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*Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
Champions die hard they say and Ballyea certainly backed up that claim when they took on Scariff on Sunday afternoon.
Ballyea 0-19
Scariff 0-19
Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla
This result knocks Inagh/Kilnamona out of the championship and means the final round tie between Scariff and Kilmaley will determine who qualifies from Group 1.
Going into what was their final game in the group (they have a bye in the final round in two weeks time) without star player Tony Kelly and Clare panellist Brandon O’Connell, they lost centre back Jack Browne at half time and ten minutes into the second half they had to replace Cathal O’Connor.
Trailing by five points at that stage not many would have given them a chance of getting something from the game but they simply refused to accept that.
Inspired by the outstanding Gearoid O’Connell and helped by the very impressive Fiachra Kirby following his introduction, they clawed their way back to claim a share of the spoils and keep their championship hopes alive.
O’Connell opened the scoring in the first minute but then Scariff hit four in a row before Ballyea hit back with a similar tally to lead 0-5 to 0-4 at the end of the first quarter.
From here to half time Scariff dominated matters scoring nine points without reply to lead 0-13 to 0-5 at the half time whistle.
Facing into the second half nine points in arrears the news that Jack Browne wouldn’t be involved due to injury didn’t help the Ballyea supporters. His replacement Brian Murphy did well and played his part in their fight back.
Niall Deasy and Mark Rodgers exchanged points inside five minutes of the resumption before Cathal O’Connor, now operating at full forward, and Deasy from two frees hit the target.
Further points from substitute Fiachra Kirby (2) and team captain Deasy reduced the lead to two points; Scariff captain Mark Rodgers replied with a brace (1 free) to put four between them with ten minutes to play.
The inspirational Gearoid O’Connell landed two before Rodgers who was marked by Paul Flanagan landed one from play and Deasy from a free swapped scores to leave two separating the sides with five minutes to play.
Deasy and Rodgers again exchanged scores before a brace from frees by Deasy tied up the game at 0-18 each with the match in injury time.
A converted ‘65 by Rodgers looked to have given Scariff victory but Ballyea refused to accept defeat and Fiachra Kirby fired over a lovely score to level the contest yet again. The teenager ironically got the equalising score for Clondegad when they drew with Doonbeg in Cooraclare last Sunday.
The defending champions’ fate now rests on the outcome of the tie between Scariff and Kilmaley, the latter needing a draw or a win to remain in contention. A Scariff win in that one will put Kilmaley out and see Ballyea progress to the quarter finals.
Scorers Scariff: Mark Rodgers (0-13, 9frees, 1 line ball); Keelan Hartigan (0-4), Michael Barrett, Patrick Ryan (0-1) each
Scorers Ballyea: Niall Deasy (0-0, 8 frees); Gearoid O’Connell, Cian Kirby, Fiachra Kirby (0-3) each; Cathal O’Connor (0-1)
Scariff;
1: William Kavanagh;
4: Daniel Treacy.
3: Michael Scanlan
2: Seamus McCaul
5: Scott Cairns
6: Diarmaid Nash
7: Shane Kavanagh
9: Conor Downes
8: Keelan Hartigan;
10: Michael Barrett
11: Patrick Crotty
12: Liam Crotty
13: Mark Rodgers
14: Patrick Ryan
15: Fergus Madden;
Subs:
20: Eanna O’Brien for L. Crotty (50)
24: Sean Minogue for P. Ryan (56)
Ballyea;
1: Cathal Doohan
2: Morgan Garry
3: Peter Casey
4: Paul Flanagan
8: Stan Lineen
6: Jack Browne
7: James Murphy
5: Gearoid O’Connell
9: Thomas Kelly
10: Cathal O’Connor
11: Niall Deasy
12: Fergal Guinnane
13: Cian Kirby
18: Aaron Griffin
15: Mossy Gavin
Subs:
19: Brian Murphy for J. Browne (inj. half time)
22: Fiachra Kirby for A. Griffin (37)
17: Aonghus Keane for C. O’Connor (inj. 40
14: Martin O’Leary for M. Gavin (56)
Referee: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)
