Éire Óg beat the Bridge to ease into U21A semi-finals

*Marco Cleary takes on John Deasy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.

ÉIRE ÓG eased into the U21A semi-finals when accounting for Sixmilebridge by eleven points.

Éire Óg 0-21
Sixmilebridge 0-10
Venue: Clarecastle Astro

With ten of last year’s starting side which reached the U21A decider, Éire Óg exerted their dominance early on as they kick started their battle for honours.

It’s been sixteen years since the Townies last won the U21A title, ironically overcoming Sixmilebridge in the final. Their fresh quest for success may have began later than all other sides due to their involvement in the Munster club but there was no cobwebs associated with their convincing win over The Bridge.

Astro turf games can often lose a sense of authenticity, while Éire Óg benefitted from the seamless hop of the ball from the smooth surface, their fellow semi-finalists Inagh/Kilnamona, Clooney/Quin and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield experienced winning real dirty ball in their respective weekend wins.

This didn’t stop Éire Óg from getting down to business and they had one foot in the last four by half time when they held an eleven point advantage while keeping Sixmilebridge scoreless from play.

Once again Marco Cleary was a constant threat over the hour, he attracted punishment and tough tackles but he was the best player on show in Tuesday’s tie. He opened his account on seven minutes after defender Bernard Keating turned over Rory Chaplin at one side of the field allowing the Ennis outfit transition immediately from defence to attack. Conor Perrill had already slotted over two frees by this stage.

Energy was evident in how Éire Óg tackled and they fought immensely to win possession.

Sixmilebridge minus the services of the O’Halloran brothers Matthew and Jack, Dara Fitzgerald plus Jack O’Halloran of Bridge Utd fame were far from full tilt but nonetheless will be disappointed with their showing and the result. Their goalkeeper Mark Sheedy was called upon to deal with dropping balls but his main involvement was a brilliant save on twenty seven minutes to deny Luke Vaughan a major.

Holding the 0-14 0-3 interval advantage left Éire Óg in a very comfortable spot but they never became complacent and held out to record a merited eleven point win.

For the second season in a row, the Townies lined out with the half-back line of Niall Doyle, Robert Loftus and Rian Mulcahy, offering them a strong platform but the trio benefitted from some aimless Bridge delivery.

Impressing for Niall O’Connor’s side were Marco Cleary, Roan McDermott, Tom Kavanagh and Rian Mulcahy,

Absenteeism hurt Sixmilebridge but the manner of the defeat will leave more of a sting. Martin Conlan’s charges had solid displays from Zak Phelan and Dylan Keogh with Fionn Hayes, Calum Phelan and Daniel Chaplin working hard.

Gallery of photographs by Gerard O’Neill.

Scorers Éire Óg: C Perrill (0-10 10f), M Cleary (0-3), L Vaughan (0-2), J O’Dwyer (0-1), R McDermott (0-1), B Keating (0-1), D Moroney (0-1), L Cleary (0-1), R Mahony (0-1)

Scorers Sixmilebridge: C Murphy (0-9 8f), C Phelan (0-1)

Éire Óg:
1: Cian Howard

2: Bernard Keating
3: Fionan Treacy
4: Roan McDermott

5: Niall Doyle
6: Robert Loftus
7: Rian Mulcahy

9: James O’Dwyer
8: Darren Moroney

12: Luke Vaughan
11: Conor Perrill
10: Tom Kavanagh

15: David King
14: Luca Cleary
13: Marco Cleary

Subs:
20: Ryan Mahony for King (41)
17: Luke Pyne for Moroney (50)
18: Aaron Mounsey for M Cleary (56)
23: Luke Malice for L Cleary (58)

Sixmilebridge:
1: Mark Sheedy

2: Mark Mullins
3: John Deasy
4: Conor Peacock

5: Fiachra Ó Braoin
6: Zak Phelan
7: Dylan Keogh

9: Cathal Ryan
8: Calum Phelan