Duhallow’s long road to final
Duhallow 2-17 Seandún 1-3
DUHALLOW breezed past Seandún in the opening round. The city division got off to a great start with a goal from Gerry Kelleher inside four minutes. That early optimism wasn’t to last too long as Duhallow settled down to the task, scoring six of the next seven points to lead by two, before Paul Walsh dealt a positive blow in raising Duhallow’s first green flag.
Duhallow continued to press and opened up a nine point gap by the interval (1-10 to 1-1). And the outcome was done and dusted by the 45th minute as Duhallow extended their lead to 13 points before Seamus Hickey landed the second goal.
Duhallow 0-19 UCC 1-10
FOR the best part, Duhallow emerged the more probable winners because of the manner in which they controlled possession to deliver a workmanlike performance.
Apart from a brief spell, the victors had matters pretty much their own way all through.
For a spell, the students, parading five Cork players, posed questions to square the game. Duhallow reacted accordingly, their response swift and decisive with Donncha O’Connor, Seamus Hickey and Eoghan McSweeney obliging to gain a hold of the proceedings yet enjoying a 0-9 to 0-4 grip at the break.
All through the second half Duhallow’s workrate remained impressive, the outstanding Hickey again on target as was Kevin Crowley and O’Connor to hold a 0-17 to 0-6 grip.
The College boys refused to give in, howeer, and the Duhallow defence was caught napping late on with the concession of a late goal.
Duhallow 1-12 St. Nicks 0-8
DUHALLOW were forced to pull out all the stops to see off a stubborn St Nicks in Round 3 at a damp Macroom.
However, no one could seriously argue the merits of Duhallow’s triumph. Gven a lengthy lay-off, the manner of victory didn’t trouble the men from the North West barony after more than five months since their previous competitive game.
Still, Duhallow were up for the