Fethard hold on to see off strong Pearse Comeback
Fethard hold on to see off strong Pearse Comeback
November 29, 2017
Fethard hold on to see off strong Pearse Comeback
McGovern Park played host to an enthralling encounter between London’s Brothers Pearse and Leinster Champions Fethard from Wexford, in the All Ireland Club Junior Hurling Quarter Final. What had the potential to be a thriller certainly didn’t disappoint. The game started at a blistering pace and Brothers Pearse got the opening score, showing their intentions early on. However, this would be the only time during the game that Brothers Pearse would lead throughout the game. Fethard equalized through Michael Dwyer and then took the lead within 3 minutes, through Graham o Grady. Dwyer put Fethard further ahead just a few minutes later after a great catch from Daire Barden. Yet again Michael Dwyer was showing his potential when he split the Pearse defence with a blistering run only to have his shot saved by Paul Egan. Fethards full forward line were now in full flow, another point by O’ Grady shortly followed by another point from Dwyer. Playing against the wind in the first half and with a slippery surface Fethards momentum was stemmed briefly allowing Pearses to bring the game back to a 2-point deficit. Sensing like Pearses were growing into the game, Fethard managed to add another 2 points to their lead through a Mark Wallace free and Michael Dwyer point from play, Dwyer’s point worthy of an accolade on its own. However, this would be the last point of the half for Fethard. After 25 minutes the score read 7 – 3 to Fethard, but by halftime there was only the minimum between the sides. A 65, a free and a point from play bringing Pearses right back into the game.
Both sides started the second half with intent, the boys from Wexford really stamping the authority on the game. Captain Garrett Foley edged Fethard further ahead with his first of the day. As things began to get heated Fethard were dealt a major blow when their Full Forward Graham O ‘Grady was shown a red card. An off the ball incident lead to the referee consulting with his linesman and umpires, resulting in a red for the St. Mogues man. Fethard were now slightly stunned and Pearses looked to take full advantage. A long ball into the Fethard 14-yard line saw the sliotar pulled on and into the back of the net. Much to the Fethard fans delight the referee disallowed the goal, a free out for the Fethard backs. Almost in the blink of an eye Fethard were now 4 ahead. 2 frees resulting in 2 points for the accurate Mark Wallace. These 2 points helped settle Fethard back into the game. Brothers Pearse grabbed a point back but this was quickly cancelled out, from Michael Dwyer. Both teams traded points, leaving 4 between the sides with 8 minutes to go. Fethard could almost see the finishing line now. They upped their intensity and in the space of 3 minutes Mark Wallace had scored 3 frees leaving 7 between the sides. Right on the 30-minute mark Garret Foley stepped up to score a point and put the game beyond Pearses reach. Despite this they were never going to give up and into injury time Kevin Reid scored a goal from a 21-yard free. Yet again Michael Dwyer pointed to stretch out Fethards lead. Inside the last-minute Brothers Pearse would leave the Fethard management sweating when full forward Conor Kennedy struck the ball past Sean Foley for Pearse second major of the game. However, it was too little too late because the goal was swiftly followed by the full-time whistle.
There was some great individual performance all around the field for Fethard. Kevin Rowe, Joe Sutton and Richard Waters putting some great defensive displays and 6 points from play for young Michael Dwyer. Fethard advance to the All-Ireland semi-final where they will now meet Galway champions Sylane.