Quigley Cup Semi-Final

By Patrick Hennelly

Ballinrobe Town 2

Castlebar Celtic 3

BALLINROBE TOWN suffered a gut-wrenching defeat on Saturday afternoon at the Green, as they lost by the odd goal in five despite enjoying a 2-0 half-time cushion.

Ballinrobe played some purposeful football during the opening period and Pierce Sweeney tested the reflexes of Danny Kirby with a neat effort on 24 minutes.

Three minutes later, Ballinrobe’s Sweeney fired in a dangerous ball from a corner-kick which found Padraig Feerick but his header clipped the upright and the danger was averted for the visitors.

However, on 39 minutes, Ballinrobe opened the scoring. Shane Ryan’s stinging drive was only parried by Kirby and the sniping Martin Burke was on hand to gleefully tap home the rebound.

Two minuets later, Ballinrobe doubled their advantage. An aerial cross from Nicky Moran, was fumbled by the stretching Kirby and Ryan was on hand to apply a splendid back-heel to the back of the Celtic net.

Just before the break, Ballinrobe could well have added a third goal, but after cutting inside the area Eoin Colton saw his effort skew off target.

Following the half-time pep-talks, Castlebar took to the pitch for the second period with renewed vigour and determination.

Nine minutes of the second period had elapsed when Danny Fallon was on the end of a long-ball and he made no mistake with an accustomed finish to the back of the net.

On 57 minutes, parity was restored. A peach of a cross from Eoin Torphy, found Nigel Naughton and the striker finished with aplomb, much to the delight of the away bench.

On 61 minutes, the remarkable Celtic comeback was complete. A long route-one delivery from Kirby, found Peter Drevans and his deft flick released the lurking Naughton and he added his second goal of the day.

Ballinrobe upped the tempo during the remainder of the game but both Ryan and Sweeney saw their efforts fail to find their intended target, and Celtic hung on to record the win.

Ballinrobe Town: C. Hughes, K. Clesham, T. Walsh, F. Horan, M. Healy, P. Feerick, M. Burke, E. Colton, N. Moran, S. Ryan, P. Sweeney.

Castlebar Celtic: D. Kirby, S. Staunton, M. Towey, R. Baba, M. Hamilton, E. Torphy, J. McGurren, P. Drevans, D. Fallon, N. Naughton, F. Durcan.

Subs used: E. Healy, K. Duffy.

Referee: M. Walsh.