AIB Munster GAA Football Senior Club Championship Quarter-Final – Castlehaven (Cork) 1-15 Dromcollogher-Broadford (Limerick) 0-7

Nolan bags killer goal to make ‘Haven safe

Report from the Irish Independent newspaper

CASTLEHAVEN forward Shane Nolan is fast developing the knack of scoring priceless goals. Just one week after the young Haven star hit the goal that won the Cork county final, Nolan was at it again, coming up trumps with the match-winning goal against Limerick champions Drom-Broadford, who finished with 14 men at a windswept Clonakilty. For the second weekend in a row, Nolan was sprung from the bench with stunning effect, because with just 12 minutes left, and the Cork champions holding a 0-10 to 0-6 lead, the supersub latched on to a pass from Sean Dineen before unleashing a powerful low drive across the goal that tucked into the far corner. As Castlehaven manager James McCarthy agreed, it was a match-defining score. “It was a crucial score for us really. It killed the game off, and we could enjoy the last five minutes there. “Up to then, the match was up for grabs. It was a super goal, very clinical,” he said.

While Nolan’s goalscoring feat may dominate the headlines, it was yet another impressive performance from their Cork U-21 centre-back Damien Cahalane — son of Cork great Niall Cahalane — that caught the eye, especially in the second half. With the home side leading 0-7 to 0-4 at the break — after racing into a 0-6 to 0-0 lead inside 11 minutes — the momentum had firmly swung in Drom-Broadford’s favour when they settled in the second quarter. This in mind, the opening score of the second half was going to be crucial, especially for the ‘Haven, who had to play into a strong wind. Seconds into the half, Cahalane surged, ball in hand, from his centre-back berth right through the Drom-Broadford team to set-up a score for Stephen Hurley.

It set the tone for a much-improved Haven second-half performance, even though it must be said that the Limerick champions struggled somewhat playing with the wind. “Damien had a super game again, striding out there from the half-back line, taking the ball on and charging forward, and on a day like today that was vital. “Not only that but he can deliver good ball into the full-forward line as well,” said McCarthy. In those Castlehaven-dominated opening exchanges, it seemed that the newly crowned Cork kingpins were going to coast to a provincial semi-final against the Waterford representatives, whose identity will only be known after a county final replay. Dermot Hurley, Stephen Hurley, Mark Collins, Brian Hurley (2) and the hard-working Alan Cahalane were all on target, as the ‘Haven eased 0-6 to 0-0 ahead.

But as the half wore on, Drom-Broadford settled, with Jason Stokes a key figure in midfield, while Ray Lynch and Michael Reidy looked lively in the full-forward line. And, point by point, the gap was closed, with Reidy (two frees), Derry McCarthy and Garrett Noonan all scoring, while the Haven managed just a solitary Mark Collins free, as they struggled to mount any meaningful attack. With both teams deploying a sweeper and defending in numbers, every score was going to be crucial in this contest. In the second half it was Castlehaven that coped best, and by the time that sub Nolan effectively sealed the win, the Cork side had moved 0-10 to 0-6 ahead. Drom-Broadford’s plight wasn’t helped when just after Nolan’s goal, Mikey Boyce was red carded for an off-the-ball incident. And while Reidy did reduce the gap with a free (1-10 to 0-7), the ‘Haven finished strongly, rattling off the last five points to give a rather unjust look to the final scoreline.

Scorers — Castlehaven: M Collins 0-5 (0-3f), B Hurley 0-4, S Hurley 0-3, S Nolan 1-0, A Cahalane, D Hurley, P Hurley (f) 0-1 each. Drom-Broadford: M Reidy 0-3 (3f), J Stokes, M Brosnan, G Noonan, D McCarthy 0-1 each.

Castlehaven — P Hurley; D Limrick, L Collins, T O’Leary; R Whelton, D Cahalane, C Hayes; S Dineen, D Hurley; D Burns, M Collins, A Cahalane; M Cahalane, B Hurley, S Hurley. Subs: S Hurley for R Whelton (25), S Nolan for D Burns (38), M Dineen for A Cahalane (52), S Collins for M Cahalane (56), E Dennehy for S Hurley (60).

Drom-Broadford — K Noonan; D O’Leary, T McLoughlin, C Fahy; G Noonan, E Barry, B Noonan; M Boyce, J Stokes; M Brosnan, P Donnelly, D McCarthy; R Lynch, G Egan, M Reidy. Subs: S Buckley for M Brosnan (52), K Noonan for D McCarthy (56), M O’Sullivan for B Noonan (60).

