By: Morgan Lanigan, PRO
The last of our U12 County finals was played in Borrisoleigh last Sunday serving up a tense match that required extra-time to separate the teams. We also had U16 hurling semi-finals up for decision.
U12 ‘C’ Hurling Final
Shannon Rovers 3.04
Loughmore Castleiney 1.08
Ref: James Lees
Shannon Rovers defence was the busier for most of this game their hard work was complimented by Liam O’Dwyer’s scoring to snatch the U12 title in extra-time.
The game started at a blistering pace with a clash under the stand displaying how much these teams wanted the win. Shannon Rovers hit a goal that undone Loughmore’s good work. The excellent Joey Quinn caught turned and pointed before Richard Morris hit Loughmore’s second. Liam O’Dwyer did all the right things on the day he sent a long free in that floated all te way to the net. This put a real pep in Rovers step as they hit two more points both coming from the hurl of Liam O’Dwyer. Conor Mahon & Paul Fogarty were providing the ammunition for Liam. Loughmore did finish strong leaving one point between them at the break the boy wonder Joey Quinn hit two frees. He had Oisin Sweeney & Paul McCormack playing well throughout, 1.02 – .04
The second half the score board was up and running early. Liam O’Dwyer looked to have miss hit his free the ball skipped along the ground to the back of the net. Liam then produced a brilliant piece of skill David Hogan sent a ball up field Liam’s touch turn & point a joy to see. Twenty-two minutes played that would be Rovers last score in normal time. Loughmore had a mountain to climb Joey Quinn hit two frees with Daniel McCahey starting to play well the comeback looked on. A goal was needed twice Loughmore support watch as the ball came back of the frame of the gaol. The gods were against them they did get the gaol. A half clearance was picked up by Daniel McCahey who fired home right at the death to take the game to extra-time, 2.03 – 1.06.
Shannon Rovers backs Jamie Horan, Fionn Higgins, John O’Dwyer & Matthew Costello put bodies on the line. They couldn’t stop Loughmore taking the lead Joey Quinn another free. The tension was very real Rovers Daire Moran, Morgan Deasy & Cillian Bond gave their all to keep the score low. The game moved into the last half of extra-time Liam O’Dwyer sent a long ball up that didn’t look to carry a threat on target the ball ended up in the net. Joey Quinn did reply with a free as Loughmore fought on. Seán Hough, Jack McGrath kept their back men busy all day. The crucial score came from Aaron McGrath as he ran away to hit a rousing point to the delight of the North support as the final whistle blew.
Captains Paul Fogarty & Aaron McGrath collected the trophy from Chairman Martin Bourke.
Shannon Rovers Panel: Jamie Horan, Fionn Higgins, John O’Dwyer, Paul Fogarty (Capt), Matthew Costello, Conor Mahon, David Hogan, Liam O’Dwyer, Seán Hough, Aaron McGrath (J/C), Jack McGrath, Rory Fox, Daire Moran, Morgan Deasy, Cillian Bond. Mentors: Willie Lennox, John Hogan, Martin Costello
Loughmore Castleiney Panel: Mikey Ryan(Capt) Oisin Sweeney, Philip Connolly, Paul Cormack, Billy Meade, Joey Quinn, Cathal Ryan, Daniel McCahey, Óran Breen, Oisin Connolly, Richard Morris, Colm Hickey, Kevin Kelly, Ciara Loughnane, Henry Meade, Danny Egan. Mentors: Mark Breen, Taffy McGrath, Martin Morris, James Quinn, Joseph Hennessy.
U16 County semi-finals
In the ‘A’ Durlas Óg handled their favourites tag when facing Cashel King Cormacs. Their ten point win puts them in a good place to face this year’s surprise package. Since Ballina recorded a big win over Roscrea plenty will have been asking about them. After winning the North title they put Carrick Swans to the sword to face Durlas Óg. They had three points to spare over their South opponents. This will be a very interesting matchup with the Mid boys hoping to bring the North boys rising star crashing down to earth. The Ballina boys won’t fear anyone.
In the ‘B’ a low scoring game saw Galtee/Golden come out on top as Boherlahan Dualla couldn’t cut off the goal supply as the West boys hit four goals helping them to a five point win. Ballingarry had too much for Borrisokane as they hit 1.12 easily outscoring the seven South teams tally. So when finals days comes around we will have all four divisions represented, U16 ‘A’ Durlas Óg v Ballina, U16 ‘B’ Ballingarry v Galtee Golden
By Jonathan Cullen Mon 24th Sep
