Rockies see off Adrigole after a real battle

devastated to lose. Showing a marked improvement from disappointing showings during the two previous campaigns, they can only reflect on a brave showing that just faltered during the closing stages.

Importantly, Rockchapel led late when it mattered, the Duhallow side deserved their success if only for the manner in which they refused to be ruffled after Adrigole threatened to hold the initiative.

Having erased a three point deficit at the interval, Rockchapel’s class kicked in during the key defining stages to secure a narrow win and set up a Round 2A meeting against neighbours Kanturk whilst it’s a clash against Mitchelstown for Adrigole to determine who stays in the championship race.

At the outset, Adrigole looked the sharper and cohesive side with David Harrington and Kevin Goggin on target. Soon Rockchapel managed to find their footing and got on the scoreboard courtesy of Seamus Hickey and John Forrest.

Still Adrigole were shaping up the better of the two sides, the work-rate of Paul Greene, Jason Goggin, Jason and David Harrington hugely significant. The latter kicked points as did defender Kieran O’Sullivan-Greene.

Plenty of incident coming up to the interval, some frantic exchanges and near misses from two committed sides. Adrigole saw Kevin Goggin blast wide after a defence splitting move before dangerman Harrington saw an effort come the post.

At the opposite end, Rockchapel attacked on the break, Daniel Curtin denied a certain goal by a terrific save from Adrigole ‘keeper William O’Sullivan that allowed Adrigole hold a 0-7 to 0-4 grip at the break.

To their credit, the Rockchapel response was typical on the restart, lifting their game considerably. In defence Eamon and Daniel O’Callaghan tightened the defensive bolts with Curtin and Hickey prominent.

Going forward, points from Jason O’Callaghan, Forrest and Collins cut the leeway 0-10 to 0-9.

A setback for Rockchapel saw a lengthy stoppage and the exit of Eamon O’Callaghan to an injury.

A nip and tuck affair continued, Collins punched over and a marvellous break saw Hickey split the posts for a rousing point to nudge Rockchapel ahead.

Adrigiole kept battling and a sweeping move downfield saw O’Sullivan Greene tie up the game.

Both sides contributed in equal measures to a nail-biting finish with five minutes of injury time added.

Rockchapel refused to panic and Collins pulled the fat from the fire on converting a pointed free.

Hard though as though Adrigole attempted for a reprieve and take the game into extra time, the closing stages were all about Rockchapel’s character and a last ditch Collins point sealed the destination of the spoils.