Ballincollig advanced to the semi- final of the MJK Oils JAHC after edging out Uibh Laoire in a thrilling finish at Cloughduv. Danny Murphy’s brilliant goal in injury time sealed victory while the introduction of the experienced David Bowen also proved critical. Uibh Laoire were without their talisman Darren Kelly while they will rue missing a couple of scoring chances in the final quarter.

The victors raced into an early lead with points from Gearoid O’Donoghue (2), A Donovan and Karl Walsh clipped over an excellent score after a probing solo run. Uibh Laoire’s free taker James O’Leary had an outstanding game and landed their opening score from distance. The Inchigeela outfit found their rhythm and David Dineen set up Colin Tanner for an excellent goal. A second O’Leary placed effort left his side trailing by the minimum, 0-6 to 1-2 after 18 minutes.

Ballincollig responded in good style with points from the hard working Mark Bowen, Brian O’Halloran and Danny Murphy. Uibh Laoire replied with another O’Leary free and a long range effort from Finbar McSweeney.  However, Ballincollig finished the opening period strongly with points from Aidan Donovan (f) and Karl Walsh to leave four points between the sides, 0-11 to 1-4 at the break.

Uibh Laoire received a terrific boost when Finbar McSweeney billowed the net in the opening minute of the second period. Aidan Donovan replied with a brace before the Inchigeela side rattled off four points without reply from Shane Galvin, James O’Leary (2f) and Colin Tanner to edge in front.

David Bowen entered the fray and landed an excellent placed effort from distance before Gearoid O’Donoghue nudged Ballincollig ahead with an excellent point. O’Leary equalised within a minute and both sides missed a couple of chances in the closing ten minutes as a replay looked likely. However, Ballincollig enjoyed the rub of the green on this occasion and Murphy’s brilliant goal was followed by a good score from Aidan Donovan.

Report by Kevin Murphy