Laune Rangers 2-12, Rathmore 3-11
The Keanes SuperValu County Minor Shield Quarter Final served up an entertaining contest at JP O’Sullivan Park, where Laune Rangers and Rathmore went head-to-head in a game full of scores, goals, and momentum swings. In the end, it was the visitors who edged matters on a 3-11 to 2-12 scoreline, but the home side produced plenty to be proud of.
The match began at a lively pace. After Rathmore struck the opening point, Tomás Joy responded in kind for Rangers. A quick burst saw Rathmore add a goal to move ahead, but the Killorglin outfit soon settled into their rhythm. John Horgan was particularly sharp in attack with two excellent points, while Adam O’Neill and Colm Evans also split the posts. Further scores from John Horgan – finishing the half by scoring off his right, left and punching over – and Tomás Joy had Rangers level before half-time, and though Rathmore pushed back with a late point, the sides went into the break finely balanced.
Half Time Score:- Laune Rangers 0-8, Rathmore 1-6.
The second half delivered the real fireworks. After Rathmore extended their lead with two early scores, Jamie Flynn ignited the contest with a point before blasting to the net moments later, sending the home support into full voice. Rathmore responded with a goal of their own, only for O’Neill to raise a green flag soon after to restore parity once more. When Rathmore struck for their third goal – the fourth goal in a frantic seven minutes – they regained a two point lead with a quarter to play.
Rathmore had an answer for all of Rangers efforts as points by Aaron Doyle & Adam O’Neill (two frees) were cancelled out at the other end, and Rangers late surge came up short to see Rathmore claim the win and their place in the Shield semi final.
Full Time Score:- Laune Rangers 2-12, Rathmore 3-11.
Laune Rangers:- Adam Radny, Callum Russell, Dylan Flynn, Ciarán Birmingham, James Jones, Aaron Doyle (0-1), Oran O’Sullivan, Charlie O’Sullivan, Liam O’Connell, Colm Evans (0-1), Adam O’Neill (1-3, 3f), John Horgan (0-3), Jamie Flynn (1-1), Tomás Joy (0-3, 1f), Maiao Harmon. Subs: Daniel Kelly for Russell, Conor Murphy for Jones.