O’Callaghan keeps Duhallow dream alive

Carbery 1-11 Duhallow 1-11

A late point from Kilbrin full-forward Noel O'Callaghan foiled former winners Carbery, who were left to rue some poor shooting in the opening half when playing with the strong wind at their backs.

And for their spirit and never-say-die attitude alone, this was a draw they richly deserved as they remain on course for something no Duhallow side has ever achieved back-to-back wins in the championship.

Twice in the third quarter, Duhallow looked in big trouble as they trailed by four points. Twice, however, they were able to respond and had O'Callaghan not missed a super goal opportunity late in the game they might now be planning for a crack at Cloyne, who had a large delegation watching proceedings. Certainly, Duhallow's performance in the final quarter must have pleased coach Jer Aherne. Superbly led by centre-back Stephen Barrett, they held Carbery far too reliant on John Paul O'Callaghan for scores scoreless, as two points from Donie Broderick, one from Fergus Browne and that last-gasp effort from O'Callaghan, after great work by keeper Anthony Nash, saved the day. And with a minute or two more they might have won it.

Said Aherne: "We're very pleased with the spirit the lads showed. It was a fair result but a good one for us, especially after our win over Muskerry.

We know our limitations, but we showed tonight we can play a bit of hurling too. We have some work done but few clubs like to play hurling challenges with a division like Duhallow. We're looking forward to the replay now and I'm sure the lads will face it with confidence."

That they can, for certainly Carbery will be happy with the result. Maybe they underestimated Duhallow, maybe they were just off the pace on the night. But another last quarter like this one and they'll be out of the championship.

It was Duhallow who got a great start to a lively contest when points from Seamus Whelan and Donagh Duane put them clear. But the lead didn't last too long as Brian Daly set up John Paul O'Callaghan for a goal. All this inside the opening five minutes.

O'Callaghan, who contributed 1-7, was to account for all his side's scores in the first quarter as they led 1-2 to 0-3, with Liam Harte having a blinder at centre-back. But with Niall Cronin and Seamus Whelan also hurling well, Duhallow showed they were up for this one. The hurling was lively in the second quarter, with Donagh McCarthy firing over a '65 for Duhallow, but with Carbery hitting a total of nine wides in the opening half, the door was open for Duhallow, who went ahead in the 25th minute when Damien Crowley goaled after good work by Shane O'Riordan and Duane.

However, a point from play by James Forristal and two more frees from O'Callaghan earned Carbery a 1-7 to 1- 5 interval lead but with the strong breeze at their backs for the second-half, Duhallow must have been fancying their chances. It didn't look too good though when Kevin O'Donovan and O'Callaghan stretched Carbery's lead inside two minutes of the resumption and with Harte superbly marshalling their defence, Carbery looked odds on when leading 1-11 to 1-7 entering the final quarter.

But some inspired Duhallow play from Barrett, Cronin and Donagh McCarthy, resulted in those four vital scores that set up an interesting replay next week.

Scorers for Carbery: JP O'Callaghan 1-7 (0-7 frees), J Forristal 0-2, V O'Brien, K O'Donovan, 0-1 each.

Duhallow: D Crowley 1-2, F Browne 0-3 (frees), D Broderick 0-2, S Whelan, D Dunne, D McCarthy ('65), N O'Callaghan, 0-1 each,

CARBERY: G Keohane (Barryroe); P Ryan (Kilbrittain), J Crowley (Newcestown), John Forristal (Clonakilty); V O'Brien (Kilbrittain), J Harte (Argideen Rangers), T Coffey (Oliver Plunkett's); G Coleman (Barryroe), R O'Flynn (Ballinascarthy); K O'Donovan (Kilmeen\Kilbree), D Lucey (Bandon), K Griffin (Barryroe); J Forristal (Clon), B Daly (Clon), JP O'Callaghan (Diarmuid Ó Mathunas). Subs: D Desmond (Kilbrittain) for Coffey, M Walsh (Argideen Rngs) for Daly, R Cashman (Kilbrittain) for O'Flynn, C O'Driscoll (Oliver Plunkett's) for Lucey.

DUHALLOW: A Nash (Kanturk); S O'Flynn (Banteer), C Buckley (do), N Cronin (Kilbrin); B Sheahan (Millstreet), S Barrett (do), D McCarthy (do); S Whelan (Tullylease), S O'Riordan (Kilbrin); F Browne (Kanturk), D Duane (do), D Broderick (Freemount); D Crowley (Kilbrin), N O'Callaghan (do), K McCarthy (Millstreet). Sub: M Sheehy (Tullylease) for McCarthy.

Referee: D Copps (Ballyhea).