McIvor two-points St Vincent’s to last four

St Vincent’s1-3-13 (22)

St Ultan’s2-1-10 (17)

In the past two years St Vincent’s have reached the JFC final and lost them to Dunsany and Clann na nGael. They are clearly on a mission to reach another big showdown and this time taste the sweet fragrance of success - and they took a big step to doing just that by winning this quarter-final encounter at Simonstown on Friday night helped greatly by a hat-trick of two-pointers from their marquee man, Michael McIvor.

Not that it was easy for them. Far from it. At one stage in the opening half it looked like Marc Clifford’s side were going to secure a semi-final place in the proverbial canter. Assisted by a goal smartly scored by Patrick McGill they led 1-6 to 0-1 after 21 minutes. Richie O’Sullivan was also a big influence for the team in maroon in those early stages, hitting three points from play.

Not only that they were on top in most areas of the pitch. They moved the ball with real intent and invention, their dominance partly built on a physical presence the sprightly, youthful St Ultan’s side found difficult to handle.

Then in the 22nd minute Conor Finnegan slotted over an inspiring two-pointer for St Ultan’s. Three minutes later Finnegan lofted a ball into the St Vincent’s goalmouth. It looked like the danger was about to be cleared. It wasn’t. Instead the ball broke loose. Jonny Foster was alert enough to fist to the net. It was a fine example of a player making the absolute most of an unexpected opportunity that came his way.

That goal helped St Ultan’s go in at the break only a point behind, 1-6 to 1-7 with Charlie O’Brien, Lee Hennessy, Adam Rogers and Luke Cahill others to register fine scores for the green and blacks.

Not only that, Darren Fay’s emerging side surged in front early in the second-half, helped by four points from the highly enterprising Finnegan. With 45 minutes played St Ultan’s led 1-10 to 1-8. Were we witnessing the underdogs about to bring down the strong favourites?

Step forward the irrepressible McIvor. McGill steadied things for the Ardcath side with a fine point before, on 47 minutes, McIvor forcefully demonstrated how he is capable of taking a hold on a game and putting his own indelible mark on it. He powered forward and swept the ball over the bar from outside the 40-metre arc. It was a magnificent score, good enough to inspire any team.

Shortly afterwards Adam Tuite continued St Vincent’s revival with a point before, on 53 minutes, McIvor did it again – and landed another stirring, uplifting two-pointer, shaking off a tackle before steadying himself and lofting over. Suddenly from a position where they looked vulnerable St Vincent’s were back in front (1-14 to 1-10) where they stayed.

In the closing stages St Vincent’s stepped further on the gas to ensure their passage to the last four with Conor Harford, Nigel Hand raising white flags before McIvor, unbelievably did it again, and landing yet another two-pointer on 61 minutes, just to underline how his first two were no flukes.

St Ultan’s did engineer an injury time goal swept home by Mark Allen while Cillian Yore also added a point. For a brief moment the prospect of another comeback looked a possibility. Instead, O’Sullivan rounded off the evening by converting a free for the Ardcath side. He finished with four points while Adam Tuite and Matthew Griffin were next in line in the scoring charts. They notched up two points apiece. Bob Tallon and Matthew Tuite were others to register points for St Vincent’s over the hour.

Clifford’s troops had made it through but they had been forced to take the scenic route by this evolving St Ultan’s side who played some highly effective, fast-paced, composed football.

The Ultan’s just needed to be more clinical in front of the posts. They carved out a good goal chance during their spell of dominance early in the second-half but Foster’s shot from close range was blocked and the danger cleared. If that had gone in who knows how this engaging contest would have panned out.

As it transpired this experienced St Vincent’s side dealt with St Ultan’s youthful resilience in a mature, measured fashion to ensure they stay on course for another JFC final.

St Vincent’s: Evan Connor; Adam Andrews, Davy Tallon, Mark Crawley; Bob Tallon (0-1), Shane Caffrey, Michael McIvor (0-6 three two-pointers); Conor Harford (0-1), Nigel Hand (0-1); Matthew Tuite (0-1), Adam Tuite (0-2), Conor O’Brien; Richie O’Sullivan (0-4 one free), Matthew Griffin (0-2), Patrick McGill (1-1). Subs – Gary Tuite for Tallon 40m, Shane Andrews for McGill 54m, Conor White for Griffin 60m.

St Ultan’s: Keith Hennessy; Andrew Harford, Declan Ball, Martin Dolan; Charlie O’Brien (0-1), Luke Griffin, Cillian Yore (0-1); Lee Hennessy (0-1), Jonny Foster (1-0); Tom Brennan, Sean Herward, Tommy Buchanan; Conor Finnegan (0-7 one two-pointer), Adam Rogers (0-1), Ruairi Buchanan. Subs – Luke Cahill (0-1) for Herward 21m, Darren Mallon for Griffin 51m, Mark Allen (1-0) for Brennan, Jason Bennett for Rogers, Chris Rennicks for Harford all 57m.

Referee: Ian Dowdall (Bective).