Monaleen show battling qualities in upsetting Fr Caseys

CHAMPIONS Dromcollogher-Broadford will face Monaleen in the Limerick SFC semi-final after the latter shocked last season’s finalists Fr Caseys (0-11 to 0-9) in Kilmallock yesterday.

Monaleen trailed 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time but produced a stunning display in the second-half.

Former Limerick stars Muiris Gavin and Michael Crowley were key men for Monaleen in attack, while Cormac Joyce Power and Paul Kinnerk gave them a midfield advantage.

Fr Caseys led 0-7 to 0-4 early in the second half but scores from Gavin and Crowley secured a sensational win for the city men.

Meanwhile, Ballylanders secured a last-four date with Adare after a 0-11 to 0-10 win over Ballysteen.

The 2007 county champions were behind 0-6 to 0-4 at half time but had a strong final quarter to snatch victory. Anthony Ryan, Brendan Hayes and James O’Meara were among the scorers for Ballysteen as they dominated the first half with Pa Ranahan leading from defence. But two points from Jimmy Barry Murphy kept Ballylanders in touch. The winners were a changed outfit in the second half but found scores hard to come by. Kieran O’Callaghan pointed two frees and Danny Murphy added one as the sides were level for the fourth time by the 48th minute.

Then an O’Callaghan free had the winners ahead for the first time in the 54th minute. Stephen Fox and Thomas Lee increased their advantage but there was a late rally from Ballysteen. John Collins and Mike Neville kicked late points but they couldn’t force a replay.