Clonbur coast to semi-finals after quick start

Clonbur 1-12 Monivea-Abbey 0-8

Kevin Dwyer at Tuam Stadium

CLONBUR dominated the opening 10 minutes of this intermediate Championship football quarter final in Tuam Stadium on Sunday. They scored 1-3 and built a lead that Monivea-Abbeyknockmoy chased but could not overcome.

However, it was Monivea Abbey that should have raised the first green flag within the first minute when Jason Finn punched a dropping ball towards goal, but his effort crashed back off the upright and Clonbur cleared to safety.

The All-Ireland junior champions had the advantage of a strong wind and were playing into the town goal at Tuam Stadium in that first half and within six minutes, centre back, Trevor Ó Loideáin, had scored 1-1. The goal was an excellent move involving great team work down the right wing. Eventually, Alan Ó Cadhain crossed the ball to Eoin Seoighe and he set up the inrushing Ó Loideáin to finish.

Clonbur immediately built on this lead and a positive early feature of their game was their ability to kick long range points from play. Eamon Ó Cuiv and Liam Ó Cearnaigh both hit the target with efforts from over 35 metres out and having secured a six point lead, they were now in control.

Monivea-Abbeyknockmoy were struggling, particularly in attack and were unable to breach a solid Clonbur defence. Brian Flaherty eventually broke through the rearguard and scored their first point in the 12th minute. David Wallace and Colin Treacy traded points to leave it at 1-4 to 0-2 after 20 minutes and Clonbur still in control.

Referee James Molloy proved vigilant when he awarded a 20 metre free to Clonbur after spotting a foul by Monivea-Abbey’s full back, Brian O’Donnell on Paraic Ó hUain while play was still at midfield and Eoin Seoighe gratefully pointed.

Both sides landed a couple of points before the break withClonbur’s scores coming from play courtesy of Liam Ó Cearnaigh, while Monivea-Abbey’s points came from frees by Eoin Roche and Cathal Coleman, after Coleman was fouled on both occasions, so that the sides retired at the break with Clonbur leading by 1-7 to 0-4.

Monivea-Abbey increased their intensity in the second half while Clonbur fell back into a defensive mode. However, the leaders remained resolute in defence and cleverly used the counter attack to keep the scoreboard ticking over in their favour.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.