BODEN CASH’ IN WITH CIARAN
Super sub’s second-half goals help the southsiders overcome Commercials to earn vital ‘A’ championship win
DUBLIN JHC ‘A’
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S 3-18
COMMERCIALS 0-11
Daire Walsh
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S produced an outstanding second-half performance at Pairc Ui Murchu last Tuesday evening to book their spot in the Dublin Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship quarter-final at the expense of Commercials.
Trailing by two points at the break, the hosts looked set to fall short in their quest for a last eight spot. However, half-time substitute Ciaran Cashman re-ignited their challenge on the resumption and they ultimately earned a comprehensive win over the Collegeland outfit.
The dead-ball accuracy of Gearoid Keogh had initially offered Commercials a strong platform, but they struggled to contain ‘Boden’s impish attack as the action wore on. Heading into this contest, a single point separated the teams in the Group Two standings – the visitors holding a slender edge.
Following an opening round defeat to St Jude’s in Rathcoole, Commercials squeezed past the challenge of St Finian’s, Swords on May 5 (2-8 to 0-13). They subsequently shared the spoils with Cuala at the end of a compelling home encounter, before Fingallians had the measure of them at Lawless Park last month.
Despite being on the receiving end of three straight reversals, ‘Boden finally opened their account with a convincing 2-21 to 2-9 success against Finian’s.
KNOCKOUT
This presented them with a realistic chance of joining Jude’s, Fingallians and Cuala in the knockout rounds, but their AHL4 opponents were not to be easily dismissed.
During a generally even opening period, Keogh converted a succession of frees to give Commercials some early encouragement at the Firhouse Road venue. Despite being selected at full-forward, it was an all-action display by Keogh.
He often dropped deep to make himself an outlet and drifted back into defence to cut out the potential danger of a ‘Boden attacking move. His partner on the inside line – Adam Drewett – was also making his presence felt.
He contributed a superb effort from open play as Commercials continued to take the game to the home team. Nevertheless, Aidan Dundon ensured ‘Boden stayed within touching distance, while centre-back Fergal Ryan provided solidity in a well-organised defence.
Commercials managed to hold out for a 0-8 to 0-6 interval cushion but, thanks in no small part to the fresh legs of Cashman, the tables were turned after the restart. In the space of four minutes, ‘Boden amassed 2-2 without reply to establish a firm foothold on the play.
Both goals fell the way of Cashman, who was one of several Colaiste Eanna alumni within the ‘Boden ranks. He finished the contest with 2-1 to his name, but it was another replacement who effectively sealed the win on the night.
Capitalising on a sweet Morris Nagle pass, Daniel Nugent superbly rattled Colin Martin’s net with a confident finish. It was turning into a damage limitation exercise for Commercials, though Cillian Crokes more than held his own in the face of considerable adversity.
In addition to the scoring exploits of Cashman, Nugent and Dundon (who contributed seven points), Neil Farrell, Liam McCarthy, Austin Lynch and Daniel O’Riordan also added their names to the scoresheet for the victorious Ballyboden. Results elsewhere saw them finishing third in the group and they will now face southside rivals Realt Dearg in the next phase of the competition.
Meanwhile, at nearby Ballycullen on the same evening, midfielder Sean O’Gorman fired over a point deep into stoppage-time to earn ‘Boden’s Junior ‘C’ outfit a hard-earned draw at the end of a scrappy championship affair with Na Gaeil Oga (0-12 apiece).
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S (squad): M Nolan; R Kirwan, C Flaherty, A Hand, D O’Sullivan, F Ryan, C McKeown, E McKenna, N Farrell, L McCarthy, A Lynch, D O’Riordan, M O’Sullivan, A Dundon, R Sharkey, E Gorman, A O’Connor, O Cannon, D Nugent, R Hester, M Nagle, C Cashman, C McDonnell, K Lawlor.
COMMERCIALS (squad): C Martin; K Jordan, G Dillon, J Morris, P Scanlon, M Frawley, C McCarthy, S McCarthy, C Crokes, C O Nualain, F Egan, M O’Leary, N Mooney, G Keogh, A Drewett, N Carroll, D Waters, C Cullinane, S Dungan, A Kilgallon, L Pouch, K Butler, D Madden, R Scott.