Duhallow go again in epic semi-final
COUNTY SFC SEMI-FINAL (second replay)
Duhallow v Castlehaven Saturday, October 20 Pairc Ui Rinn, 7.30pm
MORE than 140 minutes of endeavour has failed to separate the pair in two compelling duels.
Duhallow and Castlehaven have taken their rivalry through all phases of excellence and intensity. Following two stalemate outings to date, both camps have experienced senses of both regret and relief yet the two outfits see plenty of encouragement for the second replay.
In truth, Duhallow should had won the opening drawn contest and Castlehaven will be frustrated at not holding out last weekend in Pairc Uí Rinn.
That replay wound its way through 80 fascinating minutes where fortunes fluctuated wildly before settling for another night to determine who plays St Finbarrs in the decider.
From a draining contest, the battling traits of both teams surfaced to a showdown that held quality and excitement. Yes both sides coughed up scoring opportunities, Castlehaven enjoyed a profitable spell after half time, Michaael Hurley hit overdrive, his goal straight from the restart, altered the game in favour of the Haven.
But in a complete reversal from the previous week, there was always to be a twist in the tail, Duhallow refused to back down, goals from Daire Moynihan and Anthony O’Connor helped enormously to force stalemate.
Shades of a previous generation spring to mind between Duhallow and Castlehaven, dating back to 1989, a dramatic draw in Macroom before Castlehaven won a replay and progressed to land a championship title. Not to be outdone, Duhallow recovered to claim back-to-back honours in 1990/1991 in a terrific era for Cork football.
After two invigorating contests that ended in stalemate, both Castlehaven and Duhallow have given this championship a shot in the arm it required. The pair must do it all over again, as can be seen, Castlehaven are capable of turning up the power when the occasion demands yet Duhallow are bringing impetus with every passing game.
From two gruelling engagements, its all about recovery this week, the big question is who can learn most from the previous encounters. One team will be required to raise their game above the other to secure a ticket in the company of St Finbarrs into next week’s decider.
Again Duhallow go in as outsiders, it’s a rating they will relish the opportunity, a mixture of talent and desire can get them over the finishing line by a narrow margin.
Verdict: Duhallow