Coomey goal keeps Ballinhassig safe

BALLINHASSIG maintained their senior hurling status as they had four points to spare over Carrigtwohill at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.

While they were level three times in the opening half, once Ballinhassig had the game’s opening goal in first-half injury time, there was only going to be one result. Fintan O’Leary set up Paul Coomey for the goal to see his side to a half-time lead of 1-6 to 0-6.

Ballinhassig defended superbly during the closing 10 minutes, and had excellent forwards in Fintan O’Leary and Danny O’Callaghan.

Ballinhassig led 1-14 to 0-11 with five minutes left. Carrig did manage a goal, from Sean O’Farrell, but it came far too late. Carrigtwohill must beat St Catherine’s to avoid relegation.

Scorers for Ballinhassig: P. Coomey 1-2; D. O’Callaghan 0-5 (0-3 frees); F. O’Leary 0-3; M. Coleman 0-2 (0-1 free); M. Aherne, B. O’Sullivan (free), D. Dineen 0-1 each.

Carrigtwohill scorers: N. McCarthy 0-7 (0-6 frees); S. Farrell 1-0; J. Barrett 0-2; S. Dineen, S. Flannery 0-1 each.

BALLINHASSIG: M. Collins; S. McCarthy, D. Healy, B. Coleman; M. Aherne, B. Lombard, B. O’Sullivan; S. McCarthy, P. Coomey; D. O’Callaghan, M. Coleman, S. Dineen; T. Coleman, F. O’Leary, D. Dineen.

Subs: J. Ahern for Lombard; P. Lombard for T. Coleman; D. Duggan for S. Dineen.

CARRIGTWOHILL: M. Fitzgerald; P. O’Sullivan, S. Flannery, M. Foley; D. Collins, JP O’Riordan, M. O’Riordan; N. Furlong, F. Flannery; B. Lordan, N. McCarthy, S. Dineen; J. Barrett, S. O’Farrell, R. White.

Subs: T. Hogan for D. Collins; S. Barry for Lordan.

Referee: D. Copps (Ballyhea).