Colm O'Callaghan and Matthew Bradley to the fore as Muskerry hurlers have too much firepower for UCC
James Lane scores a goal for Muskerry from a simple tap-in after a fine pass from teammate Colm O'Callaghan. Picture: Larry Cummins
A four-goal haul fired solid Muskerry past a lacklustre UCC in the Co-Op Superstores Divisions/Colleges PSHC semi-final at Riverstown on Sunday.
Helped by a 1-9 contribution from the Aghabullogue talisman Mathew Bradley, the Mid Cork men now face favourites Imokilly in a repeat of last year's final to decide who reaches the Premier Senior Hurling quarter-finals.
UCC have been competitive in the Cork championship for many years, but they last won the title in 1963 and 1970 and reached a final in 1999. They are finding it more difficult to make a mark in the modern era.
It only took Muskerry 30 seconds to open proceedings courtesy of a classy James Foley point. The Students were soon level but were stunned in the third minute by a superb Muskerry goal. Colm O’Callaghan gathered the ball 40 yards from goal as he showed incredible pace before unleashing an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net.
UCC looked useful going forward and three consecutive points brought the minimum between the teams in the 12th minute. Credit to Muskerry, they responded in style and once again it was O’Callaghan who showed tremendous pace and craft to assist a pinpoint pass to James Lane, who finished into the empty net.
At times, UCC played some free-flowing hurling but they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Half-forward Mark Mahony from the Waterford club An Rinn had a great goal opportunity but placed his shot to the side netting. He finished with 0-5 from play though, their most consistent attacking threat.
The Muskerry forwards were moving far quicker as the UCC defence were struggling to restrict them. Coming up to half-time, Bradley and O’Callaghan continued to cause havoc with their movement and their side went in at the break commanding a seven-point lead, 2-10 to 0-9.
UCC, helped by some classy play from Fionn Desmond, were lifted as he drilled over consecutive points and was unlucky not to raise a green flag with his goal attempt was superbly saved by the Muskerry keeper.
On each occasion, UCC threatened a revival, Muskerry responded with sheer ferocity and two more goals, from James Foley and Bradley, well and truly killed off the Students.
M Bradley 1-9 (0-6 f), C O’Callaghan 1-4, J Lane 1-1, J Foley 1-0, S Tarrant 0-1.
A O’Sullivan 0-9 (0-8 f), M Mahony 0-5, E Coughlan 0-3, F Desmond 0-2, M Murphy, S Daly (0-1 each).
J Walsh (Grenagh); P O’Sullivan (Aghabullogue), C Timmons (Aghabullogue), R Honohan (Donoughmore); M Brady (Éire Óg), C McGoldrick (Éire Óg), W Aherne (Cloughduv); S Tarrant (Aghabullogue), M O’Connell (Dripsey); S Joyce (Grenagh), J Foley (Aghabullogue), C O’Callaghan (Éire Óg); M Bradley (Aghabullogue), J Lane (Aghabullogue), D Twomey (Grenagh).
O O’Shea (Éire Óg) for S Joyce (37), K Murphy (Ballinora) for D Twomey (37), T Twomey (Grenagh) for C Timmons (48), A Dinan (Donoughmore) for C O’Callaghan (58).
F O’Brien (Bruree); R Quinlan (White's Cross), K Lyons (Ballygarvan), J Byrne (Ballinora); D Scully (Dromina Athlaca), E Guinane (Valley Rovers), S Murnane (St Colum’s); S Daly (Randal Óg), F Desmond (Ballymartle); T Hourigan (Pallasgreen), A O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig), M Mahony (An Rinn); J Murray (Youghal), E Coughlan (White's Cross), M Murphy (Kinsale).
C O’Mahony (Ballygunner) for J Murray (37), D Mullholland (Rower Inistogue) for M Murphy (40), E Fogarty (Thurles Sars) for M Mahony (50), J Doyle (Bennetsbridge) for D Scully (50).
Ian McCarthy (Bandon).
App?
