Mallow edge into County Premier Minor 2 final

Mallow 2-13 Ibane Gaels 1-13

MALLOW’S Premier Minor (2) footballers, who lost out in the county final last year after a replay, are back in another final after overcoming Ibane Gaels by a single goal. It was a highly exciting game with the issue in doubt to the end.

Mallow, against the wind, did very well in the opening 10 minutes having points by Eoin Kelleher (3) and Charlie Carroll.

Ibane Gaels came strong with Ryan O’Donovan was very effective up front while their midfielders Jack Lawton and Matthew O’Donovan also did well. O’Donovan had four points with Sean Walsh opening up a lead for Ibane 0-5 to 0-3.

Good play by Miceal Fitzpatrick led to an Eoin Kelleher point. By the end of the first quarter Adam McSweeney pointed 0-6 to 0-4. Mallow hit the front when Eoin Kelleher cut in from the wing and goaled. Gaels hit back with a quick point by Ryan O’Donovan. The Carbery side had a goal after a three-man attack in the 22nd minute that opened up a four point lead 1-8 to 1-4. Mallow hit back for three points in quick succession by Sean McDonnell, Eoin Kelleher and Charlie Carroll 1-8 to 1-7. Ibane Gaels forced a penalty in the 28th minute. Impressive Darragh Holland took the penalty that struck the crossbar and went over. Ryan O’Donovan followed with a late point as the Argideen Rangers-Barryroe side led at the break 1-10 to 1-7.

Mallow dominated the second half. They defended very well with their half backs in terrific form. They had a goal in the first minute by Mikey Duignan after a four man attack. Andrew Guinevan had a point for Ibane. Charlie Carroll levelled at 1-11 to 2-8. Mallow had three points in quick succession by Charlie Carroll and Sean McDonnell (2) as they led 2-11 to 1-11 entering the final quarter. Ibane Gaels tried very hard to get back on terms.

Mallow showed great fitness and tenacity as they battled for a place in the final. Sean Walsh pointed for Gaels with Cathal Sheehy, Sean Hinchion and Con Dineen working very well for Darragh Holland who pointed 2-11 to 1-13. The Carbery side were unable to get on terms. Mallow set up a number of attacks and Richard Lombard placed Daniel Sheehan for a vital point in the 60th minute. Deep in injury-time Jamie O’Keeffe pointed a free as Mallow emerged winners by a goal margin. MALLOW: Thomas Hickey, Tommie Woulfe, Ethan Crone, Cian O’Driscoll, Daniel Sheehan 0-1, Niall O’Riordan Kevin O’Mahony, Aidan Bolster, Richard Lombard, Michael Fitzpatrick, Eoin Kelleher 1-4, Jamie O’Keeffe 0-1f, Charlie Carroll 0-4, Sean McDonnell 0-3, Mikey Duignan 1-0. Subs: Luke McCarthy for Tommy Woulfe, Gearoid O’Donovan for Mikey Duignan.

IBANE GAELS: David Walsh, Cathal Sheehy 1-0, James Moloney, Michael Ryan, Darragh Holland 0-3 (0-1 pen), Con Dineen, Sean Hinchion, Jack Lawton, Matthew O’Donovan, Andrew Guinevan 0-1, Sean Walsh 0-2, Fergal Walsh, Sean O’Riordan, Ryan O’Donovan 0-6 (1f), Adam McSweeney 0-1.