Relieved Dromtariffe stave off Knock to reach final

Dromtariffe 1-13 Knocknagree 2-8

DROMTARIFFE held their nerve in a tight finish to better Knocknagree in a cracking Ducon Cup (JAFL) semi-final in Cullen.

From one of those evenly balanced battles that could had gone either way yet the tenacity and work ethic of Dromtariffe carried the day. Throughout the hour, the battling traits of both sides surfaced to a contest that held quality and excitement in abundance.

One can’t fault Knocknagree for effort nor application and they made Dromtariffe work hard for success. And Knocknagree might well had edged matters only to fail to convert gilt edged chances, Dromtariffe thankful to custodian Dan Mann on producing a splendid save that proved a key moment to a close contest.

The sides were locked together early on, Knocknagree points to Johnny O’Keeffe and Shane O’Connor matched by Shane Collins and Daniel O’Keeffe. From a close battle, Knocknagree were determined to harness the benefits of telling play from Mike Mahoney, Padraig Collins and James Dennehy.

After passing up a number of opportunities, Dennehy initiated an attack for Glenn Vaughan to net. However Dromtariffe were up for a battle, points to Daniel O’Keeffe and Collins squared up matters 1-6 to 0-9 at the break.

A good game got better on the turnover, a terrific burst for Knocknagree saw centre back Daniel O’Mahony pounce for a goal. Dromtariffe played their way back into contention, a foul on Evan Murphy won a penalty for Collins to convert.

Growing in confidence, Dromtariffe shaded the possession stakes through the confident play of Conor Cremin, Eanna Mernagh, Conor O’Callaghan and Seamus O’Sullivan. The momentum was now with Dromtariffe on points to Collins, Evan Murphy and O’Keeffe.

A setback for Dromtariffe saw a red card picked up by substitute Cillian O’Sullivan as Knocknagree dug their heels in an effort to claw themselves back into the tussle. And Knocknagree might well had goaled, Dromtariffe ‘keeper Mann pulled off a wonder save from Denis O’Connor.

Indeed Dromtariffe were hard pressed to deal with Knocknagree’s pace upfront, O’Connor pointed a free to cut the deficit to just two. Time remained for Knocknagree to complete the revival only for Dromtariffe to see the task through to a successful conclusion.

DROMTARIFFE: D Mann; D Dennehy, C Cremin, C O’Mahony; E Mernagh, J Murphy, B O’Keeffe; A Buckle, S O’Sullivan; D O’Donoughue, E Murphy 0-4, J Buckley; C O’Callaghan, S Collins 1-4 (1-0p, 0-3f), D O’Keeffe 0-4 (2f). Subs: K O’Sullivan 0-1 for J Murphy, T Howard for C O’Mahony.

KNOCKNAGREE: D Leader; G Looney, S Daly, A Sheehan; M Mahoney, D O’Mahony, G Vaughan; D O’Connor, P Collins; T Long, J Dennehy, S O’Connor; D Murphy, D O’Connor, J O’Keeffe. Subs: D Twomey for T Long, S Twomey for D Murphy.

REFEREE: D O’Leary (Kiskeam)