Ballygarvan 0-26 Argideen Rangers 2-14

Ballygarvan moved into the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship quarter-final after this captivating contest with Argideen Rangers, who also progress having won the first two group games.

St Catherine’s are up next for Ballygarvan, while Cloughduv face Argideen Rangers, as Glen Rovers and Kilbrittain straight into the semi-finals.

The significance of the contest at Macroom was clear in the opening stages, with both sides showing exceptional work-rate. Argideen opened the scoring thanks to a point from Charlie Twomey, before Niall Dowd, who was to prove an attacking menace, responded.

In the ninth minute, Argideen goaled when John Michael O’Callaghan blasted impressively to the back of the net. It spurred Ballygarvan to life though, as Dylan O’Connor and another point from Dowd saw the sides level at 1-4 to 0-7 after 15 minutes.

Ballygarvan then landed a wonderful score from distance courtesy of Cillian O’Regan, as his side gradually grew in momentum. Argideen responded with another point by Twomey. 

Ballygarvan ended the opening 30 minutes strongly, getting the final three points of the half to lead 0-13 to 1-6.

Eoin Mackey, Ballygarvan, battles James Crowley, Argideen Rangers, for the sliotar. Picture: Jim Coughlan. Eoin Mackey, Ballygarvan, battles James Crowley, Argideen Rangers, for the sliotar. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Once the action got back underway after the half-time interval, O’Connor landed another score for Ballygarvan to extend their advantage. Argideen got a much-needed response on the scoreboard through the impressive Twomey.

It was clear that Ballygarvan had plenty of stomach for the fight. After 45 minutes, they were in command, 0-20 to 1-9, landing some fine points, including one from Ray O’Halloran.

Heading into the final 10 minutes, Argideen rallied and reduced the deficit as O’Callaghan slotted over a succession of points. 

Ballygarvan were not to be denied, pointing through Dowd and O’Connor.

Argideen got a late penalty, successfully converted by O’Callaghan, but too little, too late in terms of saving getting something from this game. 

For both of these teams, the knockout stages now await in the coming weeks ahead.

Scorers for Ballygarvan: D O’Connor 0-10 (0-5 f), N Dowd 0-7, C O’Regan 0-3, R O’Halloran, M Kennefick, K Lyons 0-2 each. 

Argideen Rangers: JM O’Callaghan 2-7 (1-0 pen, 0-3 f), C Twomey 0-4 (0-3 f), G Crowley, F Butler, P Butler 0-1 each.

BALLYGARVAN: D Mackey; P Ryan, T O’Sullivan, E Mackey; S White, P O’Halloran, R O’Halloran; C McIntyre, C O’Regan; D O’Connor; M Kennefick, S Fenton; M O’Mahony, K Lyons, N Dowd.

Sub: M Cussen for O’Mahony (49).

ARGIDEEN RANGERS: J Sheehan; D Holland, G Crowley, Joe Crowley; A Guinevan, M Lawton, B Fleming; F Walsh, C O’Donovan; S Hinchion, J M O’Callaghan, C Twomey; F Butler, James Crowley, S Walsh.

Subs: P Butler for Hinchion (h-t), D O’Donovan for Holland (37), D Walsh for Twomey (43).

Referee: Colm Maher (Buttevant).