Up against local rivals Spanish Point, Jim Hickey, the man in the middle, had the tough job of keeping everything under control at Lees Road astro turf in Ennis. From the moment the ball was thrown in at midday of what was a terrible Friday weather wise, you could tell that both teams weren’t going to be happy with anything but a win and they were going to try anything and everything to get it. The opening plays were fairly even with points from Niall Shannon, Eoin Marrinan and Kealan Guyler keeping the scoreboard ticking for Ennistymon. While on the other side fowls on Spanish point by Ennistymon’s defence allowed Dermot Coughlan to keep Spanish Point in the game. Jim Hickey handled everything well as both teams really got to know each other with no lack of intensity or aggression throughout the first half. A crucial goal just before the half time whistle from Eoin Marrinan meant Ennistymon led by two points on a score line of 1-5 to 6 points. The teams reset for the second half and the hailstones began, but that didn’t stop any of the sides from driving on to bring it home for their schools. Subs Enda Collins, Sean Rouine, Ryan Barry, Seamus Hurley and Cian O’Loughlin gave Ennistymon the legs to see the brutal battle out. A goal in the final minutes from Eoin Rouine saw Ennistymon through to the Munster Semi Final, finishing on a score line of 1-11 to 2-11.
The Semi-Final is set for Saturday the 3rd of February against Presentation College Mardyke. Time and Venue to be confirmed. Come out and support the lads!!!
Match report by Eoin Rouine