Clonmore were on very much on top in the first half and led by 1-8 to 0-5 at half-time. The goal was made by Shane McGrath who beat his man and cutting in along the end-line had the presence of mind to pass the ball across in front of the goal for John McGrath to box to the net.
When Gavin Byrne got the first score of the 2nd half to extend the lead to seven points, things were looking good. However, Ballinabranna were in no mood to lie down and with their centre-back Bobby Daly driving them on, they hit a purple patch scoring 1-3 in about 5 minutes to reduce the lead to one point – 1-9 to 1-8 on 40m mins. The momentum was now all with B’branna. Luckily for Clonmore, young corner forward, Shane McGrath was having the game of his life and in the 41st minute he dispossessed the B’branna keeper to score the most important goal of the year as far as Clonmore are concerned. Suddenly the wind was taken from B’branna’s sails and Clonmore settled again. Niall Humphries added a point to leave it 2-10 to 1-8 on 46 minutes.
B’branna just kept coming back and corner forward Jimmy Dunne buried a penalty to bring them right back in it again – 2-10 to 2-8 on 47 mins. From there on the Clonmore lads lifted their game and gave an exhibition of point scoring by Shane McGrath, Gavin Byrne, Con Murphy (2), Owen Coleman (2) and Enda McGrath. It was never easy and the backs had to repel numerous attacks before victory was secured. Congratulations to all the players on a great all round team performance and best of luck to players & mentors in the Final on Sunday, 9 October.
Team: Colin McGrath, Paul Byrne, Wesley Byrne, John Kelly, Pauric Lawlor, David Mulvany (0-1), Shane Murphy, Ronan Doyle, Gavin Byrne (0-5, 4f), Niall Humphries, (0-3), Con Murphy (0-3), Jamie Walsh, Owen Coleman (0-2), John McGrath (1-1), Shane McGrath (1-1). Subs: Enda McGrath (0-1), Willie Byrne, PJ Byrne. Subs Unused: Daragh Kelly, James Doyle,
Ref: Pat Ahern (Setanta HC)
