Cuchulainns advance with win over Fermanagh champions

Ulster Club IFC quarter-final

Cuchulainns 2-18

Irvinestown 1-18

Paul Fitzpatrick at Kingspan Breffni

A much more economical Cuchulainns marched on in the Ulster Club Intermediate Championship as they held off Fermanagh champions Irvinestown.

In a thoroughly enjoyable encounter, the Cavanmen – perhaps showing the effects of a five-week lay-off since the county final – were sluggish at times, particularly in the first half, and could have been in a bit of bother but for some poor shooting from Irvinestown, who kicked a dozen wides and squandered a couple of early goal chances.

But as the contest wore on, Cuchulainns’ pace, athleticism and class came to the fore, with the likes of the Magee brothers, Niall Carolan, Ryan Tobin and Adam O’Reilly all impressing.

Cuchulainns, as they did in the county championship, showed an ability to score in devastating flurries. Irvinestown were highly regarded, having enjoyed outstanding minor success in the Erne county in recent years, but Cuchulainns just had that bit extra and should improve for the outing.

Irvinestown began with intent, carving out a huge goal chance inside 90 seconds when Gary Maguire played a clever ball to Oisin Swift, only for Philip Smyth – the Cuchulainns captain later went off injured after four minutes - to get in a crucial block. From the scramble, Cuchulainns countered at pace and Turlough Farrelly opened the scoring with a lovely point from the left.

The accurate Gary Maguire quickly replied for the Erne men before Bryan Magee curled over a fine score at the other end. Cuchulainns threatened a goal soon after when Adam O’Reilly’s effort was half-blocked and fell to Niall Carolan, who forced a superb save from goalkeeper Shea Mulligan, the ball tipped over for a point.

At that stage, Irvinestown were creating plenty but their finishing let them down. They kicked a series of wides, while Ryan Lennon dealt calmly with a few dangerous deliveries into the square. When Gary Maguire punched over his second, the sides were level on three apiece after 12 minutes.

Bryan Magee, showing great strength, nudged Cuchulainns back in front and the wides continued to mount for Irvinestown, reaching seven before the 20-minute mark. Farrelly then showed excellent composure to clip over another under pressure, and when Niall Carolan was fouled, Bryan Magee pointed the free to make it 0-6 to 0-3.

Irvinestown kept in touch through Maguire, but Cuchulainns hit them with a terrific burst. From a long kick-out, Bryan Magee gathered and combined with his brother Niall before Adam O’Reilly ghosted through, rounded the keeper and rolled home a composed finish for a great goal. Almost immediately, Carolan popped up inside and fisted over before Farrelly landed another stylish effort to stretch the lead to 1-8 to 0-4.

The Fermanagh champions refused to wilt, though. County man Josh Largo-Ellis curled over a brilliant two-pointer from under the stand and quick points from James Hanna and John Doonan suddenly had Irvinestown back within striking distance.

But just when the momentum seemed to have turned, Cuchulainns struck again. A huge kick-out from Lennon launched a swift break. Cuchulainns had a three-on-two and worked it to perfection, Mark Gilsenan drawing a defender before releasing Niall Magee, who slotted low into the corner.

Largo-Ellis, though, had the final say of the half with another superb two-pointer, leaving it 2-8 to 0-10 at the break after an entertaining, open 30 minutes.

The second half resumed at lightning pace, producing seven scores in the first eight minutes. Mattie McDermott opened with a fine long-range point for Irvinestown before the Fermanagh men found the goal they had been threatening.

Jack Largo-Ellis linked with Paul Leonard, who slipped in Conor O’Hanlon to finish smartly, levelling the match at 2-8 to 1-11 just three minutes into the half.

Cuchulainns responded instantly, showing the resilience that has carried them this far and won them seven games in succession in the county championship.

Niall Magee again produced a burst of pace and clipped over a wonderful score, quickly followed by points from Bryan Magee and Adrian Taite, whose shot ricocheted in off the upright. In a matter of minutes, the Cavan champions had cancelled out the goal and re-asserted control.

James Hanna replied for Irvinestown, but Cuchulainns continued to find answers. Gilsenan’s sharp movement and finish made it 2-12 to 1-12, and Evan Doughty soon added his first of the day, curling in from the left after clever play from Carolan.

Irvinestown’s shooting woes persisted, with a pair of wides from play and a missed free, and Cuchulainns took advantage. Farrelly’s clever outside-of-the-boot pass found O’Reilly, who won a free converted by Bryan Magee to stretch the margin to five.

Irvinestown rallied again through a two-point free from their goalkeeper Shea Mulligan, a booming strike that delighted their vocal support, narrowing the deficit to 2-14 to 1-14 with 11 minutes to play.

Ryan Tobin hit back with a stylish effort, created by Carolan, and O’Reilly followed up with a superb point over his shoulder to restore daylight. Gary Maguire, deadly off the left, pulled two back for the Erne men before Niall Magee’s blinding pace once again tore open the defence and Tobin finished another lovely move to make it 2-17 to 1-16 with five minutes left.

Largo-Ellis punished a turnover to bring it back to two, but fittingly it was Niall Magee, outstanding throughout, who produced one final burst of brilliance to fire over and effectively seal it at 2-18 to 1-17 approaching full time. Maguire’s late free made it a three-point game at the whistle, but Cuchulainns had done enough.

Cuchulainns: Ryan Lennon, Cian Doughty, Oisin Carolan, Ruairi O’Connell, Philip Smyth, Niall Carolan, Adrian Taite, Cian Donoghue, Ryan Tobin, Niall Magee, Bryan Magee, Evan Doughty, Turlough Farrelly, Mark Gilsenan, Adam O’Reilly.

Subs: Oisin Donoghue for P Smyth (4), Cormac O’Reilly for A Taite (50), Glenn McCann for M Gilsenan (57).

St Molaise, Irvinestown: Shea Mulligan, Jarlath Maguire, Paul Leonard, Tiarnan Daly, Kevin McDonnell, Oisin Swift, Josh Largo-Ellis, John Doonan, Mattie McDermott, Odhran McGovern, Jack Largo-Ellis, James Hanna, Gary Maguire, Conor O’Hanlon, Barry Goodwin.

Subs: Caolán Ward for O McGovern (42), Michael Mahon for J Hanna (58), Sean Clear for O Swift (64).

Ref: Barry Cassidy (Derry).

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