Buckley’s goal the decider

BLARNEY were crowned Muskerry U21AHC champions after outclassing Cloughduv yesterday in Coachford.

Blarney’s Ciarán Buckley scored the all important goal on the stroke of half-time while corner-forward Ray O’Donovan contributed five excellent points from play.

Blarney made full use of the elements in the opening half and lead 1-9 to 0-4 at the break, with Cork minor panellist Barra O’Connell striking points from frees. However Cloughduv did launch a spirited comeback in the second-half with Dara Ring, who scored 0-7, leading the way. Cloughduv reduced the gap to five at one stage but they were unable to manufacture a goal which they desperately required and Blarney held on for victory.

Scorers for Blarney: B O’Connell (0-5f), R O’Donovan 0-5 each, C Buckley 1-0, M O’Leary, P Hallissey, T Barrett 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cloughduv: D Ring 0-7 (0-5f), D Kelly, T Dineen, M Deasy, C McDonnell 0-1 each.

BLARNEY: K Costello; DA.Walsh, D. R.Walsh, A O’Shea; R Deasy, J O’Regan, B Phelan; M O’Leary, J D Goode; T Barrett, C Buckley, E O’Connor; R O’Donovan, P Hallissey, Barra O’Connell.

Subs: D O’Brien for P Hallissey (57).

CLOUGHDUV: C Ryan; M Verling, D Cronin, W Ahern; L Kelleher, J Lucey, S Down; A O’Sullivan, D Kelly; T Dineen, M Deasy, S O’Connor; C Kenneally, D Ring, L Ryan.

Subs: C Mc Donnell for T Dineen (ht), K Barry Murphy for A O’Sullivan (50), M Lucey for W Ahern (59), D O’Leary for M Deasy (59).

Referee: G Buckley (Grenagh).