Ballinhassig Book Final Spot with Hat-Trick Heroics

Ballinhassig 3-15 Cloyne 2-14

(JJ Hurley)

A hat-trick of goals from an in-form Ballinhassig outfit saw them edge out Cloyne in the Co-Op Superstores Premier Hurling Championship semi-final at Ovens on Saturday.

Despite holding a 3-15 to 2-14 advantage as time ticked away in what had been a thrilling contest, Ballinhassig’s goalkeeper Pa Collins had to be extremely brave to deny Ian Cahill a late goal-scoring opportunity.

Moments later, his defenders were equally courageous as they blocked a Brian O’Shea effort that looked destined for the net.

That bravery was evident from the outset as Ballinhassig raced into an early 1-1 lead, with James O’Callaghan finding the net.

With both sides refusing to yield ground, just a goal separated them after 12 minutes, Ger Collins converting a 65 to keep Ballinhassig ahead.

The game continued at a furious pace, and after 19 minutes Ballinhassig led 1-4 to 0-5. Then, stepping on the gas, two points from the ever-dependable Collins were followed by a Shane McCarthy goal, before the impressive Jack Grainger split the posts again shortly after.

Cloyne, needing a response, got a lifeline when Ian Cahill struck for a goal on 27 minutes. But Ballinhassig replied instantly with a brilliant individual score from Fintan O’Leary.

From there to the break, Cloyne outscored their opponents by three points to one, with Michael Collins getting his name on the scoresheet, leaving Ballinhassig ahead 2-8 to 1-8 at half-time.

The opening stages of the second half saw both sides exchange points, as Shane McCarthy made excellent use of a James O’Callaghan pass.

Patrick Collins extended his championship tally on 40 minutes, and McCarthy chipped in again on 44 minutes as the Blues led 2-13 to 1-12.

With the large crowd on edge, Ballinhassig’s supporters had reason to roar when Seán Lombard raced down the wing and rifled the ball to the net.

A superb point from Conor Desmond a minute later had Ballinhassig in the driving seat on 49 minutes.

However, Cloyne refused to lie down, and a goal and a point in quick succession cut the deficit to just three points at 3-14 to 2-14 after 51 minutes.

The final score of the game came from Charlie Grainger, who, along with Darragh O’Sullivan, was outstanding throughout.

Ballinhassig now advance to the final, where they will face Ballincollig.

Scorers

Ballinhassig:S. McCarthy 1-3, G. Collins 0-5 (0-2f, 0-1 65), S. Lombard 1-0, J. O’Callaghan 1-0, F. O’Leary 0-2, P. Collins (f), C. Grainger, C. Desmond, J. Grainger, M. Collins 0-1 each.

Cloyne:J. O’Brien 0-9 (0-8f), I. Cahill 1-0, K. Dennehy 1-0, É. Motherway 0-2, C. Cahill, B. O’Shea, N. Cahill 0-1 each.

Teams

Ballinhassig:P. Collins; C. Kirby, K. Maguire, J. Lyne; J. O’Callaghan, D. O’Sullivan, C. Desmond; C. Grainger, E. Lombard; J. Grainger, S. McCarthy, S. O’Neill; M. Collins, G. Collins, F. O’Leary.Subs: S. Lombard for J. Grainger (39), T. Madden for S. O’Neill, T. Madden for J. O’Callaghan (both 48), G. Kirby for F. O’Leary (59).

Cloyne:D. Cronin; J. Sherlock, J. Hallahan, A. Sherlock; E. Motherway, P. O’Sullivan, C. Mullins; D. Byrne, É. Motherway; C. Cahill, B. O’Shea, N. Cahill; M. Cahill, I. Cahill, J. O’Brien.Subs: B. Minihane for J. Hallahan, A. Walsh for C. Mullins (both h-t), K. Dennehy for M. Cahill (39), B. Walsh for N. Cahill (47), S. Beausang for J. O’Brien (52).

Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Éire Óg)

Adam, Darragh and John O'Sullivan celebrating after Ballinhassig's victory over Cloyne in the Superstores Premier Hurling Championship semi-final