Longford MFC: Clonguish U-18s a step closer to six-in-a-row

Clonguish . . . 2-9 Carrick Sarsfields/St Dominic’s Kenagh 1-9

Clonguish Óg remain on course for an unprecedented sixth successive Harte Cup after surviving a stirring final-quarter comeback from Carrick Sarsfields/St Dominic’s Kenagh in an entertaining Minor Football Championship semi-final.

The reigning champions appeared to have put the contest beyond doubt with a devastating burst after half-time, inspired by last year’s Longford minors James Flynn and Cathal Lynch, but the South Longford amalgamation refused to go quietly.

Clonguish held a slender 0-6 to 0-4 advantage after a competitive opening half in which there was little between the sides played in front of a great crowd at Michael Moran Park on Sunday last.

Flynn opened the scoring with a two-point free, while Lynch, Senan Buckley, John Burke and Michael Gacquin were also among the Clonguish scorers. Carrick Sarsfields/St Dominic’s remained firmly in contention through David Rowan, the hugely impressive attacking wing-back Jack O’Farrell, Niall Curley and Ruairí Kelly.

The complexion of the contest changed dramatically after the restart. Lynch struck the first Clonguish goal before James Flynn quickly added another as the champions began to flex their muscles. This year’s county minor Buckley then landed a superb two-pointer, with Ruairí Flynn firing over a fine score.

Suddenly, Clonguish had opened up an 11-point advantage and looked to be cruising towards another Harte Cup decider.

Carrick Sarsfields/St Dominic’s had other ideas. They took control of the final quarter and, remarkably, Clonguish would not score again. O’Farrell, a constant attacking threat from wing-back, provided the spark when he crashed home a goal.

James Burke, the sole Legan Sarsfields representative on the South Longford side, followed with a fabulous two-pointer before substitute Keelin Clarke further reduced the deficit.

The usual centre back Clarke was a late introduction into the side and was a major loss as they had to make a raft of positional changes in his absence.

Subsequently, the group team found themselves 11 points down and on his arrival Keelin immediately drove his teammates on as well as adding a score.

The pressure continued to build and Diarmuid Breslin showed tremendous nerve to convert a two-point free, suddenly leaving just three between the teams.

From a position of complete control, Clonguish were now being forced to fight for their place in the final. Carrick Sarsfields/St Dominic’s pushed desperately for the score that would complete a remarkable recovery, but the champions held firm.

It was a stern examination of Clonguish’s credentials, as their powerful third-quarter showing ultimately proved decisive as their extraordinary pursuit of six successive Harte Cups remains alive.

They held the ball well against a formidable defence showcasing each player’s competence on the ball as well as battling hard around the middle where they edged proceedings.

Pauric Cooney’s charges were best served by James Flynn, Cathal Lynch, Senan Buckley and Ruairi Flynn. Worthwhile for the losers were Diarmuid Breslin, Jack O’ Farrell, James Burke and Ruairí Kelly.

Experienced referee Hugh O’Kane handled the affair with the expected authority of a former senior final marshall.

Clonguish: Stephen Ghee, Noah Griffin, Sam Elliot, Ryan Murphy, Sean Hagan, Cathal Lynch (1-1), Donnacha O’Malley, Kelvin Adeosun, James Flynn (1-2, 1 two-pointer free), John Burke (0-1), Senan Buckley (0-3, 1 two-pointer), Ruairi Flynn (0-1), Cian Crossan, Michael Gacquin (0-1), Evan Lyons.

Sub:- Daire Toher.

Carrick Sarsfields/St. Dominic’s: Rian Halse, Fionn Cox, James Ugboku, Sean Carberry, Jack O’ Farrell (1-1), Niall Curley (0-1), Eoin Kenny, Diarmuid Breslin (0-2, two-pointer free), Robert Rowan, Ruairi Kelly (0-1), Alex Molloy Doherty, James Burke (0-2, 1 two pointer), David Rowan (0-1), Zach Kelly, Peadar Carberry.

Subs:- Keelin Clarke (0-1), Donnacha Gillespie, Ryan O’Donnell, Cian Kenny.

Referee: Hugh O’Kane (Grattans).