Ardfert show class in impressive win

DESPITE missing a penalty after just five minutes, Ardfert kept their composure to beat Mullinahone in the Munster IFC semi-final at Cahir yesterday.

After Mullinahone had edged their way into an early lead with a point from centre-forward Edwin O’Meara, excellent referee Rory Hickey justifiably awarded Ardfert a penalty when wing forward John Egan was taken down after receiving an inch-perfect pass from Eamon Ferris.

However, full-forward Stephen Wallace shot tamely at goalkeeper Noel Leahy, who had no difficulty in dealing with the penalty.

But Ardfert responded with two first-half goals of real quality which paved the way for their qualification for the provincial decider against Corofin of Clare on Saturday next at a neutral venue to be decided.

Ardfert first hit the jackpot in the ninth minute after midfielder Martin Ferris had grabbed an equaliser. Egan set up Wallace and on this occasion the rangy Ardfert striker made no mistake.

To their credit, Mullinahone responded well with some excellent frees from Edwin O’Meara as the Tipp champions clawed their way back to level matters at the end of the first quarter.

On home soil, Mullinahone gave this semi-final their all, but, in the end, they had to bow to the finesse and technical know-how of a rampant Kerry side inspired by performances from outstanding defenders Mike Moloney, Eamon Corridan and Brian Moloney.

All three played heroic roles as Ardfert gradually began to turn the screw before storming their way into a 2-3 to 0-5 interval lead following a fabulous goal from Egan a minute from the break.

Both in creation and execution, these two Ardfert goals were calculated to knock the stuffing out of the opposition. However, Mullinahone regrouped after the interval and came thundering back after the restart. A point from Brian O’Meara gave them great heart but try as they might they could never break down a brilliant Ardfert defence.

Mullinahone desperately needed a goal. Unfortunately, it never looked like coming, so capable at the back were Ardfert.

Then the difference in class manifested itself to the full as first corner back Mike Moloney found open space to kick over a spectacular point.

Ardfert were on the high road to victory, Mullinahone’s hopes crushed by this defining score seven minutes into the second-half of an enjoyable and competitive game.

Paul Curran did get a point back for Mullinahone, but Ardfert, now on the crest of a wave following Moloney’s super score, soon opened up daylight between the sides with a succession of points — three of the highest calibre from corner-forward Shane Griffin.

Mullinahone fought to the bitter end but had no answer to the men from Banna, whose footballing stock continues to grow from game to game.

Scorers: Ardfert: S. Wallace (1-2, 0-2 frees), J. Egan (1-0), S. Griffin (0-3), F. Wallace, J. Best, M. Ferris, M. Moloney (0-1 each). Mullinahone: E. O’Meara (0-4, 0-3 frees), P. Curran, B. O’Meara, P. Kelly (free), P. Croke (free) (0-1 each).

ARDFERT: D. Dineen, B. O’Flaherty, C. Flaherty, M. Moloney, B. Moloney, E. Corridan, S. Flaherty, J. Dowling, M. Ferris, J. Egan, E. Ferris, J. Best, S. Griffin, S. Wallace, F. Wallace.

Subs: D. Wallace for Dowling, D. Wallace for Best, C. Wallace for F. Wallace.

MULLINAHONE: N. Leahy, N. O’Shea, N. Curran, E. O’Brien, J. Connolly, D. Hackett, K. Vaughan, P. Curran, A. Curran, P. Croke, E. O’Meara, P. Kelly, E. Kelly, B. O’Meara, K. Walzer.

Subs: P. O’Shea for Walzer, D. McNamara for Croke.

Referee: R. Hickey (Clare).