Not since 2013 has our second team contested an East Cork Final at this grade, but we are deservedly in with a chance to win the cup after a fantastic win against Carraig na bhFear.
With the teams contesting a close match in the group stage that ended in a draw, we travelled to Aghavine on November 27th expecting a tough challenge from Carraig na bhFear, and even considering ourselves slight underdogs.
With Fr O’Neills new pitch in excellent condition, Rovers played with the wind advantage in the first half. It was crucial that we built up a lead knowing that the second half would be more difficult and that’s just what we did. With Kieran Ivers and Brian Crowley supplying consistent ball into the forwards, Kiaran Aherne, Dan Ruddy & Brian Daly ensured that we converted this good supply into scores. As well as this, Cormac Aherne was consistent on the frees which gave Rovers a 0-09 to 0-05 lead at half time.
Against the wind, the management team of Chris Scanlon, Noel O’Brien and Barry Fitzgerald introduced Ian Smiddy to play the sweeper role in the second half. While initially Carraig picked off 3 long range scores, they were unable to get back to level terms at any point. Massive kudos must go to hardworking Sean Devanney, Eoin McGrath and John Paul Ivers who tenaciously hooked and blocked, and any ball that did go towards the Rovers goal was directed back to where it came from by Matthew Fitzgerald, Stephen Walsh and Anthony Archer. Goalkeeper Stephen Cronin once again proved his credentials, especially with his accurate puck outs against a strong wind.
That said, Rovers still needed scores, and what better way to score than the back of the net. First Dan Ruddy deceived his man and from 45 metres out, ran with ball on hurl and buried the ball to the top corner. Next after excellent work from Dan again, Shane O’Neill dispatched the slioter to the Carraig net. And it was Shane again got the icing on the cake with a third goal after great work from Brian Daly.
A large Rovers following were in attendance and no doubt played a role in helping the team over the line.
Final Score: 3-13 – 0-11
The final is scheduled for the 11th of December against near neighbours Cloyne. Here’s hoping that everyone in Shanagarry will have an early Christmas present.
Russell Rovers Panel: Stephen Cronin, Stephen Walsh, Matthew Fitzgerald, Anthony Archer, Kieran Ivers, John Paul Ivers, Brian Crowley, Sean Devanney, Daire Healy, Eoin McGrath, Cormac Aherne, Kiaran Aherne, Shane O’Neill, Dan Ruddy, Donnachadh O’Donovan, Brian Daly, Tom Morrisson, Ian Smiddy, Ben Daly, Alan Cott, Seamus Kearney, Jack Beausang, Patrick Crowley, Alan Lenihan, Cormac Dervery.
Management: Chris Scanlon, Noel O’Brien, Barry Fitzgerald.
