J.H.C. SEMI-FINAL
BALLYSKENAGH qualified for the J.H.C. final thanks to an eight points win over Drumcullen in the semi-final on Sunday morning last at Clareen. This was a very keenly contested clash, exchanges were tough, and both teams took some very good scores.
Ballyskenagh's winning margin scarcely paints a true picture of the threat Drumcullen posed to them as at one stage during the second half only a goal separated the sides. However, a fitter Ballyskenagh side finished the match on a high note banging over a succession of points to secure their place in the finaL
Having played with the assistance of a very strong breeze Ball'.'skenagh went in at the break leading 1-10 to 0-5. They n')tched some good scores E1fOugh Liam O'Toole, Donat Golden and Peter Murphy, while, Padraig McLoughlin banged in the goaL During that opening half Drumcullen created plenty of opportunities but failed to convert many of them. If they had scored even some of these they would have been well in touch.
Ballyskeangh got off to the best possible start in the second half when Donal Golden netted goal number two for them in the opening minutes. Drumcullen didn't throw in the towel though and they battled back into contention.
A brilliant goal from Eugene Corrigan gave them real hope, however, Ballyskenagh finished the strongest and a string of points in injury time gave them victory.
As of yet, Ballyskenagh don't know who their opponents in the final will be as Carrig & Riverstown and Edenderry finished all square in the other semifinal on Sunday evening last. On the evidence of this performance Ballyskenagh will take a lot of beating.
BALLYSKENAGH: Tom O'Toole; Eugene Hannon, Gerry Kirwan, Mick Ryan; Liam O'Toole, Cathal Murphy, Donal Franks; Eugene Kirwan, Ollie Ryan; John Dooley, Noel Murphy, Peter Murphy; Aidan Franks, Donal Franks, Padraig McLoughlin.
Subs.: Bill Lalor for Gerry Kirwan; and Philip McLoughlin for Eugene Kirwan.
DRUMCULLEN: Kieran Dooley; Sean Murphy, Fintan Bracken, Pat Heffernan; Bosco Dooley, Eamonn Spain, Mark Ryan; Pascal Troy, Martin McCarthy; Enda Reddan, Micheal Spain, Eugene Corrigan; Des Mannion, Sean Guinan, Colman Dooley.
Subs.: Eamonn Dooley for Sean Murphy; Con Gath for Pascal Troy; and Ronan Quegan for Colman Dooley.
REFEREE: Alan Walsh, Birr.