Ref — P O’Sullivan (Kerry)

Nolan the hero again for Haven

By Michael Moynihan for the Irish Examiner newspaper

Castlehaven 1-15 Dromcollogher-Broadford 0-07

This Munster Club SFC quarter-final at Clonakilty was decided in a minute’s action during the second half, when winners Castlehaven got the game’s only goal and Dromcollogher-Broadford lost a player to a straight red card. The score was 0-10 to 0-6 in favour of the Cork champions on 49 minutes but their Limerick opponents were holding grimly to their coat-tails when Haven sub Shane Nolan took a pass from Sean Dineen and cracked home a fine goal. Before the kick-out could be taken Drom-Broadford’s Mike Boyce got entangled with Brian Hurley and, on the advice of his linesman, referee Padraig O’Sullivan sent him off. The Limerick side would manage just one more score while Castlehaven struck five points in a row to finish with a flourish.

It was harsh on Drom-Broadford to end the game 11 points adrift, because they had fought their way back into contention after a disastrous opening quarter. Castlehaven started with the wind and scored a point within seconds thanks to midfielder Diarmuid Hurley storming up field from the throw-in. They made light of Drom-Broadford’s extra man in defence — a role Patrick Donnelly and Jason Stokes took turns in filling — by using long, accurate deliveries to good effect. Points from Stephen Hurley, Mark Collins (free), two fine scores from the impressive Brian Hurley and Seanie Cahalan underlined their superiority, and it looked like a long day at the office for the Limerick side.

On 10 minutes Castlehaven were 0-6 to 0-0 up and when Michael Reidy pointed a free for Drom-Broadford it looked a token gesture. However, the Limerick men settled — Donnelly might have been far away from his programme position of centre-forward but he came into the game, while Derry McCarthy started to carry the ball forward more. Veteran Jason Stokes also contributed more from the middle of the field, and Drom-Broadford outscored their opponents, four points to one, in the 20 minutes before the break with McCarthy, Reidy and Garrett Noonan all scoring.

All Castlehaven had in response was a Mark Collins free, which left it 0-7 to 0-4 at half time and Drom-Broadford were entitled to feel confident as they had the breeze in the second period. Castlehaven put down the proverbial marker on the resumption, however. Damien Cahalane — by some distance the outstanding performer on view — surged through and found Stephen Hurley, who blasted over a point when there was a sniff of a goal on offer. Cahalane held the centre well for Castlehaven as Drom-Broadford tried to build attacks from midfield, and the Cork hurler’s distribution was a key weapon in the Cork side’s armoury.

Still, a Michael Brosnan point for Drom-Broadford made it a three-point game, and Haven had to get keeper Paudie Hurley to give a passable imitation of Stephen Cluxton, the netminder trotting up to nail a free from 40 metres. Mark Collins (free) and Jason Stokes then swapped points before the turning point, Nolan’s goal. The same man got the decisive goal last Sunday week in the Cork SFC final against Duhallow — surely he’ll get a start the next day? With Drom-Broadford down to 14 following Boyce’s dismissal, it was a matter of playing out time, and Castlehaven manager James McCarthy will be happy with his side’s clinical approach to their late chances. They maintained a miserly defensive record, holding their opponents to single figures, while in Damien Cahalane they have a player who can turn defence into attack with a few of those long strides. It will take a good team to stop Haven’s gallop.

Scorers for Castlehaven: M Collins 0-5 (0-4f); B Hurley 0-4; S Nolan 1-0, S Hurley 0-3; A Cahalane, D Hurley and P Hurley (1f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Drom-Broadford: M Reidy 0-3 (3f); M Brosnan, D McCarthy, J Stokes and G Noonan 0-1 each.

Subs for Castlehaven: S Hurley for R Whelton (24); S Nolan for Burns (38); M Dinneen for A Cahalane (52); S Collins for M Cahalane (56); E Dennehy for S Hurley (59).

Subs for Drom-Broadford: S Buckley for R Lynch (52); K Noonan for M Brosnan (56); M O’Sullivan for B Noonan (59).

Referee: P O’Sullivan (Kerry)

Next Round – the winners play the Waterford champions in the Munster Club Semi-Final on Sunday November 18^th at a Cork or Limerick venue.

