Clyda and Liscarroll/Churchtown draw

Clyda Rovers 2-16 Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels 1-19

FOLLOWING a thrilling Hibernian Hotel JAHC contest at Killavullen on Friday evening an injury time goal by Liscarroll/ Churchtown Gaels Michael Hedigan helped his side take a share of the spoils. In a high scoring contest the defending champions Clyda Rovers were quick off the mark.

In their first attack Conor Corbett got through to score the games opening goal and they followed with points by Conor Flanagan, Seamus Ronayne, Conor Corbett and Cian O’Sullivan to race into a 1-4 to 0-2 lead by the 12th minute.

As the half went on Gaels got to grips. Their defence tightened up greatly. At the other end Colin O’Brien added three pointed frees with Daniel Relihan also chipping in with a great point from out near the sideline following good work by

Paul Cantillon that closed the margin to 1-5 to 0-6 by the 19th minute. Clyda Rovers response was immediate with Seamus Ronayne sending over two frees that restored a four point cushion.

Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels finished the half the better side. Great work by Shane Coleman set up wing back Michael Hedigan who pointed from long range. Colin O’Brien followed with another free before Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels created a goal scoring opportunity but Thomas Fitzgibbon and Colin O’Brien had their efforts cleared to safety by a well organised Clyda Rovers backline. In the 27th minute the hardworking Josh Hudner scored a great point with Colin O’Brien getting the equalising score just before the half time whistle that had them deadlocked at the break at 1-7 to 0-10.

On the changeover Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels hit the front for the first time when the impressive Colin O’Brien pointed from a sideline ball. The lead was stretched to two points soon after when Egan Murphy and Thomas Fitzgibbon combined well to set up Josh Hudner for a fine point 0-12 to 1-7. Clyda Rovers regrouped well with substitute Darragh Buckley making his presence felt in the forward line. Over the next couple of minutes points were traded before Clyda Rovers edged in front again the 44th minute when a delivery by Darragh Buckley was gathered by Conor Flanagan who was now operating at full forward to score their second goal 2-10 to 0-14.

In a thrilling last quarter Colin O’Brien and Seamus Ronayne traded two points before Clyda Rovers with rapid points by David Walsh and Conor Corbett moved four clear by the 53rd minute 2-14 to 0-16. Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels refused to give in. Colin O’Brien with two points in as many minutes narrowed the margin. Clyda Rovers moved three clear when Darragh Buckley set up David Walsh for a long range point 2-15 to 0-18.

Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels continued to pile the pressure on the Rovers defence. In the 58th minute the Rovers keeper Luke Brophy saved well from Josh Hudner.

Both teams followed with a pointed free. Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels still went in search of an equalising goal with Thomas Fitzgibbon having a goal line effort deflected off the line by a Clyda Rovers defender.

With time running out Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels forced a ‘65’that Egan Murphy dropped into a crowded Clyda Rovers goal line with Michael Hedigan on hand to finish the equalising goal to the net. This was greeted by the final whistle with a draw the fairest of results.

CLYDA ROVERS: L Brophy, T Buckley, C Kenny, S Kelly, J Buckley, K Fitzgerald, R Flanagan, Sean Ronayne, N Hanley, D Walsh 0-2 (1f), C Flanagan 1-1, B O’Connor, C Corbett 1-2, C O’Sullivan 0-1, Seamus Ronayne 0-9 (8f), Subs: D Buckley 0-1 for B O’Connor, E Walsh for T Buckley, C Kelly for Sean Ronayne, D Cronin for K Fitzgerald (inj).

LISCAROLL/CHURCHTOWN GAELS: P Morrissey, P O’Shea, T Egan, V Daly, P Cantillon, T Fehin, M Hedigan 1-1, S Coleman, E Murphy, T Fitzgibbon, J Hudner 0-2, C O’Brien 0-15 (12f, 1 s/l) S Hedigan, K Curtin, D Relihan 0-1. Subs: C Healy for K Curtin, E Coleman for S Hedigan.

REFEREE: Aidan Hyland (Kilworth)