St. Pats, Castleisland into Frewen Cup final after win over The Sem

MUNSTER PPS UNDER-17 ‘A’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (FREWEN CUP) SEMI-FINAL

St. Pats Castleisland 1-10 St. Brendans Killarney 1-9

THE biggest talking point coming into this Frewen Cup semi-final was that it was played on the 3G pitch in Rathkeale – a fair distance to bring two Kerry schools..

Thankfully, the football quickly became the talking point, though the very strong wind counted as an extra defender on both sides.

At the end of the first quarter St Brendans 0-3 to 0-1 ahead. Ruairí Brosnan neatly split the posts for St Pats and a foul on Josh Ryall saw Killian Dennehy equalise. Conor Cahill penalised a foul on Gerard Costello to put Castleisland in front but Ben Kelliher replied before exchanging further scores with Ruairi Brosnan.

Just before half-time, a great intercept by Cian Mulcahy saw Brían O’Shea fist over to nudge the Killarney side in front at half-time, 0-6 to 0-5.

Both sides left scoring chances behind them early in the second half. Conor Cahill brought St. Pats level and added a free after more good work by Dennehy.

Kelliher and Cahill exchanged further frees. St. Brendans were winning good possession but losing it to a superb Castleisland defence, with Joseph Bell and Padraig Reidy making some crucial interceptions.

In the 42nd minute Oisn Fleming drew a good save out of St. Pats’ keeper Micheal Hickey, but sub James Kelly was on hand at the back post to volley home. Mark O’Carroll added a point and at 1-8 to 0-8, it finally felt like there was daylight between the teams.

Castleisland responded in superb style. Killian Dennehy’s point effort hit the post and dropped down, and Ryall was on hand to goal from close range.

Crucially, Castleisland turned over the kick-out, with Cormac Walsh winning a free converted by Dennehy.

St Brendans pushed hard for an equaliser but St. Pats were denying them space to run into and the wind was carrying long passes just too far for the forwards. Dennehy won and converted another free.

In a dramatic finish, Joey McCarthy won a free popped over by Kelliher to cut the gap to a point. Everything hinged on the next kick-out, which Castleisland won to deny The Sem any last chance to draw.

St. Pats Castleisland will meet either the holders Tralee CBS or Clonakilty Commmunity College in the final. Tralee CBS had a 6-21 to 2-4 victory over St. Flannans Ennis in their quarter-final while Clonakilty CC beat Hamilton High, Bandon by 3-11 to 0-10. ST PAT’S CASTLEISLAND: Michael Hickey, Daniel McCarthy, Ross Kelliher, Joseph Bell, Rory O’Connor, Ruairí Brosnan (0-2), Pádraig Reidy, Killian Dennehy 0-4 (3f), Tomás Jones, David Healy, Cormac Walsh, Kieran O’Connell, Conor Cahill 0-4 (3f), Gerard Costello, Joshua Ryall (1-0).

ST BRENDANS KILLARNEY: Pierce Moynihan, Darragh Brosnan, Seán Maher (0-1), Henry Walsh, Zack Cronin, Cian Mulcahy, Jack Rudden, Joey McCarthy, Seán Kiely, Mark O’Carroll (0-1), Adam Byrne, Bríain O’Shea (0-1), Cillian Cronin, Oisín Fleming, Ben Kelliher 0-6 (6f). Subs: James Kelly 1-0 for Cillian Cronin (40), Fionn Daly for Brían O’Shea (49)

REFEREE: Eamonn Phelan (Limerick)