Charleville impress in semi-final

Charleville 3-14 Mallow 1-9

CHARLEVILLE advanced to the Cavanagh’s Fermoy Div 1 FL final when goals at vital stages helped them overcome Mallow in the semi final at Buttevant on Wednesday evening last.

The opening stages saw Mallow who registered some great results so far in this campaign start in a very determined manner with Eoin Carroll (2) and Michael Quirke with minors moving them 0-3 to 0-1 in front by the sixth minute.

As the half went on Charleville with a good blend of youth and experience upped their efforts greatly. Danny Flynn and Alan Dennehy did very well at midfield with Jack Callaghan impressing in the full forward line.

In the 12th minute Alan Dennehy set up the inrushing Kevin O’Connor for the games opening goal and they never really looked back from here. Danny Flynn and Jack Callaghan with a point each had them 1-4 to 0-3 in front at the end of the first quarter.

At the other end Mallow came close to a goal when an attempt at goal went narrowly wide. Michael O’Rourke had a point in the 25th minute but it was Charleville that got some crucial scores before the half time whistle.

James Kennedy and Jack Callaghan tagged on a point apiece before they struck for a second goal at the end of normal time when Danny Flynn was brought down in the square and a penalty awarded that Mark Kavanagh expertly dispatched to the net and in the process help his side to a 2-6 to 0-4 lead at the break.

On the changeover any hope of a serious second half onslaught by Mallow was quickly dashed with the winners striking for a third goal in the 35th minute when Jack Callaghan netted following great work by Alan Dennehy to move 3-8 to 0-5 clear.

Mallow to their credit battled away with Jack Dillon and Peter Attridge having points in quick succession. In the 40th minute they were given a lifeline when awarded a penalty.

The spot kick by Michael O’Rourke was brilliantly saved by the Charleville keeper Jessie Smith with Smith also making a great save from the rebound by Peter Attridge. Mallow continued to create their fair share of chances and in the 54th minute Michael O’Rourke scored their goal.

However, it was too little too late with Charleville running out convincing winners with Conor Buckley (3) Cathal O’Carroll, Jack Callaghan and Jack Doyle adding points before the end as they progress to a final meeting with Buttevant. CHARLEVILLE: Jessie Smith, Michael O’Flynn, Brian O’Connell, Jack Meade, James Kennedy 0-1, Finbarr Cagney, Jack Doyle 0-1, Danny Flynn 0-1, Alan Dennehy, Mark Kavanagh 1-2 (1-0 pen, 0-1f), Kevin O’Connor 1-0, Cathal O’Carroll 0-1, Jack Callaghan 1-5 (0-2f), Conor Buckley 0-3, Denis O’Sullivan Subs: Sean Buckley for Denis O’Sullivan, Tim Hawe for Cathal O’Carroll, Jack Barry for Danny Flynn, Tim Keane for Kevin O’Connor

MALLOW: J Murphy, S Merritt, J McGuinness, J Hadden, S O’Callaghan, R Willis, A Cashman, M Quirke 0-1, T Carroll. C Stokes, K McCarthy, J Dillon 0-1, E Carroll 0-2, M Kenny, M O’Rourke 1-2 (0-1f) Subs: P Attridge 0-3 (0-2f) for E Carroll (inj) A Hogan for M Kenny, E Khanyile for S O’Callaghan, A Slattery for T Carroll, S Kelly for A Cahill (inj)

REFEREE: Dave O’Farrell (Mitchelstown)