Shandrum minors see off the Barrs to reach county final

Shandrum 3-18 St. Finbarr’s 2-15

SHANDRUM the Newtown-Dromina amalgamation had 6 points to spare over St Finbarr’s in the Rebel Og County Premier MHC (2) semi-final at Mourneabbey last Thursday.

This was a very well contested game with the winners centre forward Conor Griffin in outstanding form. Griffin opened the scoring with a goal in the first minute and followed with two points one from a free. Barr’s had their opening score in the sixth minute when Jack Cahalane pointed a free.

The same player followed with another soon after. Conor Griffin, Alan O’Leary and Luke Morrissey added points for the winners who moved 1-6 to 0-3 clear after 13 minutes. At the end of the first quarter Craig O’Sullivan goaled for the Barr’s from long range.

Both sides swapped points with St Finbarr’s having their second goal in the 23rd minute when Jack Cahalane worked well for Brian Hayes who netted 1-8 to 2-4. Jack Twomey followed with a great point for the Avondhu side. Both sides continued to exchange points with Shandrum ahead at the break 1-13 to 2- 8.

On the resumption good play by Conor Shanahan led to a well taken Luke Morrissey point. Shandrum goalkeeper Eoin Finn saved well from Jack Cahalane with a ‘65 being conceded that Ethan Twomey pointed. Conor Griffin and Wayne Flood exchanged a point as Shandrum led 1-15 to 2- 10.

Conor Griffin added another pointed free with Barr’s replying by Jack O’Kelly. By the end of the third quarter Shandrum held a 1-18 to 2-13 lead. Conor Griffin had a goal that opened up a five point lead. Barr’s got back within 3 points by the 25th minute 2-18 to 2-15.

Shandrum sealed their place in the final with a 59th minute goal by Conor Griffin.

They will face Bride Rovers in the county final listed for this weekend. SHANDRUM: Eoin Finn, Ben Pulis, Kieran O’Sullivan, Paul O’Sullivan, Cathal Bowles, Cormac O’Brien 0-1f, Sean McCarthy, Conor Shanahan, Jack Twomey 0-1, Luke Morrissey 0-2, Conor Griffin 3-12 (1-11f), Josh O’Riordan, Ronan Geary 0-1, Alan O’Leary 0-1, Paul Drinan. Subs: Cian O’Mahony for Sean McCarthy, Cameron O’Flynn for Jack O’Riordan, Muiris O’Keeffe for Alan O’Leary.

ST. FINBARR’S: Jack McCarthy, Kenny Lynch, Michael Aherne, Cormac Hallahan, Jamie Linehan 0-3, Jack Ryan, Cathal Crowley, Craig O’Sullivan 1-0, Wayne Flood 0-1, Luke Hannigan, Jack Cahalane 0-4f, Sam Cunningham 0-2, Jack O’Kelly 0-1, Brian Hayes 1-1, Ethan Twomey 0-3 (1 ‘65’). Sub: Donncha Calnan for Cormac Hallahan.

REFEREE: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll)