O’Sullivan the ace as late goal powers Dripsey through

IT came late, very late, but big Mark O’Sullivan’s 59th minute goal was crucial as Dripsey saw off stubborn Carrignavar to reach their first Evening Echo Cork Co JHC decider in their short history under lights at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.

It drove the Dripsey sideline wild and no wonder coach Johnny Keane was happy: “I’m thrilled, we’re just a small area, six townlands, and to hurl our way this far after a short few years is a dream. I suppose we’ll be favourites in the final now, after beating the Glen. But, favourites or not, we’ll be ready for Ó Mathúnas. I’m looking forward to it.”

In wasn’t a great semi-final — hurling wise – and Dripsey got nothing soft from Carrignavar whose 13 wides over the hour proved their downfall. As well as goal-scorer O’Sullivan, the Mid Corkmen also had aces in Diarmuid O’Riordan and David O’Sullivan up front; Conor Hayes at midfield and a strong defence in which John O’Riordan, John O’Mahony and Barry Kelleher excelled.

Dripsey dug in quickly and with Mark O’Sullivan making his presence felt in the half-forward line, points followed from David O’Sullivan and Diarmuid O’Riordan, who had a massive game, firing over seven points.

Carrignavar did have their chances. Wing forward Ronan Spillane should have done better and Paul Murphy scooped a goal chance wide with the goal at his mercy. And they paid a quick price as nice and economical Dripsey tacked on two more points from O’Sullivan and O’Riordan. All Carrignavar could muster in the opening quarter was a pointed free from Con Burns as Dripsey led 0-4 to 0-1.

There was a bit more bite to Carrignavar’s play in the second quarter. Burns fired over a second free and Spillane was denied a goal by some strong defending. But the O’Riordans made sure Dripsey were in control a half-time, 0-8 to 0-4, Diarmuid contributing five of those points and centre-back David rowing in with a beauty from 80 yards.

Carrignavar upped the ante in the second-half but some sloppy shooting was to prove costly. All they could put on the scoreboard in the third quarter was two more Burns’ frees as they struggled big times for scores and trailed 0-9 to 0-6 entering the final 15 minutes. Now the passion and pride of parish hurling enfolded as both sides gave it one great push for a final date. After O’Riordan stretched Dripsey’s lead with his seventh point, Carrignavar sprung into life with the help of some good bench support. First sub Bernard Murphy pointed; another sub Brian Hegarty followed and when a third sub Michael Geaney set up Martin Hickey for another, just a point separated the sides, 0-10 to 0-9, with six minutes remaining.

Game on now, heads down, and Burns felt the heat when he drove a ‘65 wide which would have tied up the match. Then Dripsey struck that telling late blow in the shape of O’Sullivan, who showed strength and power in getting the all important goal. O’Sullivan and namesake David followed with points and Dripsey were on their way.

Scorers for Dripsey: D. O’Riordan 0-7 (0-3 frees), M. O’Sullivan 1-2, D. O’Sullivan 0-2, J. O’Riordan 0-1.

Carrignavar: C. Burns 0-5 (0-4 frees), P. Murphy, B. Murphy, B. Hegarty, M. Hickey 0-1 each.

DRIPSEY: A. Buckley; B. Kelleher, J. O’Mahony, L. Buckley; J. Carey, J. O’Riordan, P. O’Riordan; F. Foley, C. Hayes; Daniel Buckley, D. O’Riordan, M. O’Sullivan; David Buckley, D. O’Sullivan, G. Murphy.

Subs: J. Murphy for Daniel Buckley (38m), J. Hogan for David Buckley (55m).

CARRIGNAVAR: C. Hegarty; T. Sheehan, C. O’Reilly, S. Casey; D. Coleman. D. O’Driscoll, T. Geaney; S. Horgan , M. Hickey; A. Hegarty, C. Burns, R. Spillane; P. Murphy, A. Sheehan, N. Pike.

Subs: B. Murphy for Pike (38m), B. Hegarty for Sheehan (44m), M. Geaney for Spillane (51m), T. Kennedy for Coleman (56m).

Referee: D. White (St. Mary’s).