Too Many Chances Missed
Carrick Swan 1-13, Mullinahone CJK 1-9
In the end it was their failure to take chances which cost Mullinahone dearly in this league section game against Carrick Swan on Saturday last. Three goal chances from close in and four scorable frees were all missed. In the end the Kickhams went down by only four points and the missed chances would have made a difference of more than the four points. Truthfully Swan also missed chances but not as many as their rivals.
During the first half the Carrick lads were well on top but not until they goaled in 23 minutes did they show this on the scoreboard. This goal from Colm Watters gave them a 1-5 to 0-3 lead. Another four points before half time put them 1-9 to 0-3 in front at the interval.
As Mullinahone had the advantage of the slight slope in Cloneen they now seemed well out of the game and set for a sound defeat. As often happens in games there was to be a twist in the tail of this one. Swan began the second half in the first minute with a point from a free which had been moved forward for dissent. Gradually the tide seemed to turn. Some positional changes had been made at half time by Mullinahone including moving Enda Keane to the back line where he strengthened the full line. Graham Horan was also switched with Luke Mullally who improved matters up front. As they came more into the game the Kickhams began to create chances which they missed and the gap remained between the sides.
Swan who were the bigger and stronger side began to tire and Mullinahone came more and more into the game. However scores were scarce and the gap remained until Michael Cody goaled for Mullinahone in the 23rd minute. The score was now 1-13 to 1-07 but a lack of forward power saw Mullinahone restricted to only two more points in the final seven minutes as Swan wobbled somewhat. However Swan survived as they deserved to. They were a better balanced side with their players well placed around the field. They didn’t panic when pressure came on.
Final score Carrick Swan 1-13, Mullinahone 1-09.
Swan now have four points from this win and their walkover from St. Mary’s. This should be enough to qualify them for the semi-finals unless Mullinahone can pull off a surprise against the new county minor champions St. Mary’s. This game is likely to go ahead next weekend. For Swan Kieran Lonergan was steady in goal, Scott Hogan and Colm Loughman held the defence together. The O’Halloran’s shaded midfield and the forwards in general did enough to win the game. However a return of four points in the second half will hardly suffice in future games. For Mullinahone whose game with St. Mary’s is now a knock out one, best were Enda Keane, Jack Shelly, Michael Cody and Graham Horan. Referee Paddy Ivors handled the game well keeping the play moving if at all possible. Good to see once again the scoreboard back in action in Anner Park.
Teams:
Carrick Swan: Kieran Lonergan, Danny Walsh, Scott Hogan, Aaron Dunne, Dale O’Hanlon, Colm Loughman, Tommy McGrath, Gavin O’Halloran, Eric O’Halloran, Dean Walsh, Luke Gahan, Dean Watters, Martin Griffin, Colm Watters, Bill Barrett.
Mullinahone: Richie Walsh, Paul Luttrell, Michael Cody, Liam Hicks, Darragh Kelly, Luke Mullally, David Walzer, Sean Walzer, Colin Shelly, Graham Horan, Jack Shelly, Micheál Dunne, Paul Gayson, Enda Keane, Joe Hogan.
Referee: Paddy Ivors, Ballingarry
