Semi Finals this Saturday April 23rd
Austin Stacks V Kerins O’Rahillys at 2pm in Strand Road.
Ballydonoghue V Dr. Crokes at 2pm in Ballyrickard.
The winners from each semi to play in the final at 3.15pm in Strand Road.
This is our path to the semi final stages:
Our A team won both of it’s group games today at Ballyrickard, to set up a semi-final outing against rivals Kerins O’Rahilly’s next Saturday 23 April at Strand Road pitch. Here are the 2 full match reports of our wins today against Legion & Ballydonoghue:
Austin Stacks: 4-06; Legion: 2-02
Having beaten Legion in midweek the boys were prepared for a reaction from the Killarney outfit. Legion, obviously hurting after the nature of that defeat, began the game in confident style. But it was only a matter of time before our lads found their rhythm and move up an extra gear. Sean Fitzmaurice and Dylan Hennebery, both flying at wing back began launching attack after attack. Jack Morgan dominant as usual at midfield, scored a spectacular goal after a long run in which he cut open the Legion defence. Throughout the game, he was ably assisted by Calvin Foley. In the forward line Michael O’Donnell, Sean Dukes, Louis Ryle and Oisin Fitzgerald were a constant menace to their rivals. Indeed, Oisin finished a great move to the net just before half-time. At the break Stacks should have been ahead by more than the 2-02 to 1-2 scoreline suggests. Thankfully, Stacks were more prolific in front of goal in the second half, especially Michael O’Donnell and Louis Ryle. There was great style and panache in the way scores were taken and we ran out comfortable winners in the end. Other fine performances were given by Darren Bastible, Cathal O’Reilly, Rory Hill and Daniel Kinsella. Man of the Match: Louis Ryle. Team: Daniel Kinsella, Rory Hill, Colin Griffin, Darren Bastible, Dylan Hennebery, Cathal O’Reilly, Sean Fitzmaurice, Jack Morgan(1-1), Calvin Foley(0-1), Louis Ryle(1-1), Michael O’Donnell(1-3), Darragh Scanlon, Oisin Fitzgerald(1-0), Sean Dukes, Anthony Lonergan. Subs used; Dylan Daly, Fergal Ryan, Philip Quilter.
Austin Stacks: 4-03; Ballydonoghue: 2-05
Without getting much of a break Stacks had to get back on the pitch against a fresh Ballydonoghue side playing it’s first game. Our opponents began in a far more lively fashion and took the game to Stacks. However, our boys again demonstrated that they have what it takes to win when the going gets tough. After conceding 2 goals in the early part of the first half their backs were to the wall. The Ballydonoghue boys showed that they were the most dangerous opponents that Stacks have faced so far, with some slick play and clever movement. Scores from Michael O’Donnell(0-2) and Louis Ryle(1-0) eased the pressure and kept us in the match. At half time Ballydonoghue led by 2-03 to 1-02. Stacks got to work quickly in the second half to establish a grip on the proceedings. Every ball was eagerly contested by both sides and there was a great flow to the game. But it was Jack Morgan who stood out when it counted. He displayed all of his qualities by winning vital possession, making driving runs deep into the opposition’s territory and intercepted numerous attacks by the opposition. His determination was matched by Rory Hill, Colin Griffin, Sean Dukes and Louis Ryle, who scored two further goals at critical periods in the second half. But it was not until Rory Hill, who had an excellent game, made an incredible run from corner back to corner forward to score a well taken goal that Stacks could breathe a little easier. Man of the Match; Jack Morgan. He was closely followed by Rory Hill. Team: Conor O’Nuallain, Rory Hill, Colin Griffin, Darren Bastible, Dylan Hennebery, Cathal O’Reilly, Sean Fitzmaurice, Jack Morgan, Calvin Foley, Louis Ryle(3-0), Michael O’Donnell(0-3), Darragh Scanlon, Oisin Fitzgerald, Sean Dukes, Anthony Lonergan. Subs used; Dylan Daly.
The line up for the semi-finals next Saturday is as follows:
Austin Stacks v Kerins O’Rahilly’s at Strand Road at 2pm.
Ballydonoghue v Dr Crokes at Ballyrickard at 2pm.
Winners of each game play to against each other in the final at Strand Road pitch at 3.15pm.