Minor county Semi final 2009

Minor County Semi Final

Pairc Ui Rinn, Saturday 10th October 2009.

Blackrock 3 – 16 Na Piarsaigh 2 – 17

(After extra time)

Well what can one say about this game in words that describe accurately the level of honest commitment, skill and absolute endeavor which the young players from both clubs put into this amazing game. Spectators left this match drained emotionally, having experienced the agony and ecstasy of sport in stark contrast. The players looked drained physically after 80 minutes of constant action.

The Rockies were coasting twice, yet Na Piarsaigh was also in a winning position twice and then it took an 80th minute goal from Patrick Deasy to swing victory to the Rockies and finally banish Piarsaigh hopes of a minor county..

True, it was the same player who banged in his first goal after just two minutes and he could have had two more with his next two balls. Interestingly enough he also scored the goal in the final minutes of ordinary time to level proceedings at 2 – 12 each. He seemed to have the ability to strike at the right moments once he received good quality ball. This was an amazing individual scoring display and Deasy finished with a total of 3 – 7.

It was far from a one man performance however, both Donal Cremin and Michael Ahern notched up 3 points from play each, while the performances of Elliot Cantwell at centre back and John Fitzgerald were outstanding. Eoin O’Farrell and Luke Conway provided good ball all through the game. In defense Mark Ryan was an imposing figure! In truth there was no where to hide for anyone in this game and all the lads in the green and gold can be proud of their performances.

Na Piarsaigh had their stars in Alan Kenneally who finished with a total of 1 – 6, Christopher Joyce at centre back and the accurate Keith Buckley. When the north side lads were in full flight, they appeared unstoppable, firing over points from distance at will and cutting through the Rocky outer defences with impunity. However they would retreat under Rocky pressure for long portions of the game and the Rockies had scorers all over the field. Six players contributed points.

One remarkable statistic was that Blackrock converted just 5 placed balls, while Piarsaighs fired over 12 of their 17 points from frees and 65s.

The first half was tight with little room and finished with the Rockies 1 – 8 to 1 – 6 ahead. Blackrock extended their lead following a Michael Ahern point but Na Piarsaigh converted four points in a row to leave them ahead mid way through the second half. The Rockies them added three to go ahead, but then in a purple patch a Kennelly goal and point, plus one from Timmy Lynch left a goal in it with the clock running out. Enter Patrick Deasy!

Two frees for Blackrock were followed by three from Na Piarsaigh to leave them ahead with time virtually up. Enter Patrick Deasy! The final minutes were nerve wracking; one’s heart can only take so much of this.

When referee Cathal McAlister finally called it a day, it brought to an end an extraordinary game, a game that will be long remembered for different reasons by the teams and by everybody lucky enough to be present.

Blackrock now meet Midleton in the final, Midleton overcame St.Finbarrs 4 – 11 to 3 – 9 in the second semi final.

Blackrock:

Paul O’Brien; James Heylin, Mark Ryan, captain, Andrew Hayes, David Healy, Elliot Cantwell, Eoin O’Mara, Eoin O’Farrell, Luke Conway,Donal Cremin, Paul Bennett, Eoin Hickey, John Fitzgerald, Patrick Deasy, Michael Ahern, Paul Delaney, Dylan Stokes (inj.) Eoin Smith, Shane O’Keeffe, Andy O’Connell, Richie Laide, Colman Ruiseal, Shane Cunningham, Shane Keane, Stephen O’Brien, Cathal Hannon, Luke Fogarty, Adrian Coyne, Ben Linehan, Eoin O’Leary, Cian Hartnett, Aaron Giltenan, Ronan Devine, Jack English, David Meaney, David Farrell, David Vaughan, Sean Daly, Kevin O’Keeffe.