want as they scored four unanswered points.
That included three more from Wallace frees as the difference between the sides was extended to eight points.
With the game going into the dying minute, Brothers Pearse finally got the better of the strong Fethard back line when Reid grabbed their first goal from a long-range free.
St. Mogue’s restored their fourpoint lead straight after the goal and, while Hogan grabbed a second major for Brothers Pearse but it was only a consolation as the locals bowed out.
As for Fethard, the 200-strong contingent from the parish who made the journey across the water swarmed onto the pitch afterwards to celebrate in a joyous repeat of the scenes in Innovate Wexford Park after their Leinster championship final victory over John Lockes from Kilkenny.
Their next opponents will be Sylane from north Galway, with the game due to take place on Saturday, January 20, at a neutral venue, with Tullamore and Portlaoise distinct possibilities.
It’s going to be an extra-special festive period for Fethard as they will be keeping sharp for this next big challenge, with a dream All-Ireland final appearance in Croke Park the fantastic prize awaiting the winners.
Fethard: Seán Foley; Martin Power, Rúairí Tubrid, Daniel Mullan; Joe Sutton, Kevin Rowe, Richie Waters; Garrett Foley (capt., 0-3), John Tubritt; Eddie Power, Mark Wallace (0-7 frees), Daire Barden (0-2); Ciarán Dwyer, Graham O’Grady (0-2), Mikie Dwyer (0-6). Subs. - Brian O’Donoghue for E. Power, Darren Foley for C. Dwyer.
Brothers Pearse: Paul Egan; Joe Bermingham, Pádraig Muldoon, Barry Smith; Declan Sexton, Kevin Reid (capt., 1-2, 1-1 frees, 0-1 ‘65), Niall Murphy; Stephen Frawley, Eoin Shiels (0-1); Jake Greaney, Philip Hogan (11); Stephen Page; Danny Connolly, Conor Kennedy (0-1), Tony Clarke (0-4, 1 free). Sub. - Jason Joyce for Greaney.
Referee: Shane Hynes (Galway).