Bishopstown pass endurance test and face O’Donovan Rossa repeat
And for Bishopstown, more industrious in attack, victory came with a small sting in the tail in the context of a repeat meeting with O’Donovan Rossa next Saturday. Selector Leo Jones described this as ‘a bit unfair,’ commenting: “Skibbereen have had three weeks since their last game. I don’t see any rush why our game has to be played next weekend. It’s a quarter-final and there are other fourth-round games next week-end.
“We had a great battle with them, 2-14 to 2-11 in the first round — a different type of game from tonight. But that won’t mean anything.
Praising coach Robert Honohan for his ‘tremendous work’, he said that they had learned a lot from playing Clyda last year and more recently in the League. And, he acknowledged the importance of Denis Crowley’s 43rd minute introduction. “He has a different way of playing, we needed him today and he produced the goods.”
While stressing the loss of several ‘influential’ players, Clyda Rovers coach Ned English accepted that while they were ‘almost as good,’ they were ‘not quite as good.’ “The scoreboard didn’t lie,” he said. “We are disappointed, but, great credit to the lads. “
Bishopstown had more to offer in terms of attacking options, but they didn’t make the most of their chances in the first-half. At the same time Clyda were able to put up a strong challenge primarily because of James Murphy’s fine free-taking. Ultimately their inability to pose a stronger threat was reflected in the scoring of just two points from play. However, it was also notable that while Bishopstown turned over 0-5 to 0-4 in front, goalkeeper Ken O’Halloran accounted for two of their scores. In general play, Jamie O’Sullivan was to the forefront in defence along with Noel O’Donovan and Diarmuid Lester, while Conor Dorman got in a lot of useful work around midfield.
Predictably, Paudie Kissane contributed in typical fashion for Clyda, between half- back and midfield, where Fionn O’Shea also had some good spells without ever fulfilling his potential, but Conor Flanagan never used his height to advantage up front.
After Murphy tied scores in the 33rd minute, Bishopstown lost the opportunity of regaining the lead when the referee disallowed a free to them after a melee which resulted in a player from each side being yellow carded. Instead, it was Clyda who grabbed the lead with one of the scores of the game from Cian O’Sullivan.
That was in the 38th minute, but it was about as good as it got for them because while Sam Oakes’ hard work for Bishopstown was rewarded with an equaliser and Dorman and Murphy exchanged points in the 46th and 48th minutes, the game was as good as decided when Fiachra Ó Deasmhunaigh got the only goal a minute later. Significantly, it was set up by sub Denis Crowley (who also had a hand in Dorman’s point), with John McLoughlin making the pass to Ó Deasmhunaigh. By then, Bishopstown were down to 14 following the dismissal of Paul Honohan, but O’Sullivan gave them another boost with a well-worked point and after Clyda had substitute James Fitzgerald sent off, O’Sullivan and O’Halloran both made important goalmouth interceptions to ensure victory.
F. Ó Deasmhunaigh (1-0); K. O’Halloran (1free, 1 ’45) and C. Dorman (0-2 each); J. McLoughlin, P. Honohan, S. Oakes, B. Coffey and J.O’Sullivan (0-1 each).
J. Murphy (0-6, 5 frees); C. O’Sullivan and C. Flanagan (0-1 each).
K. O’Halloran; N. O’Donovan, E. Byrne, D. Lester; M. Power, J. O’Sullivan, D. O’Connor; M. O’Driscoll, C. Dorman; B. Coffey, J. McLoughlin, J. O’Shea; P. Honohan, F. Ó Deasmhunaigh, S. Oakes.
D. Crowley for O’Shea (43); E. Costello for McLoughlin (black, 60).
C. Conway; C. Kenny, R. Carey, Sean Ronayne; R. Willis, P. Kissane, N. O’Mullane; K. Fitzgerald, F. O’Shea; C. O’Sullivan, D. O’Callaghan, G. Carey; J. Murphy, C. Flanagan, Seamus Ronayne.
:
J. Fitzgerald for Willis (45); C. Crowley for Seamus Ronayne (54).
Pat O’Leary (Kilmurry).
