Hogan Cup Semi-Final

Naas CBS 0-20 Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne 0-14

By Jason O’Connor at Mallow

Naas CBS enjoyed an excellent Hogan Cup Semi-Final win over Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne in Mallow

Magnificent power and timely, controlled aggression were key features of their win. The first-half was a tight affair on the scoreboard at least, with Chorca Dhuibhne leading by 0-9 to 0-8 at the break, Dylan Ó Géibheannaigh and Ruaidhrí Ó Beaglaoich scoring 0-3 apiece for the Munster representatives.

However, Naas could put themselves on the road to victory a lot earlier, kicking seven wides along with seeing a penalty from Alex Beirne go wide of the post in 21st minute.

Mikey McGovern was the player at the centre of Naas’ penalty and was also the central figure in their control of the second period. He rattled off three points in quick succession on the resumption, with Alex Beirne chipping in with a point to make it 0-12 to 0-10. Naas would then go on to assume complete control of midfield and their forwards tormented the Corcha Dhuibhne defence as the match wore on.

They added a series of points from McGovern (3) and one each from Alex Beirne, Paddy McDermott and Simon Murphy as Naas put their opponents out of sight, leading by 0-18 to 0-12 after 55 minutes.

To their credit, Corcha Dhuibhne never gave up, but could only muster late points from Conor O Flannúra and Ó Géibheannaigh which Naas cancelled out through late points from Dermot Hanafin and Eoin Conneff.

The Kerry school will be disappointed with their performance as well as the result but could have no complaints about how it panned out on the day ultimately in Naas’ favour.

They will still reflect with pride on an amazing decade in general for the school at Senior ‘A’ level having enjoyed six Corn Ui Mhuirí (Munster) and two Hogan Cup wins along with a Paul McGirr Cup success at U-16½ level two years ago for the majority of this particular side. However, their attempts to make it to a third decider came up short in what were ideal conditions in Mallow.

Buoyed on by some vocal support on the day, Naas CBS look hungry for All-Ireland success as they will face St Michael’s Enniskillen (2002 winning school) in the decider at Croke Park. Indeed, they hope to end a memorable three weeks for the school which saw them retain the Bosco Cup in Leinster just 10 days ago.

Scorers for Naas CBS: M McGovern 0-7 (4fs), A Beirne 0-4, E Conneff 0-3, D Hannafin 0-2 (1f), T O’Connor, D Costello, P McDermott, and S Murphy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Pobalscoil Corca Dhuibhne: D Ó Geibheannaigh 0-5 (1f), R Ó Beaglaoich 0-4 (3fs), D Uosis 0-2 (2fs), C Ó Flannúra, C Ó Failbhe, and C Ó Beaglaoich 0-1 each.

NAAS CBS: David Morrissey; Jack Hamill, Conall Ó Gallchobhair, Kevin Quinn; John Lawler, Eoin Archbold, Kevin Kelleher; Liam Broderick, Jack Cleary, Tony O’Connor, Drew Costello, Alex Beirne; Dermot Hanafin, Eoin Conneff, Mikey McGovern

Subs: Paddy McDermott for K Kelliher (H/T), Conan Boran for T O’Connor (39), Simon Murphy for E Conneff (46), Murray O’Byrne for D Hanafin (59) and Rian Monaghan for L Broderick (60).

POBALSCOIL CORCA DHUIBHNE: Deividas Uosis; Conor Ó Flannúra, Tomás Ó Dubháin, Séamus Ó Loingsigh; Stiofan Ó Conchúir, Gearóid Ó Leidhinn, Seán Óg Ó Moráin; James Aghas, Colm Ó Muircheartaigh, Criostóir Ó Catháin, Cillian Ó Failbhe, Colin Ó Muircheartaigh; Dylan Ó Geibheannaigh, Cathal Ó Beaglaoich, Ruaidhrí Ó Beaglaoich

Subs: Conn Ó Riagáin for J Aghas (B/C 22) and Gavin Mac Cárthaigh for Criostóir Ó Catháin (56).

REFEREE: James Molloy (Galway).