*David Tuohy and Patrick Crotty look towards referee Joe Mullins. Photograph: Ruth Griffin
A POWERFUL finish which included three goals in the final moments saw Scariff/Ogonnelloe seal their place in the U21A hurling final.
Scariff/Ogonnelloe 4-17
Clarecatle 0-17
Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla
The final scoreline suggests a comfortable win for Scariff/Ogonnelloe over Clarecastle in the U21A hurtling championship semi-final at Dr. Daly Park in Tulla this Sunday afternoon and while the East Clare combination emerged as deserving victory, a four goal margin is harsh on Clarecastle who were well in contention for over three quarters of a well contested tie played in front of a big attendance.
The first half was a cracking affair with the lead changing hands a few times while the sides were level on seven occasions before Clarecastle took a one point lead to the interval, 0-12 to 1-8.
Points were exchanged early in the second half before the winners landed six unanswered points to open a five point lead by the three quarter stage.
When it looked like Clarecastle’s challenge was fading they came storming back with three unanswered points to leave two between the sides with just under ten minutes to go.
Five minutes from time Scariff/Ogonnelloe were awarded a 30m free and when Mark Rodgers’ effort nestled in the top corner of the net it proved to be the killer blow.
All of the frees by the Scariff/Oginnelloe captain had a low trajectory all day and this one deceived the Magpies defence. He followed with a point and suddenly his side was two goals clear with just under five minutes remaining.
Further goals followed from Patrick Ryan and Patrick Crotty as Scariff/Ogonnelloe finished strongly to book a place in the final.
The first half was a cracking affair with some outstanding performers on both sides. With Rory O’Connell, named at corner forward, excelling in the role of sweeper, Clarecastle raced into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead before the winners struck for a goal through Patrick Crotty after great work by Keelan Hartigan.
Clarecastle hit back with points from Oisin Casey and Conor Halpin to level the tie for the second time and from here to the half time whistle it was point for point.
In the third quarter Clarecastle conceded a number of frees which proved costly as Mark Rodgers converted four inside seven minutes helping to push his side three clear.
Shane Kavanagh, Conor Downes, particularly in the second half, Patrick Crotty in the first half, and Mark Rodgers played key roles in Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s victory.
Aaron Hayes, David Tuohy, Darragh Healy, Conor Halpin. Oisin Casey and Rory O’Connell shone for Clarecastle.
Scorers Scariff/Ogonnelloe; Mark Rodgers (1-10, 1-7 frees, 0-1SC); Patrick Crotty (2-3); Patrick Ryan (1-0); Shane Kavanagh (free), Conor Downes, Sean Collins, Eanna O’Brien (0-1) each
Scorers Clarecastle: Oisin Casey (0-9, frees); Conor Halpin (0-3), James Doherty (0-2), Darragh Healy, Oisin Whelan, Rory O’Connell (0-1) each
Scariff/Ogonnelloe:
1: Sean Treacy
2: Eoin Keehan
3: Tadhg Kavanagh
4: Seamus Mc Caul
5: Scott Cairns
23: Gearoid Sheedy
7: Shane Kavanagh
8: Conor Downes:
9: Sean Collins
12: Patrick Crotty
14: Mark Rodgers
10: Keelan Hartigan
13: Patrick Ryan
11: Liam Crotty
15: Adam Cunnane
Subs:
21: Éanna O’Brien for Cunnane (half time)
23: Eoin Heffernan for Collins (56)
24: Paul McGee for Rodgers (58)
19: Donnacda McNulty for Downes (58)
Clarecastle :
1: Cian Broderick
4: Niall Brigdale
3: Aaron Hayes
2: Philip Wichinski
5: Conor Griffin
6: Darragh Healy
7: David Tuohy
8: Conor Whelan
9: Evan O’Connell
10: Conor Halpin
11: Oisin Casey
12: James Doherty
14: Oisin Whelan
13: Josh Brack
15: Rory O’Connell
Subs:
24: Sam Browne for C. Whelan (44)
30: Scott Brack for E. O’Connell (55)
19: Barry Morrissey for Wichenski (56)
Referee: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)
