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13 March 2010
It was a very entertaining 'end to end' match throughout. Straight from the throw-in, the visitors worked the ball forward at pace, only to spurn a good goal chance. As the clock ticked towards the mid-point of the 1st half, it appeared as if that miss would be costly as 'Cusacks' took full control of the game and led by 0.4 to 0.0. Richie Hennessey put our boys on the scoreboard in the 16th minute with a point from play. This score was quickly canceled out by the home side. Three minutes later we had the first crucial score of the game. After fine approach play, a good delivery by Richie allowed Ronan O'Donnell to get his fist to the ball ahead of the goalkeeper and steer the ball to the back of the net. The recovery was complete and the sides were level four minutes later when Richie slotted over from a placed ball.
This revival from Clooney Quin propelled 'Cusacks' onto greater endeavour and they finished the half strongly with two fine points from play to give them the edge on the scoreboard at the short whistle by 0.7 to 1.2.
As our loyal band of Clooney Quin supporters chatted at half time under the clear night sky, we reflected on a very exciting first half. Meanwhile, Brian and Liam were hatching plans for their troops for the second half. We were not within earshot of the dressing rooms, but they may have mentioned the importance of taking their chances.
Four minutes into the second half, Christy McCarthy halved the deficit with a point from play. The Clooney Quin defence was now putting the shackles on the 'Cusacks' forwards - a fact highlighted by Colm Loughnane driving out of defence time and again during the second half. With our boys showing great speed and agility around the middle of the field from Daire Kelly and Ryan Taylor among others, quality ball was now going into the forwards. This resulted in another goal opportunity being created, with David Reynolds setting up Niall McNamara who finished calmly from close range. 'Cusacks' got a point back before Niall kicked a point from play in the 16th minute to give C/Q a 2.4 to 0.8 lead. A 'Cusacks' point in the 17th minute brought an immediate and telling response from the visitors. From the kick-out, the ball was moved through six pairs of hands before Richie popped up to blast the ball to the roof of the net for goal number 3. Three minutes later the contest was over when a point from Daniel Reddan and another green flag from Richie gave our boys an unassailable lead. The final score of the match was a point from the home side.
IF Brian and Liam did talk about taking their chances - the message was certainly taken to heart by the Clooney Quin forwards!
Looks like all the Quilty Boys have the midas touch at the moment! We wish Brian and his beloved Kilmurray Ibrickane the very best of luck on Wednesday.
Final Score from Carron: Ml. Cusacks 0.10 Clooney Quin 4.5
