A second JAFC Final appearance in 3 years, but only a third in 33 years awaits our footballers following Saturday's 4-9 to 1-9 win over MIdleton in the Michael O'Connor Motor Factors championship semi final in Cloyne on Saturday evening.  Carrigtwohill or Erin's Own will provide the opposition on Saturday October 26th at 3pm - venue to be confirmed.

An understrength but dogged and economical Midleton team proved stiff  semi final opposition and it wasn't until our third goal arrived on 51 minutes from Eoghan Martin that daylight appeared as we led 3-7 to 1-8.   A further green flag from sub Charlie O'Neill sealed the issue as we progressed by a three goal margin. 

After a few spurned chances early on, Jack McGann crashed home a great goal on seven minutes following a fine team movement from deep in defence.  It was a needed score as Midleton had carved out two scoring opportunities prior to this, which both resulted in points.   A second top quality goal from Darragh Joyce followed another very good move on 12 minutes as we led 2-0 to 0-3.   However, we only added another point by minute 20 when Barra O Tuama produced a composed finish, after a few more chances had come and gone.

 Eoghan Martin (2) and Jamie Stack added further points as the reds began to find their radar towards the end of the half to push into a 2-4 to 0-5 lead.  However, the closing sequences of the opening half brought a different narrative  - an injury to goalkeeper Conor Whyte, a black card for Niall O'Donovan and the concession of 1-1 in stoppage time..  Thus the advantage was down to a single white flag - 2-4 to 1-6 at the short whistle.  Midleton's solitary wide showing their percentage strike rate.

Early second moments saw Jack McGann and Eoghan Martin register good points, before Midleton answered with one of their own.  Thus, the game was very much in the mix as we entered what transpired to be a ten minute spell with any flag activity.  "Next score vital" territory had been reached and it was goalkeeper Conor Whyte who obliged with a 45 meter free just after the three quarter mark.  Five minutes later that crucial third goal  arrived from Eoghan Martin following a pass by Rory Black.  It was down to managing the closing ten minutes.  MIke Kelly and Cathal Martin got unanswered points before the aforementioned late Charlie O'Neill goal. 

Barra O'Tuama, Eoghan Martin and Darragh Joyce were among the standout performers from a game that leaves scope for improvement before the decider - a good way to be approaching the final with lots of sessions to follow over the next few weeks. 

It will be only the 9th JAFC final in the 100 year history of the club. Wins came in 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1991. The reversals were recorded in 1933 and two years ago against Cobh in Caherlag.

Semi Final Team V Midleton

Conor Whyte (capt), Cathal Martin, Eoin Ronayne, Niall O'Donovan, Barra O'Tuama, Ciarán Joyce, Ruairi Murphy, Darrgh Joyce, Daire Coughlan,  Mike Kelly, Jack McGann, Liam Martin, Billy McGann, Jamie Stack, Eoghan Martin.

Subs used - James Lawton, Rory Black, Barry Lawton, Eoin Cashman

Scorers - E. Martin 1-3, Jack McGann 1-1, D Joyce and C O'Neill 1-0 each, B O'Tuama, J Stack, C Whyte (45m) M Kelly (free) and C Martin  0-1 each.

***The Carrig v Erin's Own semi final was postponed due to the orange weather warning and will be refixed by the East Cork Board.  As Erin's Own are also involved in the county intermediate hurling semi final next weekend, the football gamee is likely to go back in a few weeks.

Our under 21 hulring campaign will begin sometime over the next few weeks and this years management  team of Cha O'Neiil, Fergus Lynch, Conor Whyte and Eoin Cashman are due to get  the panel toehter this week for their their first training session.   Cobh and Midleton will provide our opposition in the forthcoming group games.

Our Centenary Dinner Dance at Garryvoe Hotel is getting closer. Saturday November 9th is the big day in the diary.  Tickets and Ticket Collection facility on this TUESDAY evening from 7pm to 8pm at the pitch..  Please note payment will be by cash or cheque only. More info from Noreen  086 2461090 or Paula  086 106 0692.

Thanks to club members who helped out with the Cork GAA Community Clean Up on Saturday last.  Club members did  a litter pick and clean up in various parts of the village and the environs of the pitch.