MS Castlegregory reach Munster semi-final

CORN SHEÁIN UÍ MHAOLOMHNAIGH (U19 D) QUARTER-FINAL MS Castlegregory 2-18 Kinsale CS 2-7

MEAN Scoil Castlegregory produced a sparkling performance to see off the challenge of KinsaleCC and qualify for the Munster semi-final.

Castlegregory were the sharper outfit and took the game to their opponents right from the start, with Cian O’Grady (f) and Conor O’Leary (f) giving them an early lead. Jack Shannon struck twice before Seamus Lyne made it 0-5 to 0-0.

Harry Sheahan, who was excellent for Kinsale, opened their account, but the outstanding Alain Beaujey helped make it 0-8 to 0-1. Michael Murphy picked off a Kinsale free before Harry

Sheahan sparked his team’s efforts with a well-taken penalty, 0-8 to 1-2.

Castlegregory responded in the perfect manner, Cian O’Grady (2) and Conor O’Leary picking off points. James Murphy (Kinsale) pulled another one back but Conor O’Leary pounced on the rebound after Jamie Lenihan had made a good save of the initial shot, and that goal gave Castlegregory a commanding 1-11 to 1-3 lead at half-time.

Adam Costello and Gearóid Lyne made a bright start to the second half for Castlegregory before Michael Murphy pointed a Kinsale free. Castlegregory pressed down on the pedal then, Jamie Lenihan denying Gearóid O’Flaherty with a great save but Cian O’Grady, Seamus Lyne, and Adam Costello reeling off a string of points.

Alain Beaujeu’s cracking finish after a superb team move effectively put the game beyond Kinsale’s reach. To their credit, they did keep battling, Michael Murphy goaling and James and Michael Murphy picking off late points.

Castlegregory will now face St Clements of Limerick in the semi-final in early February.

MS CASTLEGREGORY: Eoin Kennedy, Tadhg O’Connor, Stephen Smith Galvin, Alan O’Leary, Eoghan Ó Laighin, Alain Beaujeu (1-1), Fionn Cullinane, Cian O’Grady (0-8, 3f), David Costello, Jack Shannon (0-2), Adam Costello (0-2), Conor Greaney, Conor O’Leary (1-3, 1f), Séamus Lyne (0-2), Gearóid O’Flaherty Subs: Darragh Ó Corcora, 39, Cian Wall, 56, Michael Doody, 56, Dara Crean, 58, Jmaes Bowler, Oliver Fitzgerald

KINSALE CS: Jamie Lenihan, Colin Roche, William Jeffrey, Ryan O’Donoghue, Cian Cunningham, Chris O’Callaghan, Cian Quinn, Paul Grahan, Cian O’Callaghan, Aryton McCarthy, Harry Sheahan (1-2, 1 pen), Michael McCarthy, Michael Murphy (1-2, 2f), Louis Allman, James Murphy (0-3) Subs: Keelan O’Rourke, 24, Paudie Dornan, half-time

Na Gaeil Captain Eoin Doody pictured at their press night ahead of this weekend’s All Ireland Final in Croke Park