AIB Munster Club SFC Quarter-Final
Clonmel Commercials 2-7 Newcastle West 0-6
By Noel Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium
A goal in either half was enough to see Tipperary senior football champions Clonmel Commercials through to the AIB Munster club senior semi-final when they defeated a disappointing Newcastle West at FBD Semple Stadium.
The Clonmel lads were the better side most of the way through, even though Newcastle West managed to kick nine wides and could have been in the hunt had they been more accurate.
Newcastle West came to FBD Semple Stadium 12 months ago at semi-final stage and came away with a famous victory over the same opposition. And, they had designs on doing the same again this time round, though the unavailability of star attacker Iain Corbett was a big blow to them.
Commercials had gotten off to a flier with a fine Sean O’Connor goal after just two minutes. Colman Kennedy followed up with a point for the Clonmel outfit, but by the time they managed another score – 25 minutes later – Newcastle West had found their range.
Though guilty of a number of wides, Newcastle West had points from Eoin Hurley (2 frees) and Bryan Nix to come within a point of the hosts. However, a Kevin Fahey point right at the stroke of the half time whistle ensured that Commercials would have a 1-2 to 0-3 interval advantage.
Wing forward Peter McGarry had been black carded for the Clonmel men, but he would be back in action within two minutes of the re-start.
Scores were at a premium in the second half as well and when Michael Quinlivan and Kevin Fahey kicked two points for Commercials to send them four clear, the feeling was that the Limerick team would need a goal if they were to get back into the game. And, they didn’t look like they could get a goal, with Tipperary senior hurling defender Seamus Kennedy doing a mighty job for Commercials at the heart of their defence.
Emmet Rigter and Jack Kennedy traded points with Thomas Quilligan adding another for Newcastle West. But, the decisive score of the second half came in the 25th minute when Peter McGarry goaled brilliantly having picked up the ball outside the 45 metre line and weaving his way through before slotting to the net.
That was the game sealing score and Commercials followed up with Padraic Looram and Seamus Kennedy points to top a fine victory and one which will gave them much confidence as they face Dingle in the Munster semi-final in two weeks time.
Scorers for Clonmel Commercials: Peter McGarry and Seanie O’Connor 1-0 each; Kevin Fahey 0-2; Padraic Looram, Jack Kennedy, Colman Kennedy, Michael Quinlivan, Seamus Kennedy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Newcastle West: Eoin Hurley 0-2 (2fs), Emmet Rigter, Bryan Nix, Ethan Hurley, Thomas Quilligan.
Clonmel Commercials: Michael O’Reilly, Tadgh Condon, James Morris, Rory O’Dowd, Kevin Fahey, Seamus Kennedy, Padraic Looram, Cathal Deely, Jack Kennedy, Peter McGarry, Colman Kennedy, Conal Kennedy, Ross Peters, Michael Quinlivan, Seanie O’Connor.
Subs: Sean Kennedy for Conal Kennedy; Declan Mee for Ross Peters; Aldo Matassa or Sean O’Connor; Joe Higgins for Colman Kennedy; Tadhg Sheehan for Jack Kennedy.
Newcastle West: Michael Quilligan, Michael O’Keefe, Darren O’Doherty, Brian O’Sullivan, Ruadhan O’Connor, James Kelly, Michael O’Leary, Emmet Rigter, Sean Murphy, Liam Woulfe, Bryan Nix, Aaron Neville, Stephen Brosnan, Mike McMahon, Eoin Hurley.
Subs: Brian Foley for Stephen Brosnan; Ethan Hurley for Mike McMahon; Thomas Quilligan for Liam Woulfe; Seamus Hurley for James Kelly; Brian Hurley for Aaron Neville.
Referee: Chris Maguire (Clare)
By Tipperary GAA Wed 15th Nov
