St Marys top the group as Ardfert finish bottom of the pile

COUNTY IFC GROUP 2 ROUND 2 John Mitchels 1-14 St Marys 2-12

A HARD-fought victory over John Mitchels in Ballyseedy last Sunday has seen St Marys top the group and seal a place in the semi-finals.

It’s a bitter pill for the home side to swallow as they’ll feel they had every chance of winning this game – they lost out by the bare minimum.

Mitchels started well with points from play from Alan O’Donoghue and Lawrence Bastible and continued to dominate the first quarter with further Alan O’Donoghue and Niall Sheehy points from play.

In contrast, St Marys scored one point from a free from Daniel Daly. Mitchels’ domination continued with a converted free from James Duggan and a point from play from Shane O’Connor. St Marys hit a purple patch in the last five minutes, with points from play from Bryan Sheehan and Daniel Daly and an all important goal from Sean Cournane – 0-7 to 1-3 in favour of the hosts at half-time.

The lead swung back and forth between both teams in the third quarter, leaving the scoreline: John Mitchels 0-11, St Marys 1-7.

It was still very much in the balance coming into the final stage. St Marys led by two and a James Duggan point from play put the minimum between the teams again. In the 28th minute, a Ronan O’Shea goal put St Marys ahead by four points. Mitchels rose their game again with a Bryan Costello goal, putting the minimum again between the teams.

Alas one last Mitchels effort to level it came to nought.

Ardfert 1 -9 Dromid Pearses 1-11

HEARBREAK on home soil for Ardfert as defeat condemned them to the bottom spot in the group, regardless of how they fare against St Marys in Cahersiveen next weekend.

The visitors to Ardfert scored 1-1 in the first seven minutes. Dilan Ó Donnchu scored the point and Kealan Ó Faircheallaigh scored the goal.

Ardfert, however, pushed on and scored a fortuitous goal when John Egan passed to Mike Moloney. Bobby O’Regan added two points, one from a free. Dromid, scored through Dilan Ó Donnchu, despite one umpire waving it wide.

Ardfert hit a purple patch midway through the half and scored five points. Bobby O’Regan scored four, two frees while Damien Wallace got the fifth from play. This put Ardfert four points ahead. Ardfert, however, relaxed and left Dromid back into the game.

Two superb points, one from a 45 and another from a free, scored by Christoir Ó Faircheallaigh and Niall Ó Sé left just two points between the sides at half time. Half time score Ardfert 1-7 Dromid 1-5.

Ardfert were three points to the good following a Damien Wallace free. Dilan Ó Donnchu and Shane Griffin exchanged points. A very heavy shower of rain seemed to suit the Dromid players and they took over the scoring.

Ardfert were guilty of poor passing and Dromid scored five points, two from Criostóir Ó Faircheallaigh, and points from Graham Ó Suilleabhain, Caoimhin Ó Laoire and Gearoid J Ó Suilleabhain to finish winners with a well deserved two point margin.