Oughterard will face North Board champions Kilconly in the county intermediate football final in a few weeks after finally seeing off the resilient challenge of Carna-Caiseal.
Oughterard have a few hard working scoring forwards and they made the difference in this enjoyable West Board final replay on Saturday in Pearse Stadium, seeing off their opponents by 2-06 to 1-8. Two goals from play in the first half by the industrious Conrad Clancy were the key scores in the victory.
Going into injury time in the first half it looked as if Kevin Clancy’s men would win in a canter as they led by 2-3 to 0-2.
However a well-punched goal by Colm Ó Dúbháin and a point from Stiofán Ó Cuirrín gave Carna-Caiseal a real cause to fight in the second half as they were only three points down with the wind at their backs. A rugged bunch, they were never going to give up easily. They ended the game driving forward and, only for a few bad shot selections they could have at least brought the game to extra-time.
An early hamstring injury to the influential Damien O’Reilly was a real blow to Oughterard. While the 2007 All-Ireland minor centre-back struggled on in the full-forward line until the second half, his mobility, passing ability and stamina were sorely missed out around the middle third.
Up front Oughterard had solid displays from Mattie Clancy, Joe Joe Greaney, Martin Coady, Conrad Clancy, and the impressive Ronan Molloy.
There was a great battle in the engine room between Carna-Caiseal’s Conor Coyne and Marc MacFhlannchadha and Oughterard’s Mark Kavanagh. Kavanagh is a good player and he has been impressive over the last fortnight.
Colman Ó Maolchiaráin scored three good points for his side and he was their most productive and lively forward. Joe Joyce also had a small purple patch in the middle of the second half, but he will be annoyed with his two wides at the end that could have levelled the game.
Defensively Oughterard will want to improve for the final, but they had good performers last weekend in captain Chris O’Toole, Liam Moran, Eddie O’Sullivan and the tenacious John McGauley
Oughterard: F Gillespie, M McGauley, C O'Toole, L Moran, A Coady, E O'Sullivan, J McGauley, M Kavanagh, D O'Reilly (0-1 ), M Clancy, D Tuck, R Molloy (0-1, f ); C Clancy (2-1 ), JJ Greaney, M Coady (0-2 ). Subs: L Tierney (0-1 ) for Tuck (47 mins ), S Upton for M McGauley (49 mins ), C McQuinn for O'Reilly (inj - 50 mins ), M McGauley for Upton (55 mins ), S Upton for J McGauley (60 mins ).
Carna-Caiseal: D O'Dubhda; S O'Flatharta, S O'Cillin, C O'Coirbin; C O'Cillin, N Coyne, Sean O'Curraoin (0-1 ); C Coyne, M Clancy; C O'Maolchiarain (0-3 ), M O'Cathasaigh, C O'Dubhain (1-0 ); S Seoighe (0-2, 1f ), S O'Cathasaigh (0-1, f ), Stiofan O'Curraoin (0-1 ). Subs: M O'Coirbin for O'Flatharta (30 mins ).
Referee: S Hehir.
