Gorey Community School 1-18; Cashel Community School 4-06.
The versatility of county star Conor McDonald proved to be the defining factor as Gorey Community School advanced to the All Ireland Community School’s semi-final after defeating Cashel Community School. The game’s opening was condensed with skill and physicality as Cashel’s Conor Devitt, Michael Ryan Winnie and Stephen Quirke matched the spirited efforts of Marc Halpin, Jason Redmond and Cathal Dunbar. Gearoid Cullen’s valiant endeavours yielded a free which was converted by David Kennedy in the fifth minute. However, the Tipperary representatives reasserted their prominence as both Michael Ryan Winnie and Josh Keane pointed seconds later. Gorey unluckily suffered from injuries as Michael O’ Brien retired from the game with a shoulder injury while Gary Molloy’s ear wound in the fourteenth minute required plastic surgery later that day in Dublin. Cashel were incessant in attacking the Gorey goal but their efforts were halted by the efficient goal- keeping skills of Conor McDonald. Likewise, Cashel’s Johnny Walsh actively defended his goal-line. Heated exchanges near the end of the first half meant that Walter O’Carroll was dismissed for a second yellow card. This proved invaluable for the Slaneysiders as Gearoid Cullen, Kevin Molloy, Cathal Dunbar and David Kennedy pointed. Cashel’s Cillían Walsh repaired some of the damage in the final minute of play as he weaved through the Gorey defence to earn an impressive major. Gorey Community School led at the break on a score line of 8 points to 1-02.
Gorey were first out of the traps in the second half as Cormac Moore pointed with just thirty seconds on the clock while David Kennedy did the same soon after. But Cashel’s Josh Keane was determined to reduce their lead as he picked out Conor Cashman who rifled the ball to the net. Cillian Walsh capitalised on Gorey’s loss of coherence when he scrambled the ball over the goalline in the fourth minute. Despite this, Gorey responded instantly as Cormac Moore regained composure for his side when he sprinted through a labyrinth of Tipperary defenders to blast the ball to the roof of the net with twelve minutes on the clock. Conor McDonald’s move to the full forward berth changed the face of the game soon after. Within five minutes, McDonald pointed on five occasions but this trend was bucked by Josh Keane who secured Cashel’s fourth goal seconds later. Keane’s next point was sandwiched by two single scores claimed by Conor McDonald. Liam Foley and Josh Keane pointed for the premier county in the final five minutes but three late Conor McDonald points sealed a marvellous victory for Gorey C.S. The Wexford side, managed by Rory McCarthy, Conor Wickham and John O Brien, had some flaws but with an adapted style and boost of players returning from injury, they will approach the semi final with confidence.
GOREY C.S.: Conor McDonald (0-08 2 frees, Naomh Éanna), Ross Murphy (Naomh Éanna), Michael O’Brien (St Patrick’s Camolin), Marc Halpin (Liam Mellows), Gary Molloy (Naomh Éanna), Jason Redmond (Naomh Éanna), Eoin Corcoran (Ballygarrett), Cathal Dunbar (0-01, Ballygarrett), David Kennedy (0-05 all frees, Naomh Éanna), Daryl Murphy (St Patrick’s Camolin), Gearóid Cullen (0-01, Naomh Éanna), Kevin Molloy (0-01, Naomh Éanna), Cormac Moore (1-01, Ballygarrett), Michael Hamilton (0-01, St Patrick’s Camolin), Liam Condren (Liam Mellows). SUB’s. Alan McPartlan (Naomh Éanna), Rhys Owley (Tara Rocks), Ashley Tully (St Patricks Camolin), Aodhán Doyle (Naomh Éanna), Oisín Dunbar (Ballygarrett), James Teal (Buffers Alley), Michael Carroll (St Patricks Camolin), Kevin Byrne (Liam Mellows), Michael Dwyer (Naomh Éanna), Lee Owley (Tara Rocks).
CASHEL C.S.: Johnny Walsh, Shane Skelly, Killian Loughman, William Purcell, Conor Devitt, James Cummins, Paudie O’Carroll, Michael Ryan-Winnie, Stephen Quirke, Liam Fahy, Josh Keane, James Doyle, Walter O’Carroll, Cillían Maher, Cillían Walsh. SUB. Conor Cashman.
Final score in Tinryland, Co Carlow Gorey Community School 1-18 Cashel Community School 4-06.
