Keevans Cup Semi Final Gorey CS vs St Mary’s CBS Enniscorthy.
Report by Michael Dwyer.
Photos by Aoife Crowe attached.
Enniscorthy CBS advance to the final of this years Keevans Cup after they defeated reigning champions Gorey Community School in Gorey on Tuesday last. The game commenced as an even battle with Gorey opening with some great ball-work. However, the men of Enniscorthy soon attacked in a skilful manner. Dean Murphy opened scoring matters for St Mary’s when he lobbed a point over after ten minutes of action. Robert Frayne’s immense fielding in the centre forward line was rewarded by his point seconds later. While Gorey had some great hand passing movement, their attacks were swarmed by the clinical backs of Enniscorthy especially Seán Cloherty, Ben Edwards and Neil McCrea. The combined efforts of attackers John Kehoe, Ryan Mahon and Martin Óg Storey climaxed when Gorey ‘keeper James Flood’s deflection allowed Mahon to snatch a three point bonus. Gorey eventually responded in the twentieth minute as Gavin Stamp pointed a free. Stamp’s next point from play created a false sense of security for the Gorey men as Robert Frayne passed to Ryan Mahon who effortlessly reaped a marvelled goal. At the break, the two goals from Mahon separated the sides as Enniscorthy led; 2-02 to 0-02.
Gorey stepped up their attacks in the opening minutes of the second half with a pointed free from Gavin Stamp. Yusuf Frih sped through the defence of Enniscorthy and picked out Gearóid Cullen who raised the white flag also. Points from Eoin Conroy and Gavin Stamp brought the margin down to two but the Enniscorthy attack returned ruthlessly as Cillían Doyle fisted the ball to the net after ten minutes had passed. St Mary’s capitalised on this advance with points from Declan Power and Leonard Connolly. Despite these endeavours of the visitors, the Gorey side, trained by Rory McCarthy and Conor Wickham, defended valiantly with Mark Nolan, Liam Condren and Marc Halpin showing great determination. Gorey’s wides tolled up to double figures which proved to be a factor in the result. Despite missing county minor star Liam Ryan through injury, Enniscorthy were colossal. Seán Cloherty acted as a pivotal workhorse operating from the centre back berth. The win was sealed for Enniscorthy when Robert Frayne pointed a free in the final minute of play. Enniscorthy will now prepare for a battle in the Keevans Cup Final and Leinster Championship clash with Portlaoise CBS while Gorey Community School refocus to their Leinster Football campaign also.
Final Score: Enniscorthy CBS 3-05; Gorey CS 0-07.
GOREY COMMUNITY SCHOOL: James Flood (Castletown), Liam Condren (Castletown), Philip Kinsella (Castletown), Marc Halpin (Castletown), Dylan Moore (Tara Rocks), Fionn Doyle (Naomh Éanna), Kevin Kennedy (Naomh Éanna), Eoin Conroy (0-01; Naomh Éanna), Yusuf Frih (Castletown), Dylan Sweeney (Realt Na Mara), Gavin Stamp (0-05 2 frees; Castletown), Mark Nolan (Naomh Éanna), Ciarán Sheridan (Naomh Éanna), Gearóid Cullen (0-01; Naomh Éanna), Tomás Morris (St. Patrick’s) SUB’s. Ben Clarke (Castletown), Conor Kinsella, Alan McPartlan, Jamie Heffernan, Kevin Molloy (All Naomh Éanna), Rhys Owley, Lee Owley (Both Tara Rocks), Gavin Walker (Realt Na Mara)
ST MARY’S CBS ENNISCORTHY: Dylan Cloke (Starlights), Ben Edwards (Starlights), Conor Casey (Duffry Rovers), Dylan Martin (Davidstown), Neil McCrea (Starlights), Seán Cloherty (Starlights), Cillían Doyle (1-00, Cloughbawn), Darragh Kehoe (Marshalstown), Conor Ryan (Oylegate), Dean Murphy (0-01; Cloughbawn), Robert Frayne (0-02; Duffry Rovers), Jack Conroy (Starlights), John Kehoe (Ballyhogue), Martin Óg Storey (Oulart the Ballagh), Ryan Mahon (2-00; Starlights) SUBS. Declan Power (0-01; Ballyhogue), Leonard Connolly (0-01; Starlights), Liam Ryan (Starlights).
Darragh Kehoe watches as Gavin Stamp jumps to gain possession
Gorey’s Eoin Conroy, Kevin Kennedy and Fionn Doyle look on as Gavin Stamp claims possession despite the efforts of Enniscorthy’s Sean Cloherty and Conor Ryan.
Kevin Molloy calculates his next move as Seán Cloherty follows.
Jamie Heffernan grips hold of the ball.
Gorey’s Dylan Sweeney attempts to kick for a score
