Munster Club IFC Semi-Final

A late surge ensured Aghabullogue secured their place in the Munster IFC final, overcoming Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan 0-14 to 0-10 after an intense battle. Inspired by the outstanding Matthew Bradley, who finished with nine points, the Cork champions showed composure when it mattered most, outscoring their opponents by four in the closing stages.

Aghabullogue started sharply despite facing a strong wind, racing into an early lead through Bradley, Evan O’Sullivan and captain John Corkery. Bradley’s accuracy into the breeze was remarkable, contributing five points from play as they moved 0-7 to 0-2 ahead. ABK, however, grew into the contest, with Danny Neville and Joey Rushe leading the response to reduce the deficit to two at the interval.

The Limerick side continued their momentum after the restart, levelling at 0-10 apiece thanks to three Rushe frees and another Neville point. Goal chances came at both ends, with Aghabullogue goalkeeper John Buckley producing a crucial save to maintain parity.

The breakthrough came seven minutes from time when Aaron O’Sullivan was fouled for a two-point free, drilled confidently by Bradley. Substitute David Thompson and Colm Gillespie added insurance scores as Aghabullogue’s defence held firm against a late ABK push, sealing a deserved four-point victory and a Munster final date with An Ghaeltacht

Scorers for Aghabullogue: M Bradley (0-9, 1tpf, 1 free, 1 45); C Gillespie, J Corkery, E O’Sullivan, L Casey, D Thompson (free) (0-1 each).

Scorers for Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan: J Rushe (0-5, 5 frees); D Neville (0-3); J Dolan (45), P Murphy (0-1 each).

AGHABULLOGUE: J Buckley; C Smith, D Merrick, P Dilworth; P Ring, S Tarrant, B O’Sullivan; C Gillespie, A Murphy; P O’Sullivan, J Corkery (capt), A O’Sullivan; M Bradley, E O’Sullivan, L Casey.

Subs: C O’Sullivan for P O’Sullivan (48), D Thompson for E O’Sullivan (52), Oisín O’Connell for A O’Sullivan (57).

ASKEATON-BALLYSTEEN-KILCORNAN: J Dolan; B Casey, J Fitzsimons, N Barry; L Gammell, P Moran, S Colgan; S Gallagher, A McGrath (capt); J O’Meara, D Neville, P McMahon; J Rushe, P O’Shaughnessy, P Murphy.

Subs: S Whelan for Gallagher (52, inj), C O’Flaherty for O’Shaughnessy (58), J O’Sullivan for McMahon (60), S Hallinan for Fitzsimons (60).

Referee: N Quinn (Clare).