Barrs and Cuala book SHC ‘B’ final spots

Naomh Fionnbarra cruised into the Dublin SHC ‘B’ final after an impressive 0-25 to 0-13 victory over Na Fianna in Saturday’s first semi-final at Parnell Park.

The Cabra outfit laid the platform for their success in the opening half when playing into the wind they hurled well to lead 0-11 to 0-7 at the break - they will face Cuala in the decider following their victory over Kilmacud Crokes.

The energy provided by the Dodrill brother, Ger and Glen, along Eamonn Dillon and the accuracy from deadball of Chris O’Brien had the Dublin 7 men in good stead by the interval.

In the seventh minute the Dodrills combined for Glen to score which started a run of four points without reply – O’Brien (free), Glen Dodrill (sideline) and Eamonn Dillon, a well judged effort from the terrace side into the church end, also contributing scores as they led 0-5 to 0-1 inside 13 minutes.

Na Fianna were very reliant on the freetaking of Eoin Flaherty for scores and by the break he had converted five opportunities with Neil Loftus and Adam Berigan the only other scorers for the St Mobhi Road side.

The opening half fittingly concluded with a long-range point from Ger Dodrill, the influential centre-back lofting over from halfway after being picked out by his younger brother showing good vision in possession.

Na Fianna, now wind-assisted, upped their game on the restart and battled to try cut the deficit.

Three of the opening scores of the second half were Eoin Flaherty frees and they reduced the gap to two points, 0-12 to 0-10, by the 39^th minute.

However, the Barrs hit the next six points, without reply, and didn’t look back.

They also were thankful to the resolute defence behind whom, keeper Lar Sweetman, made some impressive stops.

Chris O’Brien hit nine second half points for Nh Fionnbarra, seven frees, with Dublin senior Eamonn Dillon scoring twice from play as the Cabra men ran out 12-point victors.

Cuala won the second Dublin SHC ‘B’ semi-final after putting in a very strong closing 20 minutes to defeat Kilmacud Crokes 1-17 to 1-9.

The Dalkey side trailed by the minimum when Michael Roche converted a 40^th minute free for the Stillorgan side (1-9 to 0-11).

However, Cuala then hit an unanswered 1-6 to book their berth in the decider against Nh Fionnbarra.

Donal Lane’s 42^nd minute point sparked Cuala’s run to glory with Brian Fitzgerald converting two frees in succession to lead 0-14 to 1-9 entering the final ten minutes.

There was no let up in the one-way scoring with Odhrán Mac Gearailt and Brian Fitzgerald strengthening Cuala’s position with scores.

As the game moved towards added time Cuala keeper Ryan De Felice despatch a penalty and Tiarnan Lane’s late point concluded Cuala’s scoring flurry.

Crokes, with Barra O'Rorke instrumental early on with two points, led 1-7 to 0-9 at half-time, their goal coming in the 15^th minute with Michael Roche getting the last touch, and held a 1-7 to 0-5 advantage after 25^th minutes following a free from halfway by Mark O’Loughlin.

Crucially though Cuala closed out the half on the up with four scores, included a free and a ‘65’, by Brian Fitzgerald.