Bandon's Hamilton HS go through the gears to seal Corn Uí Mhuirí semi-final date with favourites

A vital interception from Hammies' Luke Casey which led to Humphrey Canty pointing at the other end was a key turning point in this quarter-final at Banteer

CLOSE QUARTERS: Hamilton HS's Sean Coffey breaks the tackle of Conor Cordubh, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in their Corn Ui Mhuiri (U19A SFC) quarter-final tie in Banteer. Pic:  Dan Linehan

Corn Uí Mhuirí: Hamilton High School Bandon 2-14 Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne 0-11.

BANDON'S Hamilton High School have a TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí semi-final to look forward to, their first since 2022 when they were beaten by St Brendan’s College, Killarney after extra-time.

They will take this efficient performance in the Banteer 4G on Wednesday into the last four where they will meet reigning champions and raging favourites from Tralee, Mercy Mounthawk on Saturday week.

Deserved winners by nine points, they led all the way and turned 1-5 to 0-5 up. They were in sensational scoring form for the second period when they out-kicked Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne 1-9 to 0-6.

This, despite the Kerry team coming out fighting after the break with points from Diarmuid Ó Séaghdha and Pádraig Ó Mainín to leave just one in it.

A vital interception from Hammies Luke Casey led to Humphrey Canty pointing at the other end after he sidestepped his marker.

Even though Ó Mainín narrowed the gap again, it was all-Hammies for the remained of the third quarter.

Oisín Gillain, who was immense, sent over a point and this was followed by one from nerveless free-taker Oisín McCarthy - the lead out to three once more, 1-8 to 0-8.

McCarthy who struck some fantastic scores (nine in total) put them four up.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne missed a glorious chance of a goal in the 42nd minute when Conor Cordubh let fly but the ball went outside the left post. In truth, their wides caught up with them in the end.

Hamilton High School gathered some real momentum and closed out the match in style, and also with the help of their bench.

Sub Dara Walsh’s white flag put them six clear, 1-13 to 0-10 and three minutes of regulation remaining.

Hamilton High School's Eric Claesson, Jack Cullinane, Oisin Gillain and Sean Coffey celebrate their win

It was another sub, Sam Browne who struck gold in the first minute of stoppage when he managed to find the net after McCarthy’s perfectly judged crossfield pass. Hamilton High School were ahead by three at half time.

The Hammies defence was doing well, but Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne made a game of it through points from Ó Mainín and Cian Mac Gearailt.

Hamilton High stepped up again when Seán Murphy bagged a precious goal in the 26th minute, it came after a flowing move involving a superb fetch by Gillain in the middle of the field, Hannon and McCarthy.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne became more purposeful, the introduction of Pádraig Mac Gearailt (strapped right knee) a big help.

They created and took two chances in the 30th and 31st minute from Cian Mac Gearailt and Ó Mainín to leave a three point deficit at the interval.

Scorers for Hamilton High School: O McCarthy (0-9, 7 frees), S Murphy and S Browne (1-0 each), K Hannon (0-2), O Gillain, H Canty and D Walsh (0-1 each).

Scoreres for PS Chorca Dhuibhne: P Ó Mainín (0-6, 3 frees), C Mac Gearailt (0-2, 1 free), D Ó Séaghdha, N Ó Riain, C Ó Cinnéide (0-1 each).

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL: B Curtin (Valley Rovers); B Coffey (Clonakilty), N Daly (Valley Rovers), J O’Driscoll (Bandon); R Tarrant (Bandon), J Cullinane (Bandon, Capt), L Casey (Valley Rovers); O Gillain (Kilbrittain), S Coffey (Clonakilty); C Twomey (Argideen Rangers), O McCarthy (Valley Rovers), D Coughlan (Bandon); H Canty (Newcestown), K Hannon (Bandon), S Murphy (Dohenys).

Subs: E Maguire (Castlehaven) for D Coughlan, H Flanagan (Newcestown) for S Murphy (both 40), A Griffin (Kilbrittain) for C Twomey (47), D Walsh (Argideen Rangers) for J O’Driscoll (50), S Browne (Valley Rovers) for K Hannon (53), E Claesson (Bandon) for R Tarrant (64 temp).

POBALSCOIL CHORCA DHUIBHNE: O Ó Dubhda (Daingean Uí Chúis); JJ Mac Liam (An Ghaeltacht), E Ó Fiannachta (An Ghaeltacht), S de Róiste (Daingean Uí Chúis),T Ó Cathail (Daingean Uí Chúis), A Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht, Capt), D Ó Séaghdha (An Ghaeltacht); S Ó Cuinn (An Ghaeltacht), N Ó Riain (Daingean Uí Chúis); D Ó Laighin (An Ghaeltach), C Cordubh (An Ghaeltacht), C Ó Dufaigh (An Ghaeltacht); C Ó Cinnéide (Lios Póil), P Ó Mainín (Lios Póil), C Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht).

Subs: P Mac Gearailt (Caisleán Ghriaire) for S de Róiste (28 inj), C Mac Conmara (An Ghaeltacht) for C Ó Dufaigh (46), C Ó Gallchobhair (An Ghaeltacht) for D Ó Séaghdha (51inj), J Ó Lionain (Daingean Uí Chúis) for C Mac Gearailt (60).

Referee: Evan Horan (Kerry).