Corn Uí Mhuirí: Brilliant Hamilton HS Bandon power into semi-finals after big win over Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne

Hamilton High School Bandon: 2-14

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne: 0-11

A simply sublime performance from Hamilton High School Bandon saw them power past Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in the quarter-final of the TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí at Banteer on Wednesday afternoon.

The West Cork outfit have had a great season so far as they put in their best display of the campaign to defeat their opposition from Kerry. They were excellent from start to finish but particularly in the second half when they put on the afterburners to claim a semi-final berth against holders Mercy Mounthawk. They have now reached the last four for the first time since 2022.

Oisín McCarthy and Oisín Gillain of Hamilton High School Bandon celebrate their win over Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne. Picture: Dan Linehan

The Hammies had outstanding performers all over the pitch with the likes of defender Jack Cullinane, midfielder Oisín Gillain and forwards Oisín McCarthy, Humphrey Canty and Kevin Hannon standing out.

Hamilton High School were much more purposeful early on, but they should have been further ahead. A pair of McCarthy frees was just the tonic for the West Cork school inside six minutes.

Ned Ó Riain did point for his side, but Hamilton High School were in the driving seat and points from Hannon and another McCarthy free extended their side’s advantage, 0-4 to 0-1 after 18 minutes. They could have also scored a goal, but Daniel Coughlan wasn’t able to make the most of a great opportunity.

The sides traded points before Cian Mac Gearailt left just two points in it despite Hamilton High School being much the better team.

Hamilton High School Bandon's Oisín McCarthy on the move against Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne. Picture: Dan Linehan

The Hammies finally got their goal that they were looking for after 26 minutes. It was all started by a magnificent fetch by the very tall midfielder Gillain following a Billy Curtin kick out. Gillain then laid it off to McCarthy who was unselfish to give Seán Murphy an easy finish to the net, 1-5 to 0-3.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne did kick the last two points of the half through a Cian Mac Gearailt free and a Pádraig Ó Mainín effort as sub Pádraig Mac Gearailt improved his side, 1-5 to 0-5 at half-time.

The Kerry school were starting to turn the screw and started brightly at the start of the second half with points from Diarmuid Ó Séaghdha and an Ó Mainín free, but a Canty point following a driving run was an inspirational score six minutes into the new half, 1-6 to 0-7.

Ó Mainín left one in it, but three points on the trot from Hamilton High School gave them a four-point buffer with 18 minutes remaining. McCarthy with two, one which was a free, and Gillain also getting on the score sheet, 1-9 to 0-8.

The sides traded points as the game went into the final 10 minutes. Hammies were able to keep their opposition at bay as they hit three of next four points. The winners sub Dara Walsh with the pick of the scores, 1-13 to 0-10 with two minutes remaining.

Hamilton High School Bandon's Jack Cullinane looks to get past Seán Ó Cuinín of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne. Picture: Dan Linehan

They put the cherry on the cake with a second goal in added time through sub Sam Browne followed by a McCarthy effort from a difficult angle. The Dingle outfit did get the last score when Ó Mainín got a point from a close-range free when a goal was his intended target. It didn't matter anyway.

A brilliant win for Hammies and a big boost for Cork football.

Scorers for Hamilton High School Bandon: O McCarthy 0-9 (0-7 f), S Murphy, S Browne 1-0, each, K Hannon 0-2, H Canty, O Gillian, D Walsh 0-1 each.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne: P Ó Mainín 0-6 (0-3 f), C Mac Gearailt 0-2 (0-1 f), D Ó Séaghdha, N Ó Riain, C Ó Cinnéide 0-1 each.

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL BANDON: B Curtin (Valley Rovers); B Coffey (Clonakilty), N Daly (Valley Rovers), J O’Driscoll (Bandon); R Tarrant (Bandon), J Cullinane (Bandon), L Casey (Valley Rovers); O Gillain (Kilbrittain), S Coffey (Clonakilty); C Twomey (Argideen Rangers), O McCarthy (Valley Rovers), D Coughlan (Bandon); H Canty (Newcestown), K Hannon (Bandon), S Murphy (Dohenys).

Subs: E Maguire (Castlehaven) for D Coughlan, H Flanagan (Newcestown) for D Murphy (both 40), A Griffin (Kilbrittain) for C Twomey (47), D Walsh (Argideen Rangers) for J O’Driscoll (50), S Browne (Valley Rovers) for K Hannon (53), E Claesson (Bandon) for R Tarrant (60, inj).

POBALSCOIL CHORCA DHUIBHNE: O Ó Dubhdha; JJ Mac Liam, E Ó Fiannachta, D Ó Laighin; T Ó Cathail, A Ó Beaglaoich, D Ó Séaghdha; S Ó Cuinín, N Ó Riain; S de Róiste, C Cordubh, C Ó Dufaigh; C Ó Cinnéide, P Ó Mainín, C Mac Gearailt.

Subs: P Mac Gearailt for S de Róiste (28, inj), C Mac Conmara for C Ó Dufaigh (46), C Ó Gallchobhair for D Ó Séaghdha (51, inj), J Ó Lionain for C Mac Gearailt (60).

Referee: Evan Horan (Kerry).

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