Goals pave way for

COUNTY SFC SEMI-FINAL SECOND REPLAY

Duhallow 3-13 Castlehaven 0-16

DUHALLOW’S ability to net goals at crucial stages proved a deciding factor on overcoming Castlehaven to determine the outcome of their three game saga in the County SFC semi-final second replay at Pairc Uí Rinn on Saturday night.

At the end of a marvellous trilogy that caught the imagination, ultimately the case of a superior Duhallow force brought enough of its collective power to bear on opponents who weren’t able to win enough of individual battles to create an impact. Lacking the twists and turns of a rip roaring drawn contest six days previously, still both sides battled might and main in their search for a place in the show-piece decider.

No surprise that as the game aged, both sides tired yet Duhallow stood up when required, their quality of tackling really stood out, crisp, consistent and effective as heavy pressure on the man in possession was applied. By the end of the hour and a draining saga, Duhallow appeared that bit sharper to emerge worthy winners.

Indeed Duhallow dominated the latest instalment of a marathon session from the front, leading from a fourth minute goal, duplicated scores either side of the interval allowed the divisional side make a statement of intent.

Of course, there would be no straight forward run, Castlehaven renowned for their ferocious endeavour saw them attempt to remain in the hunt right down the home strait but all to no avail.

Castlehaven had pressed early without a return, that allowed Duhallow set the tone to establish a foothold, helped from a sweet Jerry O’Connor point. If a good start is half the battle, then Duhallow couldn’t had asked for a better one, the ‘Haven defence flat-footed, Seamus Hickey loaded off to Donncha O’Connor, only to be bundled over to secure a penalty.

Partly shaken, the Ballydesmond man showed no ill effects to blast the ball to the roof of the net. Castlehaven got into their stride, benefiting from Mark Collins and Damien Cahalane points.

Still Duhallow remained strong and composed, Bart Daly, Kealan Buckley and the McLoughlin brothers settled in defence, Paul and Aidan Walsh held an influence at midfield with the O’Connors, Donncha and Jerry along with Hickey always comfortable in attack.

Pressing forward, Duhallow continued to create openings, plenty of volunteers to ensure the umpires kept busy, points chalked up by Paul Walsh, Michael Vaughan, Eoghan McSweeney and Fintan O’Connor. Against the run of play, the ‘Haven drifted into the contest with points by Collins and Michael Hurley.

Duhallow’s prospects dimmed somewhat, a black card picked up by Kevin Crowley following a foul on Hurley. However, the Duhallow defence remained tightly aligned, Lorcan O’Neill and Lorcan McLoughlin growing into the game.

On the opposite side, Castlehaven remained nervy, introducing David McCarthy, as substitute, a key operator in previous outings, not helped on this occasion on having to play rugby with Garryowen in the All Ireland League