Admission Prices –
Adults – €15
Student/OAP – €10
Under 16s are free

Contact Munster GAA PRO Ed Donnelly at pro.munster@gaa.ie for more information

Match Preview

The Limerick and Cork champions meet in Clonakilty on Sunday, looking to progress to the last four of the Munster championship. Cork champions Castlehaven won the Cork title last Sunday with a narrow victory over divisional team Duhallow, their fourth ever title win in the county. Given the few times they have emerged from the county to compete for provincial honours, it makes their record of winning three Munster titles (1989, 1994, 1997) all the more remarkable.

They face Dromcollogher-Broadford, a team with recent memories of provincial success as well. They won the 2008 Munster title by beating Kilmurry-Ibrickane in the final, and gave themselves another shot at the title last Friday evening when they defeated Newcastle West in the Limerick county final replay. Both sides will feel they have a real chance of success in Munster this season, but this is an extremely difficult hurdle for both teams to start with. Whoever clears it will represent a serious challenge for other teams in the province.

For the Record

Munster GAA FOOTBALL Club Senior Championship 2012

Quarter-Finals

Sunday November 4^th (Replay date – Saturday November 10th)

@ Quilty                      Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) v Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 2:00pm
@ Clonakilty              Castlehaven (Cork) v Dromcollogher-Broadford (Limerick) 2:00pm

Semi-Finals

Sunday November 18^th (Replay date – Saturday November 24th)

@ Tipperary or Kerry venue             Clonmel Commercials (Tipperary) v Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) or Dr. Crokes (Kerry)

@ Cork or Limerick venue               Stradbally or The Nire (Waterford) v Castlehaven (Cork) or Dromcollogher-Broadford (Limerick)

Final

Sunday December 2^nd (Replay date – Saturday December 8th)

2:00pm throw-in

Odds and Ends

Since 2000, Cork hold the best record in the Munster Club Championship with 20 victories and 6 Munster Club titles during that period.

Kerry’s record in the Munster Club Senior Football Championship sees them with 14 titles, just over half the total of Cork clubs (27). Since 2000, Kerry have captured 3 Munster club titles. During Kerry’s Golden Years at Inter-County level, Kerry won just 3 of the 12 Munster Club Senior Football titles on offer (Austin Stacks – 1976 & Castleisland Desmonds 1984 and 1985).

Since St. Patrick’s Day 1996, only 1 of the last 16 Munster Club Senior Football champions (6%) have won the All-Ireland Club Senior Football title – Nemo Rangers in the 2002/2003 season. Prior to 1996, Munster Clubs captured 15 All-Ireland’s at this grade, an average of 60% dating back to 1971.

From 1964 to 1997, no club outside of Kerry or Cork won the Munster Club Senior Football title (Thomond College representing Limerick won the 1977 title). Since 1998, Kilmurry/Ibrickane (2), Doonbeg and Dromcollogher-Broadford have been successful in winning the Munster Club Senior Football titles.

Clare won 3 Munster Club Senior Football titles since 2004 and have won 13 of the 25 matches played in the Munster Club Championship since 2000.

Limerick’s Dromcollogher-Broadford defeated Nemo Rangers and Kilmurry/Ibrickane to win the 2008 Munster Club Senior Football title. Those 2 victories are the only wins for the Limerick Senior Football champions in this competition dating back to 2003, a period of 9 matches which include 8 defeats and 1 drawn game.

Munster GAA Club FOOTBALL Senior Championship Roll Of Honour

Cork (27) – 1966, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010

Kerry (14) – 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2006, 2011

Clare (3) – 1998, 2004, 2009

Limerick (2) – 1977, 2008

Munster GAA Club FOOTBALL Senior Championship – List of Winning Teams

Visit the Munster GAA web site History section to view the complete list of each winning team since the competition began 1888 – https://munster.gaa.ie/history/sfclub_teams

All Ireland GAA Club FOOTBALL Senior Championship

In the Club Senior Football All Ireland Roll of Honour, Cork top the charts with 11 titles followed by Kerry with 5. Limerick have 1 All-Ireland Club Football title courtesy of Thomond College in 1977/1978.

Munster Club Senior FOOTBALL Cup

Club Championship Senior Football Cup – Michael O’Connor Cup

Presented by Munster Council in 1991 to commemorate late Chairman & Treasurer.