Shanballymore edge out Grange to reach final

Shanballymore 1-7 Grange 0-8

SHANBALLYMORE and Grange renewed rivalry in the Cavanagh’s Fermoy Div 2 FL semi final at Mitchelstown on Tuesday where Shanballymore helped by a Darragh Palmer goal ten minutes from the end of normal time proved the decisive score when they emerged victors by a two point margin. In a strange game Shanballymore looked to be out of sight of their opponents during the early stages.

They gained total control in the half backline and midfield sectors that ensured their forwards were in constant supply with Kenneth Barry (2), Darragh Palmer, Alan Sheedy and Paul Burke having points that raced them into a 0-5 to no score lead by the eight minute. Despite enjoying most of the possession at this juncture Shanballymore were unable to stretch their advantage any further when accounting for some bad wides. Instead Grange gradually began to make headway. They registered their first score through wing back Darren Roche in the 11th minute.

The next 14 minutes saw both sets of defences hold the upperhand before Grange closed the deficit to three points in the 25th minute when Brian Cashman and John Carmody linked up well to set up Colin Scott for a fine point. Just before the half time whistle Shanballymore completed the first half scoring courtesy of Sean Lynch as they held a 0-6 to 0-2 lead cushion.

On the changeover Grange came out a much improved side. Noel Barry had three frees and they also missed a goal scoring chance when the hardworking John Carmody was denied by the Shanballymore keeper Stephen Donegan, In an entertaining half Grange continued to push forward.

Devon Roche and Brian Cashman combined well for Dave Keating to kick over a point before Noel Barry with another free in the 49th minute levelled matters at 0-7 each. Shanballymore who were reduced to 14 players at this stage responded immediately.

A sideline by Eoin McHugh found Kenneth Barry who in turn released Darragh Palmer to score a great goal. With a place in the final at stake Grange regrouped well but in attack they found scores hard to come by. John Carmody had a point in the 57th minute that reduced the margin to two points but time was not on their side with Shanballymore holding on for a place in the final. SHANBALLYMORE: S Donegan, R Burke, B Sheedy, C McCarthy, C O’Reilly, E McHugh, E O’Regan, R McHugh, S Lynch 0-1 J Sheedy, B O’Reilly, D Palmer 1-1, P Burke 0-1, A Sheedy 0-2, K Barry 0-2. Sub: D Roche for P Burke.

GRANGE: N Cashman, J Roche, M Hennessy, B Cashman, Darren Roche 0-1, N Barry 0-4f. T Hynes, P Stapleton, B Garry, C Scott 0-1, J Carmody 0-1, C O’Halloran, N McCarthy, A McNamara, D Keating 0-1. Subs: S Leane for A McNamara (b/c) Devon Roche for S Leane, A O’Connor for N McCarthy.