Mitchel’s the pride of Merseyside

John Mitchel’s (Lancashire)1-9 Moate All Whites (Westmeath) 1-6: All-Ireland Club JFC semi-final: Merseyside could have something to celebrate this season after all following John Mitchel’s qualification for the All-Ireland Club JFC final for the second time in their history at Pairc Tailteann, Navan, yesterday.

Mitchel’s will meet Brosna (Kerry) or Rock St Patrick’s (Tyrone) in the final.

The crucial score came in the 41st minute as Kieran Lynam goaled after good work by Denis O’Neill and Michael Molloy. That left the Exiles leading 1-4 to 0-4 and they opened a six-point advantage heading to the final quarter.

Sub Cian Bradley netted for Moate on 48 minutes and the Westmeath outfit cut the deficit to two points before Kevin Kane shot an insurance score at the death.

The first half was delayed 20 minutes after an injury to Moate keeper Darren McArdle who was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Scorers for John Mitchel’s: K Lynam (1-0), M Molloy (1f), P Mulligan (2f), F Cassidy (0-2 each), D O’Neill, J McDermott, K Kane (0-1each).

Scorers for Moate: C Bradley (1-1, 0-1f), J Corbally (0-2, 1f), E Dalton (f), G Murray, A O’Neill (0-1 each)

MITCHEL’S: M Deeney; A Murray, P McGuirk, N McShane; C Owen, S Rice, M Carey; P Mulligan, D O’Neill; C Murphy, J McDermott, F Cassidy; M Molloy, E Jackson, K Lynam.

Subs: C McGlade for Jackson (13), K Kane for McDermott (55),

MOATE ALL WHITES: D McArdle; C Bracken, D Buckley, A Claffey; B Arigho, R Gorman, D Bracken; E Dalton, J Madden; D Adamson, G Murray, D Minnock; B Berry, N Adamson, J Corbally.

Subs: A Ryan for McArdle (6), G Murray for Minnock (ht), C Bradley for N Adamson (ht), S Bracken for Dalton (black 47), A O’Neill for D Adamson (49).

Referee: N Mooney (Cavan).