Play it again lads as Dohenys earn draw

Castlehaven 0-14 

Dohenys 1-11

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

CASTLEHAVEN and Dohenys will have to do it all over again following a draw in the second round of the Bandon Co-Op Carbery JAFC at a rain-sodden Drimoleague on Monday.

An engrossing finish saw Castlehaven build a seven-point second half lead only to completely collapse during the closing quarter. The Haven looked to be cruising to victory but lost their way. They could only manage a single point during the final 17 minutes and that was the last kick of the game.

During that timeframe, a Dohenys team that looked to be exiting the JAFC dug deep and clawed their way back into contention with Gareth Crowley playing a starring role. The full-forward converted three consecutive frees before setting up Jack O’Connell for a goal and a point. Crowley landed another free to level the score with three minutes remaining

Then sub Stephen O’Donovan floated over a marvellous point to edge the Dunmanway side in front as the clocked ticked past 60 minutes. Deep into injury time, Castlehaven forced a turnover deep in Dohenys territory and the award of a free presented Shane Nolan with the chance to equalise.

Castlehaven’s corner-forward duly obliged and the final whistle shrilled to herald the conclusion of an unexpectedly exciting finale.

There were plenty of hard hits both on and off the ball but a draw was probably the right result considering Castlehaven went 12 minutes of the first half and 17 minutes of the second half without scoring. Dunmanway were equally as profligate for longs stretches in either half so, on reflection, both clubs should be glad of the opportunity to face off for a second time. 

Jack O’Connell (2), Gareth Crowley (free) and Daniel McSweeney edged Dohenys 0-4 to 0-3 ahead following a bright opening 18 minutes. But Dohenys’ inability to add to their tally saw a resurgent Castlehaven retake the lead thanks to Dan Hegarty’s excellent link-up play and three points from Rory Maguire. David Whelton and Gavin Foley helped extend the Haven’s advantage, 0-12 to 0-5, amid deteriorating weather and slippery underfoot conditions.

Admirably, Dohenys embarked on their best spell with Gareth Crowley spearheading six unanswered scores including a superb Jack O’Connell goal. Stephen O’Donovan came off the bench to push Dohenys 1-11 to 0-13 in front but Castlehaven’s Shane Nolan had the final say, converting a free under pressure to earn his club a draw.

Scorers 

Castlehaven: Rory Maguire 0-4, Shane Nolan (2f), Dan Hegarty (1f), Gavin Foley 0-2 each, James Davis, Andrew Whelton, David Whelton, Alan Cahalane 0-1 each.

Dohenys: Jack O’Connell 1-3, Gareth Crowley 0-5 (5f), Daniel McSweeney, Aidan O’Donovan and Stephen O’Donovan 0-1 each.

Castlehaven: Anthony Seymour; Tom O’Leary (captain), Shane Kearney, James Davis; Patrick O’Brien, Steven Collins, Andrew Whelton; Rory Maguire, David Whelton; Gavin Foley, David McCarthy, Shane O’Driscoll; Kieran Hegarty, Dan Hegarty, Shane Nolan. 

Subs: Alan Cahalane for K Hegarty (15), Liam Browne for P O’Brien (ht).

Dohenys: Darren Kelly; Jason Daly, Tadgh O’Leary (captain), Kevin Cotter; Alan Murray, Padraig O’Mahony, Johnny Collins; Declan Collins, Cathal Daly; Aidan O’Donovan, Jack O’Connell, Nathan O’Donovan; Daniel McSweeney, Gareth Crowley, Jerry McCarthy. 

Subs: Declan O’Dwyer for D Collins (27), David Farrell for J Collins (ht), Ross Crowley for N O’Donovan (39), Stephen O’Donovan for D McSweeney (44), Noel Collins for J McCarthy (49).

Referee: Tommy Barry (Bantry Blues).