Darragh Gough inspires Clonakilty CC to Simcox Cup semi win over Rochestown

Captain Gough finished with 1-6 (1-5 from play) for Diarmuid O’Donovan’s side, who last contested the final two years ago but have never lifted the silverware.

INSPIRATIONAL: Team captain Darragh Gough, Clonakilty Community College with possession in the Simcox Cup semi-final. Pic Larry Cummins Echo / Examiner sport.

Simcox Cup Semi-final

Clonakilty Community College 1-12

St Francis College Rochestown 1-11

Inspired by Cork U20 footballer Darragh Gough, Clonakilty Community College will go in search of a first Simcox Cup title (Cork PPS SAFC) after they edged past St Francis College at the second pitch in Ovens on Wednesday.

Captain Gough finished with 1-6 (1-5 from play) for Diarmuid O’Donovan’s side, who last contested the final two years ago but were pipped by fellow west Cork side Skibbereen CS by a single point.

For their outstanding leader Gough, and four of his starting teammates - Donnacha Walsh, Shane O’Regan, Eoin Cullinane and Olan O’Donovan - this will be their last chance to get their hands on this prestigious silverware.

Despite the heavy underfoot conditions, the game was played in great spirit and had some wonderful scores. However an isolated incident before half-time saw both teams reduced to 14, with Cathal Hallihan and Oisin Harrington receiving straight red cards, while Eoin O’Flynn and Kevin Hennessy got yellow.

The game also provided an exciting finish as Clonakilty CC led by three points entering stoppage time but when Eoin O’Flynn won a penalty for Roco that was brilliantly converted by the excellent Tomás Vaughan (1-6), the teams were level.

Straight from the resumption though, Clonakilty CC went up field and after a flowing move, Sean Whelton bagged the winning point and their place in the decider against holders Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh.

Desmond Keneally, Clonakilty under pressure from Donnacha Reddington, St Francis College, in the Simcox Cup semi-final, St Francis College Rochestown v Clonakilty Community College at Eire Og, Ovens. Pic Larry Cummins Echo / Examiner sport

Level six times overall, the sides remained nip-and-tuck throughout the opening half, after which Clonakilty CC were 0-6 to 0-5 to the good.

Both of these schools who exited the Corn Uí Mhuirí at the quarter-final stage (Clonakilty CC to eventual winners Mercy Mounthawk), continued to trade scores before Gough raised a green flag in the 43rd minute.

It came following a move started by sweeper Hennessy to Desmond Kenneally, with Gough providing a rasping finish.

The goal was decisive, and it proved to be the difference right up to Vaughan’s equalising penalty in the 61st minute.

Whelton’s last gasp point sent his side through.

Scorers for Clonakilty CC: D Gough (1-6, 0-1 free), O O’Donovan (0-3, 0-1 free), S Whelton, T Cullinane and D Kenneally (0-1 each).

Scorers for St Francis College: T Vaughan (1-6, 1-0 pen, 0-2 frees), E O’Flynn (0-3, 0-1 free, 0-1 mark), P McGrath and D McCarthy (0-1 each).

CLONAKILTY CC: D Walsh (Clonakilty); O Blackburn (Clonakilty), S O’Regan (Clonakilty), K Hennessy (Ibane Gaels); D Moloney (Ibane Gaels), E Cullinane (St Mary’s), M Murphy (Clonakilty); C Twohig (Kilmeen), D Kenneally (Clonakilty); J Crowley (Ibane Gaels), T Cullinane (Owen Gaels), O Harrington (Kilmeen); D Gough (Clonakilty, Capt), O O’Donovan (Ibane Gaels), S Whelton (St James’).

Subs: S Maguire (Castlehaven) for K Hennessy (47), C O’Mahony (Clonakilty) for J Crowley (59).

ST FRANCIS COLLEGE: J Lyons (Nemo Rangers); T O’Brien (Nemo Rangers), N O’Shea (Nemo Rangers), S O’Rourke (Douglas, Capt); C O’Neill (Nemo Rangers), J Burke (Douglas), C O’Keeffe (Douglas); D Reddington (Douglas), C Hallihan (Douglas); D McCarthy (Douglas), R Hanley (Douglas), C Yelland (Nemo Rangers); E O’Flynn (Douglas), T Vaughan (Carrigaline), P McGrath (Douglas).

Subs: D O’Sullivan (Nemo Rangers) for P McGrath (45), J Lyons (Nemo Rangers) for D McCarthy, R Sisk (Crosshaven) for N O’Shea (inj) (both 55).

Referee: Brendan Barry Murphy (Aghabullogue).