Charleville U-21s see off ’Town for place in semi-final

for Darren Butler to finish to the net. At the other end the brilliant Charleville keeper Jessie Smith who made some superb saves came to his teams rescue when he denied Sean O’Sullivan at the end of first quarter at the expense of a ‘45’ that Cathal O’Mahony converted.

The rest of the half saw both teams enjoy their moments. Mitchelstown created most of the running but at times their final pass into their inside forward line often went astray. Brian White had a pointed free for ‘Town’ with the outstanding James Kennedy replying for Charleville when he kicked a great point from out near the sideline. Kennedy added another point soon after he gained possession following a poor Mitchelstown clearance. Mitchelstown continued to look very threatening but scores were hard to come by. Dylan ReidyPrice had a point in the 22nd minute.

The next three scores went Charleville’s way with Cathal O’Carroll (2) and Darren Butler having points before the half time whistle to lead 1-6 to 0-4 at the interval.

On the changeover Mitchelstown came out a much improved side with Mark Keane, Cathal O’Mahony, Sean O’Sullivan, Dylan Reidy-Price and Sean Walsh driving their side forward. Cathal O’Mahony had an early point before a delivery by Aidan Donegan found Sean Walsh who set up Dylan Reidy-Price who kicked over from a tight angle. In their next attack ‘Town were denied another goal scoring chance when Sean Walsh’s attempt at goal struck the crossbar and went over for a point.

Further pressure saw Cathal O’Mahony and Brian White with points help get them back on parity at 1-6 to 0-9 as the game entered the last quarter. At this stage it was felt that Mitchelstown would push on. However Charleville had other ideas with Finbarr Cagney, Jack Barry, Cathal O’Carroll, James Kennedy, Darragh Fitzgibbon, Darren Butler and keeper Jessie Smith playing leading roles throughout the game. Over the next couple of minutes Darragh Fitzgibbon set up Darren Butler for two rapid points that once again put a bit of breathing space between the teams 1-7 to 0-9.

At the other end another great save by Charleville keeper Jessie Smith denied the inrushing Sean O’Sullivan. Charleville moved three clear when Finbarr Cagney and James Kennedy combined well to set up Jack Barry for a great point 1-9 to 0-9.

Mitchelstown refused to give in. The hardworking Mark Keane set up Dylan Reidy-Price for a point in the 50th minute. James Kennedy and Cathal O’Mahony traded a point before ‘Town’ had the lead down to a point in the 55th minute when Sean O’Sullivan soloed through the heart of the Charleville defence to find Sean Walsh. Walsh’s shot at goal was once again saved by the Charleville netminder at the expense of a point 1-10 to 0-12. Extra time now seemed likely as Mitchelstown went all out to secure the equalising score.

However Charleville moved two clear when a quickly taken free by Cathal O’Carroll found James Kennedy who kicked over a point. Mitchelstown now needed a goal to keep their season alive. In injury time a long range effort by Sean Walsh came back off the crossbar with the rebound falling to Walsh who pointed 1-11 to 0-13. This was soon followed by the final whistle with Charleville holding out for a close but deserved win.