Late points earn win for Clonmel HS

Clonmel High School 2-11

The Tipperary side fell a point behind with seven minutes to go after surrendering an eight point lead, but Shanahan came to the rescue to give his side a title they last won in 1986.

In a game that was fiercely contested all through and well above the standard of B grade Clonmel, backed by the wind, stormed into a 2-2 to nil lead inside the opening 10 minutes, Shanahan grabbing the two goals, and Bandon looked to be in for a drubbing.

Clonmel played superb football and they stretched their lead to nine points after 27 minutes.

Bandon were in dire need of a goal and it came from Eric Corcoran. The half time lead of 2-7 to 2-2, wasn’t as intimidating for the West Cork lads as they turned to play with the wind.

In a marvellous second half Bandon laid siege to the Clonmel goal and the scores began to flow, chiefly through the superb free-taking of the impressive Hugh Curran.

They drew level at 2-8 apiece in the 52nd minute, before Curran edged them in front for the first time.

Incredibly Bandon had turned this game completely around, but in doing so were out on their feet in the closing minutes, and Paul Shanahan became the toast of Clonmel with the two insurance points to keep his side on course for a possible double.

Scorers for Clonmel: P. Shanahan 2-2; I. Barnes, B. Mulvihill 0-3 each; M. McHugh 0-2; T. O’Mahony 0-1.

Bandon: H. Curran 0-6 (0-2 frees); M. Moloney 1-1; E. Corcoran 1-0; D. Lucey, B. Lehane 0-1 each.

CLONMEL: I. Browne; B. Gibbons, A. Foley, D. Conway; D. Madigan, L. Lawlor, B. Power; K. Kiely, T. O’Mahony; M. McHugh, P. Kelly, P. Hally; I. Barnes, P. Shanahan, B. Mulvihill. Subs. B. Carroll for Hally; S. Dolan for McHugh; P. McDonnell for Conway.

BANDON: D. O’Mahony; R. Courtney, S. Hickey. C. Dullea; M. Lehane, J. Milner, S. O’Donovan; D. Lucey, T. Coffey; C. Sugrue, H. Curran, D. Cronin; E. Corcoran, P. Moloney, B. Lehane.

Referee, M. Meade (Ballylanders).