Carna-Caiseal need extra time to see off Clonbur challenge

Date Published: 26-Sep-2012

Carna-Caiseal 2-15

Clonbur 3-8

After extra-time

Cian O’Connell  at Pearse Stadium

Drama is always attached to championship encounters involving Carna-Caiseal and Saturday’s Intermediate semi-final replay went the distance as Eamon Ó Cualain’s wonderfully spirited team eventually fended off Clonbur’s courageous challenge.

While the football mightn’t have been as pure as the drawn match it was still a thrilling tussle with Carna-Caiseal deserving winners.

Clonbur must take significant credit too as they contributed handsomely to 140 minutes of high intensity fare over two weekends and their return to this level was noteworthy.

The All-Ireland Junior Champions have progressed nicely under Stephen Joyce’s watch in the last 18 months and though they were beaten in Pearse Stadium Clonbur are moving in the right direction.

Carna-Caiseal were just that little bit slicker, though, and in Niall Coyne had the game changing player required to make a difference in these sort of epic encounters.

Coyne was quickly involved planting a smashing seventh minute goal following a Seán Ó Cathasaigh pass which crafted the opportunity. Carna-Caiseal were anxious to get Coyne into the action, but Clonbur replied. Unsurprisingly with their running style it featured a burst from deep with Trevor Lydon advancing to pick out Eoin Joyce.

Clonbur’s most consistent attacker is a clinical finisher and Joyce was sufficiently skilful to rattle the Carna-Caiseal net. Joyce stroked over a free to bring Clonbur back on terms and from that stage it was apparent that this contest would lack neither bite nor bark.

Seosamh Seoige edged Carna-Caiseal ahead again before Joyce kicked a free and a 45 as Clonbur led 1-3 to 1-2 with half-time approaching.

In a wild ending to the opening period Seán Seosamh Ó Curraoin and Sean Ó Cathasaigh had points either side of a Pat Lambe score ensuring the teams left the pitch deadlocked at the break, 1-4 each.

The third quarter belonged to Carna-Caiseal’s application as Clonbur were pegged back and not allowed to implement their strike running style. Seoige nailed a free, the effective Colm Ó Dúbháin and Coyne also pointed before Lydon responded for Clonbur.

Carna-Caiseal were dictating the pace at this stage with Seoige and Marc MacFhlannacha-with a splendid outside of the boot beauty-steering them 1-9 to 1-5 in front 46 minutes in. Considering how hard fought and gruelling the football had been it appeared a decent buffer, but Clonbur found a way back.

Brian Keane and Joyce were the providers and Eamon Ó Cuív drilled a measured low shot in the bottom corner. Suddenly only a point divided the teams and Carna-Caiseal had to stay calm as Clonbur improved considerably once more.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.