Laune Rangers 1-12, Piarsaigh na Dromoda 1-9
Laune Rangers will take their place in the Quarter Finals of the Intermediate Championship with victory against Dromid Pearses in Killorglin on Sunday afternoon – the result sending the South Kerry outfit to the relegation playoffs.
Laune Rangers got off to a flyer of a start, although they missed a gilt-edged chance to hit the net from the penalty spot as John Tyther’s effort was pushed onto the post by Donal Curran – Fiachra Clifford having been fouled in the square. The Hassett brothers showed some excellent early form, as Gearóid (two) and Eoghan (three, two frees) kicked Rangers into the lead while Dromid captain Dylan O’Donoghue registered one at the other end to see the home side leading by 0-5 to 0-1 after fifteen minutes.
County man Graham O’Sullivan may have had the number 6 on his back but he lined out on the 40’, and he was instrumental as Dromid Pearses kicked into form in the second quarter. Three points in successive plays by Graham O’Sullivan (two) and Dylan O’Donoghue brought the visitors back into the game, before Niall O’Shea slotted two frees to put the away side ahead. Laune Rangers had claims for another penalty as Gearóid Hassett was bundled over in the square as he was shooting but the play was waved on. A pointed free by John Tyther levelled matters before Fiachra Clifford kicked Rangers ahead once more – the forward with an excellent turnover before splitting the posts under pressure. Seán Jackie O’Sullivan kicked a well taken late point for Dromid to see the sides go into the dressing rooms all square at the break.
Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-7, Piarsaigh na Dromoda 0-7.
Niall O’Shea gave Dromid the lead in the early stages of the second half, but Laune Rangers finally broke through to strike for the game’s first goal in the 38th minute – Daragh O’Connor doing well outfield before feeding Gearóid Hassett to split the Dromid defence and finish to the net. The goal was much needed for the home side as they had been quite wasteful with their chances in the third quarter. A pointed free by John Tyther left Laune Rangers leading by 1-8 to 0-8 with fifteen minutes to play.
Fiachra Clifford scored an excellent long range point with the outside of his boot and substitute Shane Doona made an immediate impact by adding another. A Graham O’Sullivan point (his third) was cancelled out by Calum Moriarty at the other end to leave Rangers leading by five approaching injury time. A Dromid Pearses goal – finished well by Finn O’Corcáin with effectively his first touch off the bench – made for a nervous finish for the home team, but Shane Doona slotted another point for the hosts in what turned out to be the final kick of the game.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 1-12, Piarsaigh na Dromoda 1-9.
Graham O’Sullivan’s stock is definitely on the rise in the county and he gave an excellent performance at centre forward for his team. For the home side, Fiachra Clifford was the go-to man so often on the day and he didn’t disappoint, while Gearóid Hassett’s 1-2 from play was crucial.
Laune Rangers will travel to Rathmore on Saturday, August 27th in the Intermediate Championship Quarter Final – Throw in 6pm
Laune Rangers:- Jason Browne, Rory O’Connor, Patrick Carey, Ryan Diggin, Seán Cleary, David Mangan, Calum Moriarty (0-1), Shane Daly, Jack O’Connor, Stephen Sealy, Fiachra Clifford (0-2), Eoin Clifford (capt), John Tyther (0-2f), Eoghan Hassett (0-3, 2f), Gearóid Hassett (1-2). Subs: Daragh O’Connor for R O’Connor, Darragh O’Grady for J O’Connor, Shane Doona (0-2) for Tyther, Daniel Macbeth for E Hassett, Patrick Daly for Mangan.
Piarsaigh na Dromoda:- Donal Curran, Micheál Curran, Niall O’Connor, Kealan Farley, Paul O’Connor, Shane O’Connor, Darragh O’Shea, Dominic O’Sullivan, Jim Lynch, Kevin Sheehan, Graham O’Sullivan (0-3), Ciarán O’Donoghue, Seán J O’Sullivan (0-1), Dylan O’Donoghue (capt, 0-2), Niall O’Shea (0-3, 2f). Subs: Cillian O’Shea for D O’Shea, Micheál Moriarty for D O’Donoghue, Finn O’Corcáin (1-0) for C O’Donoghue, Seán O’Shea for S O’Sullivan.