Erin's Own strike late to snatch SAHC semi-final spot while Fermoy face relegation decider

Erin’s Own 3-16 Fermoy 0-19

Erin’s Own made it three from three in the group stages of the Co-Op Superstores SAHC after their win over Fermoy at Rathcormac on Saturday.

They now go straight to the semi-final, while Fermoy will be involved in the relegation playoff against Ballyhea. It took two injury-time goals for Erin’s Own to secure their win, with the tie level after 60 minutes.

Fermoy knew they needed at least a draw to avoid the relegation playoff but Erin’s Own finished strongly with Finn O’Brien and Oran O’Regan scoring late goals to seal the win.

Early points from Fionn Lardner had put Fermoy in front, with Cormac Dooley and O’Brien replying for Erin’s Own. David and Fionn Lardner put their side back in front, before two frees from Conor Lenihan had the sides level again.

Fionn Lardner, Cillian Fitzpatrick and Shane Aherne pointed for Fermoy, but again Erin’s Own replied through O’Brien and Matt O’Riordan. With 24 minutes gone the sides were level again at 0-8 each, with Fionn Lardner hitting two frees for Fermoy and O’Brien replying with two for Erin’s Own.

A late free from Lardner had Fermoy ahead by 0-11 to 0-10 at half-time.

Erin’s Own started the second half strongly with O’Regan, O’Brien and Robbie O’Flynn all pointing. With 43 minutes gone they got their first goal when O’Flynn burst forward to give Harry Bates no chance of saving, to make it 1-15 to 0-13.

Cormac Roche and O’Brien exchanged points before Fermoy enjoyed their best spell of the game. Knowing what was at stake, they upped their game, with Padraig De Roiste and Fitzpatrick reducing the deficit.

Lardner made it 0-17 to 1-16 with four minutes of normal time left as Fermoy pushed forward in search of scores. John O’Keeffe put one between them and when Lardner scored, it looked like Fermoy would get the draw they deserved.

However, Erin’s Own conjured a brilliant goal through O’Brien put three between the sides in the 63rd minute.

O’Regan added their third to put the result beyond doubt as they go straight to the semi-final and send Fermoy into the relegation final.

Scorers for Erin’s Own: C Lenihan 0-9 (0-5 f, 0-2 65), R O’Flynn, F O’Brien 1-2 each, O O’Regan 1-1 (0-1 f), C Dooley, M O’Riordan 0-1 each.

Fermoy: F Lardner 0-10 (0-9 f), C Fitapatrick 0-2, D Daly, S Aherne, D Lardner, C Roche, K Morrison, P De Roiste, J O’Keeffe 0-1 each.

ERIN'S OWN: T Dillon; C O’Connor, S Broderick, R O’Regan; C Dunphy, O O’Regan, C Dooley; C McDonnell, T Connell; P O’Shea, R O’Flynn, M O’Riordan; F O’Brien, M O’Carroll, C Lenihan.

Subs: L Casey for S Broderick, S Irwin for M O’Carroll (42), A O’Sullivan for C McDonnell (50), J O’Carroll for T Connell (54).

FERMOY: H Bates; J Molloy, J O’Brien, T Clancy; M Brennan, P Murphy, C Roche; C Fitzpatrick, K Morrison; F Lardner, D Daly, D Lardner; S Aherne, P De Roiste, B O’Sullivan.

Subs: J O’Keeffe for D Lardner (43), D O’Callaghan for K Morrison (47), A Aherne for D Daly (52).

Referee: Brendan Barry Murphy, Aghabullogue.