JFC semi-final: Curraha power past Slane to reach decider

Slane's Jim Marry with David Toner Curraha during the JFC semi final at Skryne

Curraha 4-17 Slane 1-7

Championship favourites Curraha strolled into the Junior Football Championship final after this dominant display against Slane under lights at a well-attended Fr McManus Park, Skryne.

In a low-key first half, Curraha went to the break two points in front. Slane’s Senan Duffy was a constant threat in the opening 15 minutes. The talented corner-forward had Martin Barrett’s men 0-4 to 0-1 in front before Curraha began to take over.

A second point from Jack O’Connor was followed by a well-worked goal from full-back Conor O’Farrell. Minutes later, Diarmuid Moriarty added a two-pointer.

Slane responded in style with an Alan Harding point and a goal from James Grogan. Curraha had the last say as Padraic O’Hanrahan raised a white flag before O’Connor gave them a 1-7 to 1-5 interval lead with his first two-pointer.

The second half was a totally different affair as Curraha threw off the shackles and dominated.

Conor Moriarty gave them the perfect start with a goal, O’Connor followed with another two-pointer and a Niall McLarnon goal had them 3-10 to 1-6 in front with 15 minutes remaining.

The winners finished on a high. Moriarty got in for his second goal and a string of points from O’Connor, Diarmuid Moriarty, the returning David Toner and Andrew Coyle completed a comfortable victory.

Curraha will take on Ballinlough in the final on Friday, 16 October at Simonstown.

Curraha scorers: Jack O’Connor 0-10, Conor Moriarty 2-1, Diarmuid Moriarty 0-3, Niall McLarnon 1-0, Conor O’Farrell 1-0, Padraic O’Hanrahan 0-2, Neil Shortall 0-1, David Toner 0-1, Andrew Coyle 0-1.

Slane scorers: Senan Duffy 0-4, James Grogan 1-0, Braydon Colfer 0-1, Evan Murray 0-1, Alan Harding 0-1.

Referee: Liam Reddy.