Pat Ryan, Doon, and Ian Kenny, Ballygunner, in AIB Munster Club SHC action at TUS Gaelic Grounds. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
AIB Munster Club SHC First Round
Ballygunner 0-25 Doon 0-20
This was another contest all about Ballygunner's patience and purpose.
Doon produced an admirably defiant display throughout, but Ballygunner still found a way to survive, and eventually thrive.
Goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe made crucial saves when required as Doon posed stern questions during an absorbing match.
At the opposite end of the field Dessie Hutchinson and Patrick Fitzgerald, especially in the second half, produced vital plays when it truly mattered.
Following a first ever Limerick SHC title, Derek McGrath's determined Doon summoned a gutsy opening period display.
By the time the interval rolled around Doon were 0-12 to 0-8 ahead as a gripping game unfolded.
Adam English was sharp for Doon, who were demonstrating why they captured silverware on home turf a week previously with Chris Thomas an influential figure.
Ballygunner, though, stayed cool and composed under pressure. After the restart Fitzgerald rifled over three gorgeous points, while Pauric Mahony and Hutchinson were others to make sterling contributions.
Doon continued to battle until the bitter end, carving some goalscoring opportunities, but O'Keeffe made vital stops thwarting Pat Ryan whenthe issue was delicately poised.
Despite Doon's bravery, Ballygunner, such a seasoned outfit at this level, progressed with Hutchinson adding a couple of excellent scores late on to seal the deal.
Scorers for Ballygunner: P Mahony 0-11 (9fs), D Hutchinson 0-6, P Fitzgerald 0-4, C Sheahan 0-2, M Mahony 0-2.
Scorers for Doon: A English 0-10 (8fs, 1 65), C Thomas 0-4, P Ryan 0-2, C O'Donovan 0-1, D O'Donovan 0-1, E Stokes 0-1, J Ryan 0-1.
Ballygunner: Stephen O’Keeffe; Ian Kenny, Barry Coughlan, Tadhg Foley; Philip Mahony, Ronan Power; Conor Sheahan, Paddy Leavey; Dessie Hutchinson, Pauric Mahony, Peter Hogan; Patrick Fitzgerald, Kevin Mahony, Mikey Mahony.
Subs: Cormac Power for Kevin Mahony (55), Shane O’Sullivan for Mikey Mahony (63).
Doon: Tomas Lynch; Eoin Fitzgibbon, Tommy Hayes, Cian O’Donovan; Chris Thomas, Barry Murphy, Richie English; Darragh O’Donovan, Pat Ryan; Adam English; Eddie Stokes, Cormac Ryan; Jack Ryan, Kevin Maher, Darragh Stapleton.
Subs: Mikey O’Brien for Murphy (4-7), Mikey O’Brien for Maher (44), Gareth Thomas for Stapleton (44), Patrick Cummings for Richie English (53).
Referee: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary).
