Mark Keane and Ballygiblin big guns fire to beat Russell Rovers in relegation playoff

Ballygiblin 2-14 Russell Rovers 0-9
Joy and relief for the Ballygiblin faithful following this Co-Op Superstores IAHC relegation playoff at Rathcormac on Saturday.

After enduring challenging campaigns up until the dreaded relegation decider, both teams were desperate to finish the year on a high.

Joseph O’Sullivan was lethal on the frees and from the penalty spot for Ballygiblin while former Cork panellist Darragh Flynn clipped two points and Mark Keane, during the Aussie Rules off-season, made his presence felt.

In a first-half which had a bit of everything, both sides exchanged scores in the opening minutes, through 65s and frees. Josh Beausang grabbed two for Russell Rovers, while O’Sullivan got on the scoreboard for Ballygiblin. Both players would continue to play a starring role throughout the remainder of the half.

Darragh Flynn, a late starter, notched Ballygiblin’s third score of the afternoon in the sixth minute to put the Avondhu outfit ahead. O’Sullivan grabbed another, before a double from Beausang brought Russell Rovers back into the game. 

Luke Duggan-Murray, Beausang, Brian Hartnett and Jack McGrath would each grab another score each between the 18th and 22nd minutes. But Eoin Flynn and Aaron O’Brien contributed to the Ballygiblin cause with a score each, before star man O’Sullivan slammed home a penalty, to leave the score at 1-6 to 0-8 in favour of the north Cork men.

A further score for Beausang and an effort from Cathail O’Mahony to start the second period kept the difference at a point before the game entered a lull.

A free from O’Sullivan in the 44th minute extended the Ballygiblin lead, and after squandering numerous scoring opportunities each, they went on a rampage in the final 10 minutes.

Registering six further scores, three from O’Sullivan, Pat O’Brien’s charges made sure to take care of business and confirm their status in the grade as quickly as possibly. The icing on the cake came in the 57th minute, with the sliotar creeping into the back of the Russell Rovers from Shane Beston.

To compound Russell Rovers’ misery, Josh Beausang was sent off in the dying embers, a sour ending to a strong performance from the half-forward. 

A difficult day for the Shanagarry side, but a memorable one for Ballygiblin, as they confirm their place in the Intermediate A Hurling Championship for 2027.

Scorers for Ballygiblin: J O’Sullivan 1-7 (0-6 f), S Beston 1-0, D Flynn 0-2, E Flynn, A O’Brien, Cathail O’Mahony, S O’Sullivan, C Walsh 0-1 each.

Russell Rovers: J Beausang 0-6 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), L Duggan-Murray, B Hartnett, J McGrath 0-1 each.

BALLYGIBLIN: C Noonan; M Keane, F Herlihy, A Barry; E Geary, L Finn, R Donegan; C O’Mahony, K Roche; E Flynn, J O’Sullivan, D Flynn; M Walsh, A O’Brien, S Beston.

Subs:

J Mullins for E Geary (41), S O’Sullivan for L Finn (46 inj), D Sheehan for A O’Brien (53), C Walsh for E Flynn (55), B Coffey for M Walsh (62).

RUSSELL ROVERS: R Walsh; P Lane, S O’Donoghue, K O’Brien; F Murray, P Cummins, K Tattan; J Kennefick, K Aherne; J Beausang, K Walsh, K Ivers; J McGrath, B Hartnett, L Duggan-Murray.

Sub: D Crotty for S O’Donoghue (h-t).

Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).