Ibane Gaels progress to County Final
19 July, 2016
Ibane Gaels 1-10 Aghabullogue 1-08
The Ibane Gaels U21 Footballers travelled to Brinny on a muggy Tuesday night to take on the Muskerry champions Aghabullogue in the County Semi Final. A recent injury to their captain Daniel Hurley resulted in various positional switches and saw Daniel O'Driscoll entering the fray.
These changes seemed to upset Ibane as they were slow to settle with some nervous approach play and poor wides in the opening quarter, Aghabullogue leading 0-03 to 0-01 with 15 minutes on the clock and all the momentum. An additional three points in the next 8 minutes had Aghabullogue into a commanding lead of 0-06 to 0-01 and Ibane still stuck at the starting blocks. A massive Oisin Dowling point from open play sparked Ibane into life, and was quickly followed by a cracking Dan Driscoll goal and from the resulting kick out a Jack Murphy point, 1-02 scored in 2 minutes and the sizeable crowd now had something to shout about. The sides retired for the short break, Aghabullogue leading 0-07 to 1-03.
The second half started with a bang as within a few minutes Aghabullogue bagged a soft goal. Mark Crowley quickly settled the Ibane nerves with a 46m free which sailed directly between the posts leaving a kick of a ball between the sides. Then stalemate, as over the next 15 minutes the scoreboard was untroubled by either side as the game descended into a war of attrition with big hits being taken and given in equal measure. Ibane's greater physicality told and they eventually assumed control as they worn down the Aghabullogue midfield diamond and with Gerry Crowley keeping a tight rein on the opposition dangerman Evan O'Sullivan, their scoring threat was greatly reduced. Gerry's mantra 'attack is best form of defence' as he popped up with an inspirational score in the 48 min which lifted Ibane immeasurably. Ibane kicked on and further scores from Dan, Mark and Gerry had drawn the teams level. Ibane substitute Bill Fleming was composure personified as he kicked Ibane into the lead for the first time in the 58 minute, Dan O'Driscoll putting the icing on the cake with a sweet point in injury time to ensure that Ibane would reach the final.
Ibane now progress to the County Final against Clyda Rovers provisionally fixed for Saturday the 6th of August.
Scorers: Dan O'Driscoll 1-02, Mark Crowley 0-02 (frees), Gerry Crowley 0-02, Bill Fleming 0-01, Jack Cahalane 0-01 (free), Oisin Dowling 0-01, Jack Murphy 0-01
