Our U14 footballers are on the trail of more silverware after a hard fought victory over Ballinhassig in the league semi-final. This match was played under lights in Ballygarvan on a cold, wet evening. Our opponents raced into an early lead with several points before PJ O’Donovan goaled to level this match. However, we were comprehensively outscored from then to the end of first half. Indeed, we were indebted to our goalie Sean Delaney that the half-time deficit wasn’t significantly greater, as he made several fine saves. Half-time score was 3-7 to 2-3, with captain Brendan Quain scoring our second major. Despite the loss of our centre back, Ethan Ryan at half-time through illness, the players started the second half in determined mood. Our work rate, tackling and support play was much improved. Both sides traded points in the early stages but with another goal, Ballinhassig extended their lead to 9 points. Then we hit a purple patch, scoring three goals to turn the tie on its head. Brendan Quain, Ciarán Aitken and Patrick Harrington applied the finishes to level the match as it entered the final ten minutes. Again points were exchanged by both sides. Cheered on by a large enthusiastic group of supporters, the team continued to push forward and Patrick scored the decisive goal with time running out. Brendan added our last point from a free. The final score in an open exciting match was 6-10 to 3-15. Lee Gaels now await in the final.

Panel: Sean Delaney, Ruairi Quinlan, Charlie Browne, Daniel O’Keeffe, Ethan Ryan, Eli Hurley, Luke Murphy, Luke Kelleher, Eddie Coughlan, Patrick Harrington, PJ O’Donovan, Brendan Quain, Ciaran Aitken, Riain Harden, Ben Moynihan, Seamus Hennessy, Shane Buckley, Mark O’Keeffe