Annacurra lose to Aughrim in the Intermediate Chamionship by 9 points to 2-7. The game was played in Arklow in great weather conditions. After two lapses of concentration Annacurra gifted Aughrim 2 goals which put Aughrim in the driving seat. Aughrim will now go on to face Dunlavin in the County Final after they easily overcame Avondale in the other Semi Final.

Annacurra still have games remaining in the Division 1 league so keep an eye out for the dates of the fixtures.

Annacurra maintained their unbeaten record in the Darcy Sands Intermediate Championship but only just. With the game entering its last legs, substitute Peter Clancy bounced on a rebounded shot to send the ball to the net and give Annacurra a point to keep their Championship hopes alive.

Kilcoole opened the scoring in this game with a point in the first minute coming from a move down the right hand side of the pitch. Annacurra then added points from Clive Horan and Frank Clune from frees before John Thompson scored a fine individual point.. This left Annacurra 3 points to 1 up after ten minutes. A mix up from a long ball into the Annacurra goalmouth resulted in the ball bouncing into the top corner of the net which went on to inspire the Kilcoole men who dominated the majority of the first half. Kilcoole added four more points before William Codd finished the first half with a point to leave the scores at 1-5 to 0-4.

After the break a Clive Horan free left a goal between the teams before Annacurra were reduced to 14 men with Mick O’Brien receiving his marching orders on a second yellow. Kilcoole added three more points with two coming from frees to leave 6 points in the match entering the last 15 minutes. Two more Clive Horan frees reduced the deficit before William Codd added his second of the night after some great work from Alan Byrne. Kilcoole scored their final point of the night with a free from Mathew Gilbert to leave the score at 1-9 to 0-8 as we entered the final 2 minutes. Alan Byrne was proving to be a thorn in the side of Kilcoole as his runs from centre back seemed to result in a free or a score every time. He was fouled again in front of the posts giving Clive Horan the opportunity to leave just the single goal between the sides which Clive successfully pointed. With it looking like Kilcoole would take the spoils Annacurra launched another attack with a move right through the centre involving William Codd and Alan Horan. A shot at goal was deflected into the path of Peter Clancy who tucked the ball into the corner of the net to give Annacurra an unlikely draw.

Annacurra- M.Doyle, S.McAllister, C.Byrne, L.Moules, P.McDonald, A.Byrne, D.Thompson, M.O’Brien, P.O’Brien, W.Codd (0-2), J.Thompson (0-1), P.Moules, C.Horan (0-5), F.Clune (0-1), M.Healy.

Subs: P.Clancy (1-0), S.O’Neill, A.Horan.

Annacurra got back to winning ways as they lined out against a strong Kilcoole team who Annacurra grabbed a late equalised in Avondale in the group stages. This was a close game the whole way through and Annacurra went into the break leading by 2 points thanks to a Frank Clune penalty after John Thompson was fouled in the box. Half time score was Annacurra 1-5, Kilcoole 6 points.

Annacurra started the more lively in the second half tagging on scores when they were needed but Kilcoole were never beaten. As Kilcoole were reduced down to 14, Annacurra used their extra man very well and work their way from their own backline up to the forward line on many occasions but sometimes they lacked conviction in front of goal as many scoreable chances went to waste. In the end they saw out the game to book themselves in a Semi Final place against local rivals Aughrim which will be played next week in Arklow.

Annacurra: Michael Doyle, Liam Moules, Ciaran Byrne, Shane MacAllister, Alan Byrne, Paul McDonald, Darren Thompson, John Thompson, Peter Clancy, Michael O Brien, Alan Horan, Frank Clune, Clive Horan , Mark O Neill, Ian Mc Donald.

Subs Used: Patrick Moules, Pierce O Brien, William Codd.