Magnificent Youghal blast their way into the County Final with a superb performance at Pairc Ui Rinn

By Derek Kiely

Evening Echo Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship
Semi Final Replay
Eochaill 2-12 Newcestown 2-07
YOUGHAL will play Courcey Rovers in the County Final on Sunday the 9th of October at Pairc Ui Rinn at 3.45pm after a fantastic performance where every player gave 100% for the cause and on a night that was very tough to play hurling on, weather wise.
The character of this Youghal side was tested severely in the first meeting of these sides and Peter Queally's men stood up to the test d passed with flying colours on that occasion and their metal would be tested early on last Saturday night when Newcestown got an early goal on the 3rd minute.
Youghal's response was magnificent. Belief, determination, skill and pure 100% passion shone throughout the side as Bill Cooper sent over a point from play, then Brendan Coleman powered over a score to leave one point between the sides.
Youghal then took the lead through Leigh Desmond, showing his power and strength to finish the ball into the Newcestown net.
Stunned Newcestown didn't know what hit them and within seconds Jim O'Sullivan would be picking the ball out of his net again as Youghal powered through to the oppositions goal, the ball sticking in the ground for a few seconds, before Bill Cooper struck the Sliotar home.
Brendan Ring pointed a free next and when the white flag was raised Youghal had struck 2-03 without reply.
Eoin Kelly got a score for Newcestown, but back came Youghal with Leigh Desmond getting a point from play, then Leigh Struck over a pointed free.
Kelly pointed for Newcestown, instantly Youghal replied with a Ring score. Fionn Keane pointed before the short whistle for Newcestown, but at the interval Youghal led by five points and were just 30 minutes away from a place in the County Final.
On the resumption Newcestown were throwing everything at the Youghal defence and on the 33rd minute the Referee awarded a dubious penealty and Youghal needed some inspirational defending.
Eoin Kelly struck the ball low and hard to the left, but like a wall Andrew Curtin flicked the ball to the right of the post for the '65' saving the penealty shot.
Kelly pointed the '65' and then put over two further free's in a ten minute spell of pressure to make it a two point match.
To their credit Youghal never panicked and started to take control of the game again.
Brendan Ring hit over three free's and a point from play and when Youghal led by 6 points on the 49th minute the writing on the wall for Newcestown.
The second half performance of Brett Moloney was emphasised by a super pointed score from play on the 53rd minute.
Jonathan Ormonde who came on with ten minutes to go, has proven to be a fantastic impact sub for this Youghal side and again he delivered for Youghal with a score on the 57th minute and Youghal led by a massive 8 points.
Newcestown got a last puck consolation goal, but the the job was done and the celebrations of reaching the County Final began.
There were outstanding performances all over the field, but a special mention must go to Youghal's goal keeper Richard Cunningham who repaid the faith in him to manager Peter Queally with interest, superb performance by the young man.

Scorers for Youghal: Leigh Desmond 1-02, Brendan Ring 0-5, Bill Cooper 1-01, Brett Moloney 0-2, Brendan Coleman 0-1, Jonathan Ormonde 0-1.

The Victorious Youghal Side
Richard Cunningham, Brendan O'Sullivan, Kenneth Walsh, Barry Ring, Andrew Curtin, Conor Spillane (Cpt) Barry Goggin, Damien Ring, Brett Moloney, James O'Mahony, Ciaran O'Mahony, Bill Cooper, Brendan Coleman, Leigh Desmond, Brendan Ring.

Subs used: Micheal Cronin for Barry Goggin, Jonathan Ormonde for Brendan Coleman, Ken Dempsey for Ciaran O'Mahony.