Footballers into Semi Final
24 September, 2023
Barryroe 1-08 Castlehaven 0-08
Barryroe keep marching on! The 2023 season in both codes has seen Barryroe win tight games and this continued in Ardfield on Saturday last as they ground out the win against a determined Castlehaven. Horrible weather made the execution of basic skills less than straightforward and the exchanges were tough with no quarter asked or given.
A strong blustery breeze dictated the trend of the game and it was Castlehaven who held this advantage in the opening half registering six points by the 20'. A superb point into the wind by Ryan O'Donovan on 18' was looking like Barryroe's only score of the half until Olan palmed to the net on 30' following some excellent attacking play by Sean Holland and Mark Crowley. Half time 0-06 to 1-01.
Olan was again to the fore in the opening minute of the second half with a well taken mark. Ryan added points on 35' and 38' which saw Barryroe into the lead for the first time, 1-04 to 0-06. Despite dominating the possession, Barryroe struggled to convert into scores which inevitably left the door ajar for Castlehaven to get the equalling score in the 60', their first score in forty minutes. Castlehaven smelt blood and only some desperate defending in the closing stages ensured Barryroe took the game to extra time.
A high hopeful ball broke the way of Brian O'Donovan in the opening minute of extra time and it was drilled over the bar which saw Barryroe reclaim the lead. Ryan extended the lead on 64' but Castlehaven responded shortly after to leave the score board reading 1-06 0-08 at half time in extra time. Barryroe aided by the elements in the final period finished the game strongly with further points from Ryan 75' and Olan on 80'. Final score 1-08 to 0-08, Barryroe march into their first Junior A Football Semi Final since 2007 (and who can forget that trilogy of games against Bandon!).
Gearoid Holland, Michael Walsh, Sean O'Riordan, Patrick Moloney, Tomás Ó Buchalla, James Moloney, David O'Sullivan, Robbie Kiely, Conn Dineen, David Murphy, Seán Holland, Dónal Ó Buachalla, Ryan O'Donovan 0-05, Adam McSweeney, Olan O'Donovan 1-02 (1m). Subs used: Mark Crowley, Brian O'Donovan 0-01, Diarmuid McCarthy, Jerome O'Brien, Cathal Sheehy, Jack Cahalane. Remaining panel: Alan Kiely, Daniel O'Driscoll, Steven Madden, Séan Ryan, Darren McCarthy, Conor O'Regan, Ciarán O'Regan, Conor Tyndall, Geoffrey Wycherley, Gavin O'Donovan, Aidan Walsh, Killian Sheehy.