Home Page

Photo Album

September  2007 - Donie Forde Quarter Final

27/9: Donie Forde Trophy Quarter Finals: Blarney SenAs 2, Leeds 0. T. Murphy

Courtesy... Pete Ledwith: Blarney United advanced to the last four of the Donie Forde Trophy, by defeating Leeds 2-0 at sunny O’Shea Park on Saturday. But the premier side were made fight all the way by a dogged Leeds side, which play their football in the first division.

Blarney started well – and when Steve McCann put them one up with a fine individual goal – it looked like they would coast to victory. It did not turn out that way as Leeds gave as good as they got for the remainder of the opening half.

The visitor’s were within inches of equalizing in the 48^th minute – when the impressive Eoin Geaney’s shot scraped Blarney ‘keeper Paul Collins crossbar. Leeds continued to look the more likely side – but Blarney gradually regained their composure. Irish amateur international Ray O’Leary was unlucky with a long range effort, which narrowly missed the target. And the introduction of substitute Danny Corkery added an aerial threat to the Leeds defence.  But the mid cork side were dealt a blow when centre back Cormac Hayes was red carded in the 66^th minute.

However Blarney continued to improve their game in the latter stages.  A further substitution - seen Eddie Lyons return to the Blarney colours -following a spell with Rockmount. And it was Lyons well directed corner which led to a penalty award in the 82^nd minute. Up stepped the ever cool Stephen Jennings to despatch the resultant spot kick to the corner of the Leeds net.

It was all over bar the shouting, and a relieved Blarney United was safely through to the semi final.

Blarney United: Paul Collins; Liam O’Connor, Cormac Hayes, Brian Burke, Paul Hogan; Stephen Jennings, Ray O’Leary (capt), Mark Clifford, John Hogan; Neil Fleming, Steve McCann. Subs: Edwin Buckley for Fleming, Danny Corkery for Buckley, Eddie Lyons for McCann.