Stronger Ballyclough prevail against Fermoy to claim JAFC title
25th minute. Fermoy defence held firm as Ballyclough came close to a goal when Teddy O’Shea was put through. Good play by O’Shea and Colm O’Neill led to another Damian Buckley point.
Fermoy had their second score in the 30th minute when James Campion was fouled. Keeper Jason Condon pointed the free. Ballyclough came close to a goal in injury time when Mark Heffernan, Paul O’Flynn and Teddy O’Shea worked well with O’Shea taking the return pass but being denied by a very good save on the Fermoy goal line with the rebound going out for a ‘45’. Teddy O’Shea pointed the ‘45’ that had his side 0-9 to 0-2 clear at the break.
The lead did not seem enough as Fermoy had the aid of the wind on the changeover. Ballyclough defended very well with all six backs very solid under pressure. Colm O’Neill pointed a free and Fermoy keeper Jason Condon made a great save from Paul O’Flynn. Teddy O’Shea made it 0-11 to 0-2. Eoin Lacey pointed for Fermoy but this was quickly cancelled out when Teddy O’Shea added another pointed free 0-12 to 0-3. In the 43rd minute Arlene Aherne pointed a Fermoy free and James Campion gave some hope when he followed with a very good point.
Ballyclough then hit for their first goal. A great clearance out of defence by Barry McDermott and Peter Carroll was collected by Jack O’Mahony who placed the inrushing Damian Buckley who goaled. In the 50th minute Colm O’Neill finished off a four man attack with a good point. Daniel O’Flynn pointed for Fermoy with Arlene Aherne adding another free. Good play Ian Brennan led to a Rory McEvoy point as Fermoy made a rally. Ballyclough had two points by Teddy O’Shea from play and a free as they moved 1-15 to 0-8 ahead.
Fermoy had a goal by David Conran when his long delivery deceived the Ballyclough keeper and suddenly their was only five between them 1-13 to 1-8. Ballyclough added two more points before a penalty was awarded for a foul on Damian Buckley. Colm O’Neill goaled from the penalty and the final whistle followed.
After the game Barry Aherne Chairman North Cork Board presented the cup to the winning captain Eoin Crowley. Damian Buckley was deservedly named ‘man of the match’.