Munster final on the double for CBS
The Mitchelstown CBS senior footballers emulated the achievement of the senior hurlers when they defeated Ennistymon CBS in the Munster senior B football semi-final in Cappamore on Saturday, on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-10.
Ennistymon had the better of the earlier part of the game and were rewarded with the first two scores, both fine points from play. They dominated possession and were particularly strong breaking through the middle. CBS on more than one occasion had reason to be grateful to fullback Jamie Fogarty for his strong defence. The first score for CBS came courtesy of the boot of Darragh O’Brien from a free, awarded following good work by Kevin Cotter and Shane Looney. An Ennistymon free made it 3 points to 1 in their favour and it was a scoreline their strong play merited. The first sign of recovery came via the second CBS score, a result of patient interplay in what was probably the first occasion of possession maintained, and eventually leading to a point from wing-forward Paddy English. A Colin McNamara point followed soon after and the sides were level at 0-03 apiece. The signs were much better for CBS; a greater share of possession, showing greater composure on the ball and being patient in probing for an opening.
Ennistymon were next on target, another fine point from play, to go back in front, but it was to prove to be their last time leading. Good interplay involving Jack McNamara, Paddy English and Charlie English and the ball played in was claimed under pressure by Darragh O’Brien. He still had a lot of work to do but he cracked the ball to the net to put CBS ahead for the first time, 1-03 to 0-04. With time ticking down towards the break Ennistymon reverted to trying to run through the middle while CBS were more patient in possession. A number of wides from both sides in the last minutes but no further scoring, leaving just 2 between them at the break.
Ennistymon reduced the lead to one with a free in the early minutes; their freetaker was unerring throughout. One of the scores of the game followed, a drilled point from play from Darragh O’Brien. CBS then won possession straight from the kick out, the ball was played through to Kevin Cotter, very effective in the second half in particular, and he added a fine point from play. Ennistymon added a point from play, the sides now 2 apart again at 1-05 to 0-06. Another two point salvo followed from CBS, the first from Luke Keating following excellent interplay under pressure involving a number of the CBS forwards, and immediately a second as CBS won possession from the kick out and Paddy English, very impressive throughout, pointed from play. While the game remained too tight to call there were signs that the CBS defence were winning their own battles. Jamie Fogarty at full back was particularly prominent, giving an assured display and successfully negated the scoring threat of the Ennistymon full forward. A further Ennistymon free left the gap at three points and a few nerve-jangling moments followed as CBS struggled to get the ball out of their own defence. The fine fielding ability of the opposition was notable, but defenders were more hard-working in standing their players up and preventing that centre break that Ennistymon craved. With Ennistymon pushing up in search of scores more space was available to the forwards and Ben Carey’s speed was a particular threat. Such a move led to a goal chance for CBS but the keeper saved. The next two scores were pointed frees from Ennistymon; signs of the pressure on the CBS defence. The gap was now down to a single point and there were just minutes remaining in normal time. Next score was vital and it came the way of CBS; a typical determined drive by Ben Carey through the centre, he was fouled and Darragh O’Brien pointed the resultant free. Ennistymon replied likewise as the game went into injury time with just a point between the teams. Frantic exchanges followed, with Ennistymon piling forward and CBS resolute in defence. 3 minutes injury time was played when a break for CBS led to Luke Keating pointing from the left; 2 points between them, and the very welcome wound of the final whistle greeted with delight and relief by the CBS panel and supporters.
Many of the football team are also part of the hurling team which secured qualification for the Munster final last week. Next week they will face Pallaskenry in the Munster Senior C hurling final, while the Patrician Academy Mallow await in the Senior B football decider the following week. The hope now will be that the injuries sustained in recent weeks will have cleared up and that all will be available for selection for the upcoming games.
Team: Callum Burke, Cian O’Brien, Jamie Fogarty, Declan Moriarty, Diarmuid O’Brien, Charlie English, Jack McNamara, Cathal English, Shane Looney, Darragh O’Brien, Colin McNamara, Paddy English, Matthew Fitzgibbon, Luke Keating, Kevin Cotter. Subs used: Ben Carey, Cian Ryan, Luke Keane, Conor Walsh.
Pictures One to Four: Munster senior football Semi-Final
Pictures Five: Congratulations to the U15 soccer team, who had a great win over North Mon Cork last week, finishing on a score line of 4-1
Pictures Six to Nine: The Fifth Year Politics&Society class, from both CBS Secondary School and Presentation Secondary School, along with TY students from both schools, attended the DC Model UN in the City Hall in Cork last week, where each student represented a delegation, wrote resolutions and amendments, and actively participated in many pertinent debates. Congratulations to all.
Picture Ten: Many thanks to Inspire facilitated an excellent study skills workshop for the 5th year students last Thursday
Picture Eleven: Many thanks to Radley Engineering, Waterford, for giving an informative talk to the CBS 6th Year students last week.