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Cork County U-21 "A" Championship Semi Final

BALLYHEA 2-3 NA PIARSAIGH 2-9 (17/11/02)
Played At | Ballyhooley.

The U-21's brave effort for county honours ended last Sunday at the hands of City Champions Na Piarsaigh at Ballyhooley. Played in heavy conditions the physically stronger City side settled quicker and had a goal after 4 minutes. Na Piarsaigh had two further points before Ballyhea's opening score came from Sean Coleman after some good work by Maurice O' Sullivan.

Na Piarsaigh had another point from a free before Ballyhea were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute when Maurice O' Sullivan was fouled. Maurice took the penalty himself, but his well struck shot was well saved, though Brian O' Shaughnessy was in like a flash to finish the rebound to the net and leave just three points between the sides at half-time 1-4 to 1-1

After 15 minutes of the second half, Na Piarsaighs lead had stretched to 1-7 to 1-2, Ballyhea's point coming from Maurice O' Sullivan. There were some excellent performances from Liam O' Connor and Danny O' Donoghue was showing safe hands but we found it hard to break down the Na Piarsaigh defence. We received a further setback in the 48th minute when we conceded a soft goal and now trailed 2-8 to 1-2.

To be fair, the Ballyhea lads never gave in and a point from Timmy Shanahan followed by a goal by Barry Coleman in the 55th minute left just 5 points between the sides. With 3 minutes remaining Mauice O' Sullivan burst through the Na Piarsaigh defence and seemed to be fouled as he bore down on goal but with no free awarded, with it went Ballyhea's last chance and Na Piarsaigh added another point before the final whistle.

Despite defeat, the U-21's had a successful year, winning the North Cork Title for the first time since 1996 and giving some great performances along the way. Congratulations to the players and mentors who put in a tremendous effort throughout the year.

Scorers
Brian O' Shaughnessy 1-0
Barry Coleman 1-0
Maurice O' Sullivan 0-1
Timmy Shanahan 0-1
Sean Coleman 0-1

Ballyhea Team
Danny O' Donoghue, Kieren O' Riordan, Derek Mackessey, Eoin O' Keeffe, John O' Riordan, Timmy Shanahan, Liam O' Connor, Eoin O' Sullivan, Barry Coleman, Brian O' Shaughnessy, Jonathon "vincent" O' Sullivan, Edmund O' Regan, Maurice O' Sullivan, Sean Coleman, Conor Condon.

Subs
Conor O' Riordan, Hugh O' Leary, Michael Morrissey, Declan Fitzgibbon, John William O' Brien, Frank McNamara, Joey O' Herlihy, John Hennessy.