Sean O’Sullivan brace seals junior title for Ballygiblin

Celebrations after the cup presentation to Ballygiblin captain Fionn Herlihy. Picture: Larry Cummins.

Ballygiblin (Cork) 2-14 Skeheenarinky (Tipperary) 1-9

A first AIB Munster Club JHC title for Ballygiblin in Mallow today. No doubt about it, they emerged the better team over the hour plus. Sean O’Sullivan’s pair of goals - both in the second-half - and the imperious free-taking of Joseph O’Sullivan notable contributions.

This was not your usual Cork/Tipperary final with both teams situated side by side on the border. And the huge interest meant throw-in in this derby decider was delayed by 15 minutes as fans gained entry to the grounds.

Only a narrow stream divides these two clubs, and for long stages there was little to separate them on the field of play as well. But a storming finish that saw Ballygiblin outhit Skeheenarinky 1-4 to 0-1 in the final 10 minutes saw them home.

Full forward Sean O'Sullivan, Ballygiblin in action against Skeheenarinky. Picture: Larry Cummins

Australian rules player Mark Keane started at centre-back for Ballygiblin but they were robbed of their All-Ireland winning U20 star Darragh Flynn due to a leg injury - although he was introduced at half-time at corner-forward.

In the absence of Flynn starting, Joseph O’Sullivan took over the free-taking for Ballygiblin to great effect and he opened the scoring with a free after just 40 seconds. However, Skeheenarinky fired the next two points through Darragh Brennan and Tomás Vaughan to momentarily take an early lead.

With both teams unsurprisingly showing signs of nerves, firing five wides apiece in the opening quarter, it was the north Cork men who went into the lead at the first water-break, 0-4 to 0-2 - Keane commanding at centre-back.

Michael Walsh increased the Ballygiblin advantage before a decisive turning point arrived in the 22nd minute. Skeheenarinky’s Eoin Morrissey started a move involving five different players before Adrian English found the net in 22nd minute, 1-2 to 0-5.

At the same juncture, Ballygiblin suffered a second injury setback when defender Brian O’Gorman had to leave the field injured.

Yet, Joseph O’Sullivan ensured they kept their noses in front when his 34th minute free - his fourth - sailed over the bar to leave his side 0-8 to 1-4 in front at the short whistle.

Celebrations after the cup presentation to Ballygiblin after they defeated Skeheenarinky. Picture: Larry Cummins.

A second, and significant, turning point came eight minutes into the second-half when a lengthy free from Joseph O’Sullivan was finished to the net courtesy of Sean O’Sullivan, yielding a four-point cushion, 1-9 to 1-5.

Skeheenarinky fought back, Tomás Vaughan converting twice to cut the gap to two at the second water-break.

Joseph O’Sullivan’s accuracy from open play and the dead ball was key as Ballygiblin opened up a four-point gap once more.

The game’s most defining moment was struck five minutes from time when Sean O’Sullivan bagged his second major to give his side a clear seven-point lead, 2-12 to 1-8.

Ballygiblin goalkeeper Christopher Noonan repelled a late effort from Noel Vaughan as the Cork champions ran out deserving winners.

60 SECOND REPORT

IT MATTERED: Sean O’Sullivan’s second goal was the match-winning score. He slotted home a great goal too early in the second-half that gave them a four-point lead. It remained a four-point game entering the closing stages and was heading for a nervy finish. But his second green flag - for which he had a considerable amount of work to do for - put the issue beyond doubt.

CAN'T IGNORE: Joseph O’Sullivan’s precision from placed balls. A good free-taker is vital. He took on the responsibility and he delivered in spades.

GOOD DAY: Good 2021 more like. And so far so good in 2022.

BAD DAY: Always tough to lose a Munster final but losing to your near neighbours there will be a constant reminder.

SIDELINE SMARTS: Ballygiblin manager David Moher has been full of praise for Ronan Dwane. His coaching experience at various underage levels in Cork was the tonic Ballygiblin needed this season.

BEST ON SHOW: Mark Keane, Sean O’Sullivan or Joseph O’Sullivan. You can take your pick. If it has to be one - both of Sean O’Sullivan’s goals were turning points.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Solid afternoon from Limerick’s John O’Halloran. Heavy conditions can make life difficult for a referee but he kept the play moving.

WHERE NEXT: An All-Ireland semi-final against Fullen Gaels of Manchester the weekend after next. At the same time Ballygiblin were defeating Skeheenarinky, Fullen Gaels were playing out a fascinating quarter-final that finished 2-17 apiece after extra-time. Armagh champions Craobh Rua losing after penalties.

Scorers for Ballygiblin: J O’Sullivan (0-9, 0-7 frees, 0-1 65), S O’Sullivan (2-2), M Walsh, K Duggan and D Barry (0-1 each).

Scorers for Skeheenarinky: T Vaughan (0-6 frees), A English (1-0), D Brennan, C Sweeney and N Vaughan (free) (0-1 each).

BALLYGIBLIN: C Noonan; B O’Gorman, F Herlihy (Capt), M Lewis; B Coffey, M Keane, J Mullins; R Donegan, J O’Sullivan; D Sheehan, C English, M Walsh; K Duggan, S O’Sullivan, D Barry.

Subs: C O’Sullivan for B O’Gorman (25 inj), D Flynn for C O’Sullivan (half-time), C O’Sullivan for K Duggan (59).

SKEHEENARINKY: A Treacy; S O’Callaghan, D Hyland, E Morrissey; F Ó Suilleabháin, R O’Callaghan, O Brennan; J O’Callaghan, D Brennan; D Finn, M Maher, C Sweeney; A English, T Vaughan, N Vaughan.

Subs: T Sweeney for M Maher (half-time), H English for D Finn (51), S Molan for A English (56).

Referee: John O’Halloran (Limerick).