Castlehaven's second team squeeze past Argideen and into Carbery JAFC semi-finals

Castlehaven’s hopes of bridging a 48-year gap in the Bandon Co-op Carbery JAFC remain alive after a dramatic quarter-final win at the weekend.

Not since 1976 have the Haven claimed the south-west divisional title – back then, the club went on to county junior glory before winning the county intermediate championship in 1978 and then reaching the senior decider at the first time of asking in 1979.

Given that the Carbery championship is so competitive, it is perhaps not surprising that the Haven’s second team have not made a final since – O’Donovan Rossa in 2005 are the last instance of a reserve side winning the title, though Carbery Rangers did make the decider in 2020 – but they are now just one game away from contesting the Mick McCarthy Cup.

On Saturday night, the Haven met Argideen Rangers in Aughaville and in regulation time, the sides shared 16 points between them. Extra time could not separate them either, the scoreboard reading 0-11 each after 80 minutes of action, with David Whelton and Shane Nolan the prominent scorers for the Castletownshend/Union Hall side.

A penalty shootout was required and Roland Whelton, Shane O’Connell, Seán Dineen, Pat O’Brien and Tomás O’Leary all netted for Haven while a vital save from goalkeeper Stephen Collins ensured that they progressed on a 5-4 scoreline.

In the semi-final, which is scheduled for Friday week, October 11, the Haven will face Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas, who had goals from Matthew Draper, Kevin O’Donovan and Conor O’Sullivan as they beat Carbery Rangers by 3-11 to 0-12 in Ballinacarriga.

The Castletownkenneigh/Coppeen club are seeking a maiden title and are looking to reach the final for the second time, having lost to Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh in 2002.

The other two quarter-finals had been due to take place on Sunday but were postponed due to the orange weather warning. The meeting of Kilmacabea and Randal Óg is now due to take place next Saturday in Ardfield while the clash of Ballinascarthy and St Mary’s is the following week, October 12, in Newcestown. This is due to Ballinascarthy being involved in JAHC semi-final action this coming Sunday against last year’s beaten finalists St James’, in Enniskeane at 2.30pm. The other last-four clash sees Mathúnas face Newcestown in the same parish, albeit in Ahiohill, at 4.30pm.

Meanwhile, defending Procure.ie Carrigdhoun JAFC champions Ballygarvan are just 60 minutes away from retaining their title, which would match the feats of 2002-03 and 2008-09.

On Saturday, they were 2-12 to 1-8 winners over Ballymartle in Shanbally, the goals coming from Daniel Mackey and Stephen Fenton. They must wait to discover their final opponents as the meeting of Valley Rovers and Carrigaline on the other side of the draw must be refixed.

This week, the junior B hurling championship take up the focus in the south-east. Defending champions Valley Rovers take on Ballygarvan in Riverstick while Ballinhassig face Tracton in Belgooly – both games take place on Sunday at 11.30am.