Éire Óg back on the cusp

Éire Óg 2-16 Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaigh 1-11

ÉIRE Óg advanced to the last four of the PIFC last weekend with a comprehensive dismissal of Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaigh in Macroom.

In front of a decent crowd the Ovens side were in fine form showing the full array of scoring prowess that most in the county know they possess.

As per usual Cork legend Daniel Goulding was clinical up front bagging five points (two from play) during what was a very credible shift for the All Ireland winning forward.

New Cork Under 20 sensation Colm O’Callaghan was another to impress with his tally of 1-4 one of the main differences between the sides.

Others to show their wares for the victors were Ronan O’Toole, Eoin O’Shea, Liam Sheehan and John Cooper with sub Kevin Hallissey and Brian Hurley another pairing that troubled the scoreboard during what was a really competitive fixture for long periods.

For the vanquished side Leonard Ó Conchúir, Ben Seartan, Aindreas Ó Coinceannain and Diarmuid Mac Thomais all did really well with Donnagh Seartan another player causing problems for the Eire Óg defensive pack.

This one was tight right to the end of 30 minutes in the first half with Éire Óg’ s tally of 1-5 standing fair with Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaigh’s eight points however two scores would turn this in the Muskerry men’s favour with O’Callaghan’s brilliant finish to the net quickly followed by an O’Shea point to put four between them as the sides headed for the interval. Brian Hurley’s opening half goal the other major in a half that seemed close enough yet the boys in red and yellow came out on top.

Éire Óg kept the pressure up on the resumption and pulled all of nine points in front but the Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaigh boys are made of strong stuff and a couple of points before Ben Seartan hammered home his side’s only three pointer to lift the spirits but ultimately Eire Óg had this one sorted at that stage and were able to keep their opponents at arm’s length, winning out by eight.

Éire Óg will feel they are well in the mix for this highly illusive title however they have the small matter of a date with Bantry Blues before they can secure their spot in the showpiece game.

Bantry saw off Bandon at the second time of asking last weekend. And will also fancy their chances of making it back to the premier final.

For Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaigh another promising campaign comes to an end however heads can be held high after last week’s display.

ÉIRE ÓG: E Kelleher; J Kelleher, J Mullins, D O’Herlihy; D Dineen, J Cooper, D McCarthy; L Sheehan, R O’Toole 0-2; E O’Shea 0-2, J Murphy 0-1, C O’Callaghan 1-4; D Goulding 0-5 (3f), D Murphy, B Hurley 1-1 Subs: K Hallissey 0-1 for D Murphy (39), J Cooper for B Hurley (47), M O’Shea for D McCarthy (55), M Corkery for D Dineen (57), D Kelly for C O’Callaghan (59)

BÉAL ÁTHA’N GHAORTHAIGH: GÓ Muirthile, C Ó Nunáin, L Ó Conchúir, S Ó Donnchú; D Ó Ceallacháin 0-1, A Ó Loinsigh; M Ó Riordáin, E Ó Coill, C Ó Loinsigh; N Ó Laoighre, C Ó Duinnín; E Ó Duinnín, D Seartan 0-5 (3f), A Ó Coinceannain 0-1f, D Mac Thomais 0-4 Subs: CÓ Coinnceannain for E Ó Coill (ht), B Seartan 1-0 for C Ó Nunáin (48), L Ó Criordain for D Ó Ceallacháin (54), S Ó Tuama for EÉ Duinnín 56), L Seartan for C Ó Duinín (57)

REFEREE: C Dineen (Douglas)