Ballymahon pip Fr. Manning Gaels for final spot

29.08.10 | JFC Semi-Final | Ballymahon 0-9 Fr. Manning Gaels 0-8 | By Deniese O'Flaherty

A point from the boot of James Farrell deep into stoppage time clinched Ballymahon a place in the final of the Junior 'A' Football Championship where they will take on neighbours Carrickedmond.

It was a game that could have went either way in the end with both sides having several chances in the closing stages to claim victory. Fr. Manning Gaels could have actually grabbed a dramatic late equaliser but Peter Collum put his effort just wide. It was tough on the Gaels who had put up a brave second half fightback in the semi-final at Pearse Park on Sunday evening last.

Overall both sides were guilty of kicking some very bad wides and had some of those scores gone over the outcome could have been different.

Ballymahon made the perfect start to the game and hit over three unanswered points in the first ten minutes. Despite having their own chances the Gaels couldn't find the target and inside the opening quarter they kicked four wides.

A free from the boot of Thomas Mulvihill in the 20th minute extended Ballymahon's lead to four points and two minutes later the Gaels got their first point on the board. Corner-back Michael Kane made the run, he passed to Paul Cassidy who in turn laid the ball off to John Davis and he fired over the bar.

A fine point from Pedro Byrne put his side back in front by four but John Davis turned provider for Michael Donnelly to register the Gaels second point of the contest. Just before the break points were exchanged between Ballymahon's Paul Kelly and the Gaels attacker Paul Cassidy (both frees) to leave three between the sides at the interval, 0-6 to 0-3.

A great effort from substitute Dean Reilly two minutes into the second half put Ballymahon ahead again by four but then the Gaels hit a purple patch and dominated the next twenty minutes firing over four points without reply to bring the sides level with seven minutes of the game to play.

It was Gearoid Nertney who started the scoring for them, wing-back Peter Collum followed up with a fine effort before a free from Paul Cassidy reduced the deficit to just one point in the 47th minute. Six minutes later substitute Martin Mulleady was on target to fire over the equaliser.

Ballymahon edged in front minutes later before Paul Cassidy levelled matters three minutes from time and it was all to play for. Gaels goalkeeper Ken Leonard came to his sides rescue in the final minute of normal time making a good save from Dan Carberry, though the midfielder should have went for a point instead of a goal.

Just when it looked like the game was heading for a replay James Farrell popped up to grab the decisive score of the game

Peter Collum had a chance to snatch a draw for the Gaels with virtually the last kick of this tight contest but he hit his effort wide.

BALLYMAHON: James McCormack; Gareth Murtagh, Jamie Noonan, Ian Mulvihill; Eddie Noonan (0-1, free), Matthew Daly, Graham Forbes; Dan Carberry, Charlie Byrne; Thomas Mulvihill (0-2, frees), James Farrell (0-3, one free), Pedro Byrne (0-1); Paul Kelly (0-1, free), John Nevin, James Daly.

Subs:- Dean Reilly (0-1) for J Noonan (28 mins); Shane O'Neill for J Nevin (43 mins).

FR. MANNING GAELS: Ken Leonard; Sean Donnelly, David Bohan, Michael Kane; Michael Mulleady, Declan Donnelly, Peter Collum (0-1); James Breslin, Jimmy Breslin; Paul Cassidy (0-3, all frees), Niall Mulleady, Gearoid Nertney (0-1); Peter Davis, John Davis (0-1), Michael Donnelly (0-1).

Subs:- Martin Mulleady (0-1) for M Donnelly (38 mins); Ciaran Cooney for James Breslin (47 mins); Mark Connelly for G Nertney (60 mins).

Referee: Enda Murphy (Granard St. Mary's).

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