PIFC: Aghabullogue work-rate and goal threat key against Bantry
Aghabullogue's Luke Casey is tackled by Aghada's Diarmuid Byrne, during their Premier IFC clash at Ballincollig last year. Picture: David Keane.
A Luke Casey-led Aghabullogue outfit got their championship campaign off to the perfect start after outbattling Bantry in Ballingeary.
Aghabullougue – beaten finalists last year – hassled and harried Bantry to great affect in the first half, and won the big moments throughout to ensure they sit atop Group 1.
The ever-dangerous Casey would garner 1-4 throughout the hour, but his contributions were timely, none more so than his 48th-minute left-footed goal.
It gave them a seven-point lead. It proved to be insurmountable for the West Cork men.
Turnovers proved to be a major issue early on and that was the case for much of the first half.
Multi-talented forward Casey would open scoring for Aghabullogue – from a Bantry turnover – in the 4th minute after some early waywardness.
Cork underage star Dara Sheedy would find the reply for the Blues.
Matthew Bradley, who linked up admirably with Casey all day, put his name on the scoresheet before the 10-minute mark. Again, that score came from a turnover.
Bradley kicked a two-point free before Arthur Coakley knocked over his first with 15 gone. 0-5 to 0-2. Advantage Aghabullogue.
Dara Sheedy would scuff a two-point free effort before curling a gorgeous one over off his right. Gather. Shimmy. Shoot. Score.
Deficit back to two.
Arthur Coakley pushed a free wide in the 24th minute and up the other end, a fast transition saw Evan O’Sullivan in on goal and he duly finished. Four-point swing. 1-5 to 0-3.
After a Paddy Cronin free for Bantry, Bradley and Casey would link up for perhaps the score of the day as the clock ticked towards the break. Bradley delivery, Casey finish.
Bantry almost capitalised on poor Aghabullougue defending on the stroke of half-time. A powerful Mark Óg O’Sullivan run could have yielded a goal, but his shot flew just over. An opening 30 full of tenacity would end 1-6 to 0-5 points.
The game restarted and all eyes were immediately on Dara Sheedy, and Casey. Casey saw yellow for a late hit on Bantry keeper Shane Murray, with the Blues' sideline questioning if further action was warranted.
That incident was sandwiched in between two classy left-footed scores from Sheedy.
Casey and Bantry livewire Shane Keevers would swap scores thereafter, while Paul Ring and Aaron O’Sullivan points restored Aghabullogue’s four-point lead in the 45th minute.
Bantry would then fail to capitalize on two scoring opportunities, and along came the sucker punch. Great Casey movement saw him gather close to goal and convert expertly.
A mini Bantry-revival – from Seanie O'Leary and the Sheedy brothers Dara and Jack – would follow but points from Aaron O’Sullivan and Bradley meant Aghabullogue went home happy.
L Casey 1-4, M Bradley 0-4 (1 2pt f), E O’Sullivan 1-0, A O’Sullivan 0-2 (0-1 45), P Ring 0-1.
D Sheedy 0-5, S O’Leary 0-2 (1 2pt f), S Keevers, A Coakley (f), P Cronin (f), J Sheedy, M Óg O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
J Buckley; C Smith, D Merrick, T Long; P Ring, S Tarrant, B O’Sullivan; C Gillespie, A Murphy; A O’Sullivan, J Corkery, P O’Sullivan; M Bradley, E O’Sullivan, L Casey.
C O’Sullivan for P O’Sullivan (43), O O’Connell for L Casey (blood, 51-55), O O’Connell for A O’Sullivan (64).
S Murray; K Coakley, S Thornton, C O’Brien; D McCarthy, B Foley, M Óg O’Sullivan; R O’Mahony, E Minehane; S Keevers, A Coakley, J Sheedy; D Sheedy, K Casey, P Cronin.
D Daly for E Minehane (43), S O’Leary for M Óg O’Sullivan (45), O O’Neill for P Cronin (51).
Wayne King
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