B footballers bow out of Championship

East Cork JBFC Quarter Final
Fri 1st May – Carraig na bhFear
Carraig na bhFear 1-07 St. Catherines 1-08

A disappointing performance from an understrength Junior B footballers saw them go out at the quarter final stage to a hungrier and fully deserving St.Catherines side on Friday night last. Played in horrendous conditions in Carraig, we won the toss after a neutral venue could not be found, both sides struggled to find their scoring boots in heavy rain and strong wind throughout. The Saints dominated the first half and raced into an early 1-02 to 0-0 lead. Carraig struck back with a point from Nicky Pike and then a goal from Brian Hegarty. By half time we trailed 1-05 to 1-02 but were struggling to maintain possession and create good chances.
The second half saw a vast improvement in commitment and desire from Carraig as the lads fought hard to get back into the game. Joe O’Donnell raced forward from centre back to kick an excellent point, while the evergreen Bertie Sheehan kicked three great points after his half time introduction. Conor Hayes was winning a lot of possession in the middle third where Brian Hegarty was also prominent and at the back Tony Dunne was having a great game. Catherines held a 2 point lead entering the last 5 minutes. Bertie added his third point from a free and Carraig lay siege to the visitors goal for the closing minutes. A great pass from Ger Spillane found Conor Hayes in space and it took a great save from the Saints keeper to deny a certain goal and the game winning score. But Catherines held on for a deserved win.
Hard luck to the lads, unfortunately injury and absence meant the squad was tight on the night but it wasn’t to be. Well done to Jimmy Hickey and the team and best of luck for the remainder of the league.

Team:
C. O’Brien
C.Cooney, T.Dunne, O.Murphy
C.Cronin, J.O’Donnell, G. Geaney
T.Neally, N.Pike
B.Hegarty, C.Hill , C. Hayes
D O’Connor, F. Deane, P.Dineen

Subs:
B.Sheehan, G. Spillane