CHAMPAGNE CUALA
Dublin men book place in showpiece after a stroll in park victory
BRIAN FITZGERALD smashed an added-time goal, but Cuala had long secured their spot in the All-ireland club final after a comprehensive win at Semple Stadium.
With their defence in a mean mood, Cuala worked plenty of scoring chances at the other end as Con O’callaghan and David Treacy kept them well clear of the Galway champions.
With Sean Moran, Oisin Gough and Cian O’callaghan solid at the back, Mellows had to be satisfied with Morrisey’s frees to keep them in touch, although former Galway inter-county player Aonghus Callanan weighed in with two points as they were forced to chase the game.
At the opposite end, Mellows tried their best to quench the influence of the Cuala forwards. Michael Conneely was handed the job of marking Con O’callaghan, while former Galway captain David Collins swept in front of the duo. Despite the insurance cover, Mellows could not keep the youngster quiet and he hit a key four points from open play.
After a tight start Cuala took over when O’callaghan hit two points in the space of a minute and then drew a foul from Conneely, for another score.
That point put Cuala 0-6 to 0-2 ahead, but Morrissey showed his talent from frees, and three from around halfway and a super point from Conor Kavanagh on the sideline kept the Galway champions in touch.
Mellows had beaten Gort to claim their fist county title in 47 years and were keen for a first All-ireland final appearance, but Colum Sheanon and Nicky Kenny weighed in with scores for Cuala before halftime, which meant the Galway men trailed 0-8 to 0-6 at the break. After the restart Cuala tightened their grip though. Darragh O’connell hit a point when a goal looked on straight from the restart, while three Treacy frees and an O’callaghan point opened out a seven-point lead for the Leinster champions.
Morrissey briefly stemmed the tide with a couple of frees and Aonghus Callanan also found the target, but Treacy continually punished Mellows’ ill-discipline to keep the advantage.
A super save from Kenneth Walsh denied Mark Schutte from an acute angle with 12 minutes to go as Mellows tried in vain to stay in with a chance, but Treacy landed a good score from play, which was repeated by sub Niall Carty to ease the pressure.
And at the death Carty sent Fitzgerald (inset) in for the goal, which was harsh on Mellows, who were hit on the counter attack as they sought the miracle at the other end.