Report in Evening Echo by Denis Hurley
Photo Credit: Eddie O’Hare
Russell Rovers 3-13
St Catherine’s 0-15
Goals were the difference as Russell Rovers came out on top in Sunday’s all-east Cork Co-op SuperStores Premier JHC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Leading by 1-8 to 0-4 at half-time, the Ballycotton/Churchtown/Garryvoe/Shangarry outfit saw that advantage deflate to three with under ten minutes left. However, a goal from captain Ciarán Sheehan provided breathing space once more.
A driving run from tireless midfielder Kieran Walsh was the catalyst and when he found sub Jack McGrath, who had just been introduced, he in turn played the ball across to Sheehan, who did the rest.
Catherine’s – having introduced Daniel Mangan for his first appearance since being injured in last year’s final loss to Erin’s Own – continued to press and when the attacker was fouled for a free, goalkeeper Eoin Davis came forward to go for goal.
However, his opposite number Ross Walsh repelled the effort and no further chances were coughed up. In injury time, the game was made safe as Josh Beausang – scorer of sseven points – set up Luke Duggan Murray for a clinching goal.
It was fitting that goals bookmarked the day for Dave Dorgan’s side. Though Rory Galvin’s free for Catherine’s opened the scoring, it was the only time they led. Rovers hit the front in the third minute as Fintan Murray’s delivery broke in the goalmouth and Brian Hartnett reacted well, pulling the loose ball to the net.
To Catherine’s credit, they did almost force a goal in response in the tenth minute – Kevin Barry setting up Seán O’Donoghue for a shot that Ross Walsh saved before Brian Mulcahy hit the post – but too many wides pock-marked their play.
Rovers, with Josh Beausang firing, were able to build up a lead of 1-5 to 0-2 by the 19th minute and he might have even had a goal from Ciarán Sheehan’s pass but centre-back Oisín Fitzgerald – superb throughout for Catherine’s – made a vital intervention.
James Neville of St Catherine’s tries to get his shot away under pressure from Russell Rovers’ Kieran Walsh. Picture: Eddie O’HareEven so, Rovers were able to add the points to full further clear, even if their wides tally also began to mount by the break, at which stage they led by seven.
Catherine’s almost had the tonic of a goal on the restart – sub William Leamy, just on, set Galvin away and his crashing shot hit the crossbar and went over the bar. Though Luke Duggan Murray responded in kind for Rovers, Catherine’s began to harness momentum, led by Galvin and aided by the introductions of Kyle Wallace and Shane Cotter at midfield.
Three in row, from Brian Mulcahy, Wallace and Seán O’Donoghue, had them within a goal, 1-10 to 0-10, by the 44th minute. That was still the gap in the 51st minute but, unfortunately for them, when the green flag did come, it was at the other end, through former Cork footballer Sheehan.
That left it 2-11 to 0-11 and, with Eoghan O’Sullivan and Kevin O’Brien standing tall in a mean defence, they ensured that victory would be theirs.
Scorers for Russell Rovers: J Beausang 0-7 (0-2f, 0-1 65), L Duggan Murray 1-2, B Hartnett 1-1, C Sheehan 1-0, R Cummins, K Walsh, K Moynihan 0-1 each.
St Catherine’s: R Galvin 0-6 (0-2f), B Mulcahy 0-4, E Davis (0-1f), K Wallace, S O’Donoghue, D Mangan (0-1f) 0-1 each.
RUSSELL ROVERS: R Walsh; K O’Brien, E O’Sullivan, K Tattan; F Murray, J Kennefick, R Cummins; D Moynihan, K Walsh; L Duggan Murray, K Moynihan, M O’Dwyer; J Beausang, C Sheehan, B Hartnett.
Subs: P Lane for Murray (43), D Ruddy for O’Dwyer (47), J McGrath for Hartnett (50), S Walsh for Tattan (56), K Ivers for Moynihan (60+5).
ST CATHERINE’S: E Davis; F O’Connell, E O’Riordan, P Keane; K Neville, O Fitzgerald, C Hegarty; K O’Donoghue, J Hayes; J Neville, R Galvin, E Condon; S O’Donoghue, K Barry, B Mulcahy.
Subs: W Leamy for Barry (half-time), K Wallace for K O’Donoghue, S Cotter for Hayes (both 43), G O’Brien for Neville (43), D Mangan for Condon (50).
Referee: C Walsh (Nemo Rangers).
