Limerick SFC: Adare set up meeting with champions Newcastle West

There were 45 minutes gone before Adare registered their first wide. 

REVENGE MISSION: Adare have lost to Newcastle West in the last three Limerick SFC finals. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Limerick SFC quarter-final: Adare 0-10 Galtee Gaels 0-01 

Adare eventually wrestled control of a quite forgettable game of football to book their place in the last four of the Limerick SFC, taking out Galtee Gaels who only registered a single point over the 60-plus minutes of football.

It sets up a repeat of the final from the last three seasons, with old rivals, Newcastle West. Adare have lost each of those clashes.

The foundation for this victory was laid by a first half where Adare took a 0-2 to 0-1 lead into the dressing rooms, despite playing against a very strong wind. The rain continued to fall at an already soaked Kilmallock.

For the Gaels, who were heavy underdogs, they failed to muster a shot of note in the second half, while Adare had five different scorers from play, as well as the accurate Hugh Bourke from frees.

The maiden point arrived on 17 minutes, Robbie Bourke fouled late by Alan Coughlan, before younger brother Hugh applied the finishing touch. The same man doubled the lead five minutes later.

With the half nearing its close, Paddy English fired superbly over from 45 metres, to give the south side their sole score. It remained 0-2 to 0-1 until six minutes into the second half.

A left footed score from Robbie Bourke was quickly followed by Paul Maher, Ronan Connolly and Davy Lyons points.

Tom Noonan’s side were to rely on the scoring threat of Tommie and Bob Childs, while Zach McCarthy is normally a threat in their inside line. However, the conditions, as well as Adare’s vastly experienced defence, quickly slipped into a tight defensive shape and restricted the gaps needed to change the narrative.

Jeffrey Alfred’s goal was rarely threatened, while at the other end, the squeeze on the Galtee Gaels kick-out led to a number of those points.

Only registering their first wide after 45 minutes, the 2020 champions were deserving winners, with Hugh Bourke (two frees) and sub Adam Canny accounting for their scores in the final quarter.

Meanwhile in the Relegation play-off, Ballylanders got the better of Ballysteen. A 2-10 to 0-13 success was enough to get beyond the westerners, with Ballylanders winning a third playoff in as many seasons. Having led by eight early on, they trailed by two acter conceding 10 unanswered points.

However, they kicked four of the final five points to keep themselves at the grade for a 26th season. Kieran O'Callaghan with the pick of the late scores - landing a kick from the 65 meter line.

Scorers for Adare: H Bourke 0-4 (all frees); R Bourke, P Maher, R Connolly, D Lyons, A Canny 0-1 each Scorer for Galtee Gaels: P English 0-1.

ADARE: J Alfred; O Collins, D Connolly, C Sparling, E Costelloe (C), S Doherty, D Land; P Maher, J Sweeney; D Lyons, H Bourke, R Gleeson; S Costelloe, S O’Connor, R Bourke.

Subs: R Connolly for Lane (half-time); M Lyons for S O’Connor (42); M Southgate for Sparling (46); A Canny for S Costelloe (53); J Fitzgerald for D Lyons (54).

GALTEE GAELS: D McGrath; A Coughlan, E Gallahue, E Quinn; P English, M O’Sullivan, J Ryan; T Childs (C), A Condon; S Clancy, B Childs, H Moloney; Z McGrath, C McGrath, S Casey.

Subs: E Kelly for English (44); D Moriarty for Quinn (46); L Maunsell for A Coughlan (50), C Ryan for McCarthy (57).

Referee: J Hayes (St. Senan’s)