An outstanding team performance saw us gain the two points which guarantees us a place in this year’s league final, our first since 2013.
We started very brightly with Jack Savage pointing from a free within the opening minutes but quick scores from Cathal O’Bambaire and Mikey Geaney had Dingle in front for the first and only time in the game; from here to the 20th minute we ruled the roost with tremendous work in defence from Ross O’Callaghan, excellent on Paul Geaney and Darragh McElligott who was much too good for his opponent.
In the middle eight, Con Barret, John C O’Connor and Gavin O’Brien were dominant with Gavin in particular fielding some great ball and making runs from deep; he was not always rewarded from these runs but the frees were being racked up by Jack and with some great passing and score taking from Barry John we had forged ahead by 5, 0-8 to 0-03 with ten minutes remaining in the first half. Dingle were sticking to the task and scores from Matthew Flaherty and Mikey Geaney had them within two points with four minutes left to play – however, Barry John and Tommy both from play had the final say and we led by four at the break, 0-10 to 0-06.
Tommy had the opening score of the second half, a point within 20 seconds and then the goal that we had long threatened arrived via Gavin O’Brien when he sliced through the heart of their defence and found the bottom corner – though Dingle responded we were back on the offensive again when John C, working tirelessly throughout fired over on 8 minutes; at this stage, David Moran and Tom Hoare were introduced for Con Barrett and Tommy Walsh respectively and when Tom showed well for an incoming ball his quick lay off found Gavin who again found the net; it was academic thereafter with both sides trading scores and it was left to substitute Padraig Griffin to finish our third goal following good work from Barry John.
As stated, overall this was an outstanding team display but mention must be made of Darragh McElligott, Ross O’Callaghan, John C and Gavin O’Brien who all excelled on the day and ensured we progressed to the league final.
Our next outing is the first round of the county championship in two weeks time when we play Feale Rangers on the 1st Sept in Listowel @ 17.30
Team: Gary Kissane, Danny O’Sullivan, Ross O’Callaghan, Darragh McElligott, Cian Sayers, Ryan Carroll, Karl Mullins (0-01), Con Barrett, John C O’Connor ( 0-01), Gavin O’Brien ( 2-0), Tommy Walsh ( 0-02), Jack Savage ( 0-06, 3fs), Gearóid Savage ( 0-01f), Barry John Keane ( 0-04), John Ferguson ( 0-01).
Subs: Shane Brosnan, Padraig Griffin ( 1-01), David Moran |( 0-01), David Murphy, Jason O’Leary & Tom Hoare.
