PIFC: Aghabullogue up gears in second half to power past Kiskeam

Aghabullogue 3-16 (3-2-12) Kiskeam 0-12 (0-3-6) 

Aghabullogue deservedly booked their place in the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork PIFC semi-final with an impressive victory over Kiskeam at Banteer on Saturday.

Aghabullogue more than lived up to their billing as favourites, in particular with a dashing and sterling second-half display.

The opening half was a compelling and close battle. However, after the break, Aghabullogue built up a strong surge of momentum which Kiskeam were unable to contain.

Aghabullogue, managed by the recently appointed Cork U20 football boss Ray Keane, commenced full of purpose and intent. Points by Colm Gillespie and Luke Casey got the Muskerry men up and running. But Kiskeam then responded through early scores by Sean O’Sullivan and Mike Herlihy.

Aghabullogue were purposeful going forward in the opening half, but Kiskeam were soaking up the attacking pressure well. A Matthew Bradley point put Aghabullogue 0-4 to 0-2 ahead after 13 minutes.

Kiskeam then edged into the lead courtesy of a pair of two-pointers. Adrian Carroll landed over a lovely effort from play, followed by a free from O’Sullivan. But a two-pointer from a free by Bradley then saw the sides level at 0-6 apiece.

That was before Aghabullogue hit for a goal in the 24th minute. Cialan O’Sullivan was ice cool before finishing well.

Aghabullogue came out like a stream train early in the second half. Luke Casey found the net with impressive soccer style control and finish, showcasing the talent that serves him well for Coachford in the AUL. Things got even better for the Mid Cork side a minute later, when Padraic O’Sullivan blasted to the back of the net.

Aghabullogue were not letting up, as Paul Ring, Aaron O’Sullivan and Evan O’Sullivan pointed to see them in firm control at 3-11 to the 0-6 of Kiskeam after 40 minutes.

Kiskeam then responded with a pair of scores but Bradley hit a lovely effort, followed by points from Cialan O'Sullivan and Evan O'Sullivan.

Awaiting Aghabullogue are Muskerry rivals Naomh Abán.

Scorers for Aghabullogue: M Bradley 0-7 (1 2pt f, 1 2pt, 0-1 45), C O'Sullivan 1-2, L Casey 1-1, P O’Sullivan 1-0, E O’Sullivan 0-3 (0-1 f), C Gillespie, P Ring, A O'Sullivan 0-1 each.

Kiskeam: S O'Sullivan 0-5 (0-3 f, 1 2ptf), T Casey 0-3 (1 2pt), A Carroll (1 2pt), M Herliny 0-2 each.

AGHABULLOGUE: J Buckley; T Long, C Smyth, P Dilworth; 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.

Subs: C O’Sullivan for Corkery (8, inj), O O’Connell for B O’Sullivan (45).

KISKEAM: B Daly; J O'Connor, M Casey, J Daly; S Meehan, AJ O'Connor, K O'Connor; G Casey, A Carroll; D Fitzgerald, M Herlihy, E Daly; S O'Sullivan, D Scannell, T Casey.

Subs: P O’Callaghan for Fitzgerald, D Murphy for O’Connor (39), S O’Riordan for Scannell (40), R Carroll for Herlihy (55), A Dennehy for Casey (46).

Referee: Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers).