O’Shea the ace as Bishopstown advance
In what was a do or die situation for both clubs, Na Piarsaigh failed lamentably to raise their game, while Bishopstown, with James O’Shea in fine kicking form, set up a third round meeting with St. Nicholas.
O’Shea was the star of the show for Bishopstown, kicking six points after being temporarily substituted earlier on after sustaining an injury. Indeed Na Piarsaigh failed to score after the change of ends. Bishopstown were far more enterprising in their approach play early on and raced into the lead. Following a splendid build up wing forward Alan Coomey pointed them in front and then temporary substitute Denis Crowley fisted home a goal.
Following their opening score - a point from Colin O’Sullivan in the 18th minute - Na Piarsaigh, with Sean Óg Ó HAilpin and Mark Prendergast showing great leadership, did come to grips with their game for a time and two splendid points from David Gardiner and impressive corner back Darren Mannix reduced the deficit to the minimum.
But with Na Piarsaigh attempting to score from impossible positions, a more methodical Bishopstown side increased their lead with points from Jack Ferriter and O’Shea coming up to half time. Just before the break, however, Na Piarsaighs were thrown a much-needed lifeline when Mark Prendergast soloed through for a super point.
It was 1-3 to 0-4 in Bishopstown’s favour at the interval and everything to play for after the resumption. However, Na Piarsaigh never came out of traps and serving up one of their worst displays capitulated. On the other side of the coin, Bishopstown went from strength to strength. They hit a succession of points as Na Piarsaigh crumbled. Points from Jack Ferriter, O’Shea, John L O’Sullivan and Ferriter again powered Bishopstown into a six point lead coming up to the third quarter. Then O’Shea really went to town. Kicking three points in rapid succession he destroyed any hopes the Piarsaigh harboured of mounting a comeback and Bishopstown were on their way to a place in the third round. Bishopstown were then awarded a penalty when substitute Brian Cuthbert was taken down by left half-back Stephen J O’Sullivan in the 31st minute. O’Shea drove the resultant penalty over the bar but it made no difference whatsoever.
: Bishopstown: D Crowley 1-0; J O’Shea 0-6; J Ferriter 0-3; A Coomney, JL O’Sullivan 0-1 each. Na Piarsaigh C O’Sullivan, D Gardiner, D Mannix, M Prendergast 0-1 each.
: K O’Halloran; S Murphy, N O’Donovan, J O’Sullivan; T Hayes, A O’Connor, B Hussey; R Honohan, D Cullinane; JL O’Sullivan, J Ferriter, A Coomey; J O’Shea, J Honohan, S O’Mahony. Subs:D Crowley for J Honohan; B Cuthbert for Coomey.
: G O’Sullivan; D Mannix, D McNamara, J Twohig; R Healy, S Óg Ó OhAilpín, SJ O’Sullivan; M Prendergast, G Sheehan; C O’Mahony, S McLoughlin, J Gardiner; C O’Sullivan, A Hurley, D Gardiner. Subs:A Brady for C O’Sullivan; S Hegarty for Twohig; D McDonnell for O’Mahony; G Casey for Hurley.
: J Geaney (Kilshannig).
