We made the short journey to Milltown on Sunday to take on St. Joseph’s in the well appointed pitch. Despite the strong wind the excellent facilities provided the backdrop for an intriguing Semi Final.

A difficult wind in the first half ensured scores were at premium. A Barry O Mara free kicked things off before a couple of St. Joseph’s scores on 25 minutes left the minimum between the teams. Ronan Scally then ventured forward to kick a great point from play after being set up by Barry O Mara. 

St. Joseph’s added two quick fire goals within a minute of each other coming up to half time which would prove crucial. This was a big set back to Bun who had played some very good football in the opening half against a difficult wind.

The introduction of Darragh Lyons at half time proved significant as Bun set about closing the six point deficit. He won a great mark early on and set up Barry O Mara who was fouled before kicking the resulting free. St. Joseph’s replied with two quick fire points to push the lead to seven points. Lyons won another brilliant mark when sliding to the ground to collect a pass before he converted the mark.

Aidan Finnan and Noel Yourell combined to set up O Mara for a brilliant goal in the 39th minute. Barry added a free to bring the game back to three points before St. Joseph’s scored two points in quick succession. 

Shane McGovern then got in on the scoring when he kicked a brilliant score off his left foot as Bun started to apply huge pressure on the opposition. Lyons followed up with another fine score off his right and the game was really in the melting pot with just two points between the sides. A fine team move culminated in O Mara shooting for goal but his shot agonizingly came back off the post before being cleared out for a 45. St. Joseph’s scored a free to stretch the lead to three points with eight minutes remaining.

A long range Aidan Finnan free and another point from play from Shane McGovern brought the lead back to one with five minutes left to play. Bun were dominating the game at this stage but just couldn’t get back on level terms. An interception from St. Joseph’s led to a counter attack move which resulted in them scoring another goal which ultimately sealed the win for them. A Barry O Mara free late on left three between the sides as the light finally went out on Bun’s Championship hopes for 2024.

The lads have produced some brilliant moments this year. They will be very disappointed not to make it to a County Final that their efforts merited. A key feature of the team this year was fighting to the bitter end and this never say die attitude was in evidence right throughout the Championship. The fightback from the brink in the Quarter Final and the second half comeback in this match showed the character of this team and while they didn’t get the victory today, they fought with everything they had.

Team: Liam Mitchell, Simon Moorehead, Joe Tormey, Ronan Scally, Matthew Hope, Noel Yourell, Shane McGovern, Aidan Finnan, John Kiernan, Mark Donnelly, Fintan Finnan, Luke Kiernan, Ken Conroy, Barry O Mara & David Newman. Subs: Darragh Lyons for Fintan Finnan, (HT), Peter Tormey for Mark Donnelly (38 Mins), Enda Newman for Luke Kiernan, Conor Newman, Gavin Lyons, Jonny Nolan, Tommy Murphy, Brian Maguire, Eoin McGowan, Finian Newman, Andy Whitney, Alan Maguire, Darragh McCormack & Cian Tighe.