White’s Cross booked their place in the Flor McCarthy Cup Junior C Football Championship semi-final with a convincing 1-15 to 1-5 quarter-final victory over Ballinure in difficult, winter-like conditions at White’s Cross on Wednesday evening.
Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening half, White’s Cross made the most of the conditions from the throw-in. Luke Kelleher opened the scoring from a free before Murt Kelleher added an excellent two-pointer. Further scores from Luke Kelleher, who was outstanding throughout, helped White’s Cross build momentum while Ballinure’s only first-half response came through Cian O’Connor.
The home side continued to dominate possession and territory, with Fionnan Quinlan and Patrick Harrington also getting on the scoresheet. The highlight of the half arrived on 30 minutes when Murt Kelleher unleashed a superb long-range effort to the net. White’s Cross went to the break with a commanding 1-11 to 0-1 lead.
Ballinure responded positively after the restart. A two-pointer from Cian O’Connor and a free from James Morrisson reduced the deficit, but White’s Cross remained composed. Luke Kelleher added two more points while Patrick Harrington chipped in with a brace as the hosts continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Ballinure’s best moment came late in the game when O’Connor converted a penalty for a goal, but it proved only a consolation score as White’s Cross comfortably saw out the contest.
Chris Dunne delivered an outstanding performance at corner back, while Jamie Murphy, Fergal Reid and James Royal were among a number of players to impress.
White’s Cross remain unbeaten this season and continue their excellent run of form, adding this cup victory to their recent league final success.
TEAMS (13-a-side)
White’s Cross
1 – James Buckley
2 – Richie Sherlock
3 – Cian O’Brien
5 – Evan Quain
6 – Ethan Ryan
7 – Chris Dunne
8 – Murt Kelleher (1-02 – 1 x 2pt)
9 – Daniel Kelleher
10 – Michael Mullins
11 – Patrick Harrington (0-03)
12 – Luke Kelleher (1 x 2pt free, 0-07 – 4 frees – 0-09 total)
13 – Fionnan Quinlan (0-01)
14 – Jordan Bransfield
SUBS USED: Jamie Murphy, James Royal, Fergal Reid
Ballinure
1 – Ken O’Regan
2 – Eanna O’Sullivan
3 – Alan O’Driscoll
5 – Jordan Hayes
6 – Aaron Lee
7 – Ryan Keating
8 – Johnny Delaney
9 – Paddy Prendergast
10 – Damien Coleman
11 – James Morrisson (0-01 – 1 free)
12 – William Delaney
13 – Cian O’Connor (1-04, 1 x 2pt, 1 x pen and 1 x free)
14 – Mark Purcell