Cometh the hour cometh the man! Ten minutes to go and Charleville were digging deep. Defending for their lives and looking like they would take the game to extra time or even sneak a goal to win it, Charleville will probably be wondering today how Park won by four.
The man that stood up when his side needed something special was their captain Kieran O’Connor. A magnificent strike from thirty yards out flew past the unfortunate Charleville keeper to give Park the lead and finally break the resistance of the young Cork men. Thereafter the game opened up and fine finishing from Adam Wharton and Cianan Cooney ensured the Park advanced to the Regional Final where they will play Aisling Annacotty at home on 25th March.
The game had a hectic start when Messiah Chirwah was fouled in the box and Park were awarded a first minute penalty. However, in pretty poor conditions, the Charleville keeper produced a fine save to deny Park the perfect start.
The first half was almost all about the battle between the young Cork custodian and a variety of Park attackers. Shot after shot was repelled and chance after chance went a begging. Indeed Charleville had one very good chance to take the lead late in the first half but Liam Carmody and a brilliant last ditch tackle from Josh Connolly denied them.
The second half was pretty much similar. Excellent defending from both sides kept the score line level and with courageous tackling and great sportsmanship being shown by both teams it was obvious it would take something a bit different to break the deadlock.
Then the man stood up and his trusty troops followed him through to seal the win. Another fine panel effort.
Thanks to all our supporters, club officials and our magnificent parents and players for their efforts on the day. A special thank you to Charleville AFC. Your young team were excellent ambassadors for the club on and off the pitch. We wish you all the best for the rest of the season.
Panel: Liam Carmody, Samuel Aledasanusi, Ben Hanafin, Sean Hill, Jack Kearney, Sean O’Connell, Kieran O’Connor, Danny Jeffers, Conor Kerins, Sean O’Connor, David Feeley, Josh Connolly, Adam Wharton, Cianan Cooney, Colin Doody, Messiah Chirwah.
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Report by Pat Carmody , Photos by Tommy Naughton .
