Scanlan goals fulfill O’Curry’s dream

O’Curry’s 2-6
Kilmihil 1-8

Two years after losing their senior status, O’Curry’s returned to the top tier of club football in Doonbeg last Saturday. Both of their goals were scored by young full-forward Jack Scanlan, the second a sublime dink over Kilmihil goalkeeper Keith Considine, ten minutes into the second-half.

Centre-back and man of the match Seán Haugh knifed through the Kilmihil defence to set up that goal, which was the game’s decisive moment. A lovely angled Michael Carmody point a minute later, put the winners into a 2-5 to 0-6 lead, 11 minutes into the second half. Neither side scored again until six minutes from full time when Scanlan pointed from play. Now six points ahead, it seemed that O’Curry’s would coast home.

Instead, Kilmihil hit them for 1-2 in the closing minutes and were aggrieved not to win a free very close to the end as they trailed by a point. Substitute Shane Egan injured himself in bravely scoring the Kilmihil goal, which was set up by Stan Lineen and Paul Reidy. A minute before the goal, Martin O’Leary, substituted for an injury in the first half but now back on, kicked a classy point from play.

A skyed 28th minute free from the same player broke for Mark O’Connell, who kicked what turned out to be the game’s last score. Kilmihil drove forward but couldn’t carve out either a score from play or engineer a free. During those frantic minutes David Ryan and O’Connell kicked wides from play, although neither chance was a clear scoring opportunity.

O’Curry’s were relieved to hear Michael Talty’s final whistle though it should be noted that they were the better team for 54 minutes. They were nearly caught though when it mattered most.

Unfortunately, the football was overshadowed by an eye injury picked up by O’Curry’s captain Michael O’Shea, 23 minutes into the first half. The game was held up for seven minutes while the O’Curry’s full-back was treated before he was led off the field, heavily bandaged. While delighted to have won, much of O’Curry’s after match reaction was coloured by concern for O’Shea.
The hold up treating his injury, followed shortly afterwards by another stoppage to treat Martin O’Leary, didn’t help the flow of the first half. After ten minutes of injury time, O’Curry’s led 1-4 to 0-4 at the interval, having kicked seven first half wides.
Although they dominated possession in the opening minutes, O’Curry’s kicked four early wides, from Ger Quinlan and Tom Downes, before Eoin Troy equalised Paul Reidy’s opening free. Reidy kicked three of Kilmihil’s four first half points from frees, while Mark O’Connell notched their fourth eight minutes into injury time.
O’Curry’s goal, which steadied them after a flurry of wides, followed a Ger Quinlan free, won by Derek Troy. The free rattled the crossbar, broke in front of the Kilmihil goalmouth and was deflected home by Scanlon, with a hoard of flailing Kilmihil defenders doing their utmost to clear.
Quinlan from play, Eoin Troy from a free and Damien Carmody, thanks to Tom Downes, accounted for O’Curry’s other first half scores. 
Reidy from another free and O’Connell again from play, following a one-two with Timmy Ryan, reduced the deficit to just one point, 1-4 to 0-6, seven minutes into the second half. O’Curry’s were playing into the wind and were definitely creaking.
Haugh then interjected, robbed Timmy Ryan and placed Scanlon for the game’s defining score. It settled O’Curry’s and they were in control until the closing six minutes.
Despite nearly frittering away their lead, O’Curry’s did play more constructive football than Kilmihil. Their support play was impressive when it clicked, while they were noticeably fitter.
Although inspired by the outstanding Seán Haugh, O’Curry’s had other match winning displays, including from goalkeeper PJ Greene, who remained calm under pressure, particularly in the second half. Ollie Quinlan excelled in the full-back line, where Paul Roche was also solid, while Tom Downes contributed hugely at wing-back.
Scanlan was O’Curry’s main man in attack, while Eoin Troy, Damien Carmody and Michael Carmody also did their bit. Eoin Brew had to move from wing forward to the O’Curry’s defence following O’Shea’s departure. While there, Brew held his own to help O’Curry’s to glory.
Kilmihil’s best player was Mark O’Connell, while Stan Lineen, Jack Browne, Paul Reidy and substitutes Niall Pender and Shane Egan gave it everything.

O’Curry’s: PJ Greene; Paul Roche, Ollie Quinlan, Michael O’Shea (captain); Brian Troy, Seán Haugh, Tom Downes; Ger Quinlan, Derek Troy; Eoin Brew, Damien Clohessy, Michael Foran; Eoin Troy, Jack Scanlan, Damien Carmody.
Subs: Michael Carmody for Michael O’Shea (30 – injured), James Troy for Damien Clohessy (47), Sean Murphy for Eoin Brew (60).
Scorers: Jack Scanlan (2-1); Eoin Troy (0-2, 0-1f); Ger Quinlan, Damien Carmody, Michael Carmody (0-1 each).
Wides: 8   Frees won: 24
Yellow cards: Derek Troy, Brian Troy, Eoin Brew.

Kilmihil: Keith Considine; Conor Crowley, Johnny O’Sullivan, Derek O’Connell; Stan Lineen, Laurence Murray, Jack Browne; David Ryan, Timmy Ryan; Enda O’Halloran, Mark Coughlan, Colm Callinan; Mark O’Connell, Martin O’Leary, Paul Reidy.
Subs: Niall Pender for Laurence Murray (16), Declan Downes for Martin O’Leary (34 – inj), Martin O’Leary for Colm Callinan (42), Anthony Downes for Enda O’Halloran (45), Shane Egan for Declan Downes (48).
Scorers: Paul Reidy (0-5f); Shane Egan (1-0); Mark O’Connell (0-2); Martin O’Leary (0-1).
Wides: 8   Frees won: 28   45s: 1
Yellow cards: Laurence Murray, Mark O’Connell.

Referee: Michael Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane).