The U12 hurling championships came to a close in three of the four groups in The Ragg last Saturday as the group 1 decider between JK Brackens and Drom-Inch went to replay after a superb final. First up Loughmore-Castleiney claimed the group 3 title with their victory over Holycross-Ballycahill (b). The group 4 final was a much closer affair as Drom-Inch (b) eventually overcame Gortnahoe-Glengoole (b) to win that crown. An excellent group 2 final saw Holycross-Ballycahill pip Boherlahan-Dualla by the narrowest of margins as they went home with the title under their belt, see all match reports following.
It was a tremendous day in the Ragg and Mid Coiste na nÓg would sincerely like to thank the Drom & Inch Juvenile Club for hosting the finals. To its Chairman, Willie Clohessy and his grounds people who had the pitch in pristine condition and to the ladies behind the scenes for the catering, Monica and Celine and your helpers, many thanks indeed. We also wish to thank the referees Liam Shanahan and Kevin Jordan and their umpires for officiating at the games. To the two linesmen Kieran Cummins and Brian Maher and scoreboard operators Michael Clohessy and Brian Hennessy; our piper Gerard Neville who led all teams in pre-match parades; Martin ‘Musha’ Maher gate checker and of course to our sponsors, Centenary Co-Op., Snap Printing, Murphy Office Supplies and Joe O’Sullivan Bus Hire, thank you all so much as you contributed to a wonderful day’s action. And where would we be without the supporters, you came out in superb numbers to support your club and we look forward to seeing you all again very soon and thank you for attending.
Best wishes to our winners on Saturday and also winners of the group 1 replay scheduled for Tuesday night in Holycross at 7pm, as our four Mid teams take on North opposition in the U12 county semi-finals over the course of next weekend. The group 1 winners will play Kilruane McDonaghs; in group 2 Holycross-Ballycahill meet Silvermines; while group 3 winners Loughmore-Castleiney take on Templederry and in group 4 Drom-Inch meet Roscrea. Times, venues etc. to be set by County Coiste na nÓg.
Now that the U12 Mid championships have concluded, clubs have turned their attention to the U13 shield which throws in on Thursday week and we look forward to the change of format this year as it gives clubs a chance to get the focus in mind for next years U14 championship line ups at the same time.
This Saturday it is the turn of the U14 championships to hold the limelight where the Spain Family U14A final sees Moycarkey-Borris take on Durlas Óg in Littleton at 3.15pm and before that in the Doran Oil U14C final Moycarkey-Borris second team take on Thurles Gaels with throw in at 2pm. The Stakelum’s Office Supplies U14B final sees Drom-Inch take on Moyne-Templetuohy on Sunday, August 24th.
Elsewhere, the first knockout rounds in the U16 championships are under way with the semi-finals in U16A down for decision on Monday week, August 25th, as the clubs gear up for September final action.
Centenary Co-Op Mid Tipp U12 Group 1 Hurling Final
Drom-Inch 2-05 J.K. Brackens 2-05
In a match worthy of its billing, Drom & Inch and JK Brackens served up a thriller in the Centenary Co-Op group 1 final last Saturday with a replay required to separate two evenly matched and well prepared sides. Great credit is due to both sets of players and their mentors for the quality and pace of play on show in the Ragg.
A fired up Brackens outfit were quickest off the mark with Darragh Doyle pointing in the opening minute. He then added one from a free minutes later before the excellent Conor Cadell rattled the Drom net almost immediately.
No panic on the Drom side as they set down to play in customary fashion. As a result it wasn’t long before they had a score on the board courtesy of a pointed free from the influential Paudie Kinnane.
With both sides marking closely in made for very entertaining fare. Drom were right back in the game as John Campion and Kinnane exerted their influence along with other members of their team and on the thirteenth minute when Colin Callanan with a one handed strike on a through ball goaled for Drom it left one between the sides.
Cadell soon after scored one of the points of the match with a super score from out on the right touchline. Not to be outdone Maidhc Fitzpatrick responded for Drom in equally impressive fashion as he reduced it to one with a minute to the break. That was soon made two when Dylan Hickey, now motoring well for Brackens pointed to leave his side in front at the half time 1-04 to 1-02.
Thunder and lightening greeted the players at the start of the second half as the heavens also threatened to open up, which thankfully they didn’t. On the field an already enthralling tussle grew in intensity to match the heavenly sounds overhead. Drom stormed into battle as if their very lives depended on it with Kinnane pointing a free in the second minute. Brackens though were steel tough too and when Darragh Doyle’s long free out of defence broke free in the Drom goalmouth it left Killian Fennell with the easiest of tap ins to assert Brackens lead once more. Not letting this adversity come in their way Drom took the bit between their teeth and to a man worked and harried in the second and third quarters to haul back the deficit. A point apiece from frees for both sides were the only scores in this passage as Brackens backs brilliantly soaked up all the Drom pressure in this epic game.
Tony Cahill for Drom then blazed a run at the Brackens rearguard and as he drew his man he swiftly hand passed the ball into the path of Campion who shook the Brackens net to explosive cheers from the stand, one between them with four to play.
Both defences were now supreme with scoring opportunities scarce. A long ball in from Brackens was majestically caught by James Mullens who averted the danger when critically required. As Drom worked the ball down field it was Cahill who would be the Drom saviour as his point from play in the final minute brought parity to this terrific contest, a fair result all round as referee Kevin Jordan sounded the final whistle.
Both sides live to fight another day in what is sure to be another humdinger of a tie.
Drom-Inch; Jack Lillis (C), James Mullens, Ethan Blake, John Campion 1-01 (01f), Darragh Kennedy, Jack Ryan, James Kennedy, Paudie Kinnane 02f, Tony Cahill 01, Maidhc Fitzpatrick 01, Peadar Hassett, Brian Moore, Colin Callanan 1-00.
J.K. Brackens; Luke Ormond, Stephen Cahill, Eoin Quinn, Patrick Moloney, James Corcoran, Conor Cadell 1-01, Diarmuid Delaney, Jack Nevin, Killian Fennell 1-00, Darragh Doyle 03 (02f), Dylan Hickey 01, Niall Moloney, Kevin Sheedy.
Referee; Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels).
Snap Printing Mid Tipp U12 Group 2 Hurling Final
Holycross-Ballycahill 3-03 Boherlahan-Dualla 2-05
With the sun beaming down and increasing the temperature at pitch side, the resplendent Ragg pitch was also witnessing intensity of battle on its lush green sod, as the U12 finals continued to move up the notches with the turn of the Snap Printing group 2 decider taking place. In this final Boherlahan-Dualla were hoping to make it two in a row but had formidable opposition in Holycross-Ballycahill.
From the throw in Boherlahan stormed into attack with Darragh Lacey shooting over for a point with pin point accuracy. It was all Boherlahan as they controlled the pace and direction of the play and as a result it wasn’t long before they hit the Holycross net when Shane Ryan goaled as he latched onto a broken down ball.
Possession then ebbed and flowed with neither side making any serious threat on the others goal probably due to the closeness and intensity of the game.
In the twelfth minute Holycross were awarded a penalty which Joe Caesar dispatched over the bar to open his sides account. Holycross were now gaining control as the Boherlahan side relaxed in their play.
Into the final quarter of the half Sam Quinlan raced onto a long ball in from defence for Holycross and he tapped it over to Jamie Lee Dwan who delightfully flicked the ball on to Tom McGrath who hit the net to square up the match. Buoyed on by this goal Holycross with their dander up charged up through the gears with Jamie Lee Dwan blazing to life netting two super goals in as many minutes to give his side the edge at the break 3-01 to 1-01.
Again at the restart Boherlahan were quickest off the mark with Lacey once more the provider, this time however his shot from a free hitting the net to put a real spark to his sides flame. In a high octane rhythm both sides carried the game to each other with the result of scoring being kept to a premium. Remarkably Holycross would only hit two points in the half, both coming from the stick of Ben Hennessy either side of a Martin Paul O’Dwyer sixty five.
With six minutes left on the clock there was four between them as Boherlahan regrouped and found their form. But the Holycross defence was superb and quelled any threat at goal as they forced Boherlahan to shoot for points in a tremendous final quarter. Slowly but surely reduce the deficit Boherlahan did as first Euan Ryan and then Lacey pointed to leave two in it in a pulsating finish. Holycross under immense pressure continued to hold out and cleverly kept the ball out to the wing away from danger. But still Boherlahan came at them with O’Dwyer pointing from play to leave one between the sides with a minute of normal time remaining.
Boherlahan it seemed were thrown a lifeline with a free just on full time but hurried ball didn’t go their way and Holycross worked the ball away from danger and as they got it down to the opposing half of the pitch time ran out on Boherlahan-Dualla as referee Kevin Jordan called time on a terrific game with the winning laurels resting on Holycross-Ballycahill shoulders.
Once again, President and Chairman of Mid Coiste na nÓg, Andrew O’Gorman and Joe O’Sullivan presented the medals and trophy with Lar Devane of Snap Printing, sponsors, also on hand to present the cup to winning Holycross-Ballycahill captain Sam Quinlan.
Holycross-Ballycahill; Gary Dwan, Colm Cleary, Luke Galvin, Sam Quinlan (C), Conor Ryan, David Fogarty, Toby Lambe, Ben Hennessy 02, Joe Caesar 01pen, Jamie Lee Dwan 2-00, Tom McGrath 1-00, Justin Bergin Maher, Colin Morris, Stephen Quinlan.
Boherlahan-Dualla; Seán Kavanagh, Martin Paul O’Dwyer (C) 02 (01’65), Tomás Bourke, Darragh Lacey 1-02, James Murphy, Euan Ryan 01, Shane Ryan 1-00, James Casey, Ciara Dwan, Oisín Dwan, Ned Ryan, Eoin Power, Leah Baskin, Michael O’Connor,
Referee; Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels).
Murphy Office Supplies Mid Tipp U12 Group 3 Hurling Final
Loughmore-Castleiney 6-07 Holycross-Ballycahill (b) 1-00
In the first match up on U12 finals day in the sun drenched Ragg last Saturday, Loughmore-Castleiney claimed this year’s Murphy Office Supplies group 3 title with victory over a battling Holycross-Ballycahill side.
Bursting out of the blocks Loughmore were straight into attack with Ronan Carroll hitting in a fine ball which was cleared out by the Holycross keeper Aaron Holland, where Loughmore’s Darragh Kelly was on hand to collect the clearance, Kelly firing a rocket to the net to open his sides account. Midway through the half Padraig Treacy hit two lovely points for Loughmore, his first particularly sweet off his right hand side.
The Holycross backs were by now holding their own and with Stephen Maher leading the way at full back helped too by his corner backs T.J. Ryan and Seán Dwyer they were a match for what Loughmore could throw at them. At midfield Colin Morris was the main man for Holycross as he soon got on the score sheet when his ball from the right deceived the keeper and found the net to put two between the sides.
Loughmore upped the ante through Ciarán McCormack, Kelly, Maria Connolly and Daragh McCahey, but Holland kept his side in it, knocking out three sixty five’s in quick succession with Loughmore converting only one through McCormack.
A chance for parity for Holycross from the penalty spot was denied as Loughmore blocked the excellent strike from Tadgh Gould and cleared the danger. In the resulting passage a long ball down from McCahey was deflected to the Holycross net to leave Loughmore in command at the break 2-03 to 1-00.
Into the second half opening points from A.J. Leahy and Ronan Carroll saw Loughmore edge on and when Edmond Connolly netted with a super strike in off the left, it left the Holycross lads with a mountain to climb. And try to scale that mountain they did, never yielding in their pursuit to reduce the deficit. But for Loughmore the pathway to the summit came easier as McCahey netted his second and Loughmore’s fourth in the twelfth minute to seal victory with time to spare.
Inside the last four minutes further Loughmore goals from Kelly and Leahy put a gloss on the Loughmore-Castleiney score where their three girls played a huge part in their victory led by captain Maria Connolly, with Áine Nyland and Eve Sweeney contributing handsomely to their cause.
Losing nothing in defeat, this bunch of Holycross-Ballycahill players have had a remarkable season and never lost sight of their focus throughout the game. Great credit to them, having won the group 4 football title earlier in the year and continuing the spirit of fairness at U12 grade moved up to group 3 and proved their worth by reaching and contesting the hurling final.
So victory to Loughmore-Castleiney as Maria Connolly collected the cup from Mid Coiste na nÓg Chairman Joe O’Sullivan and secretary Sally Young standing in on behalf of sponsor Murphy Office Systems.
Loughmore-Castleiney; Edward Meagher, Gavin Shorley, Áine Nyland, Maria Connolly (C), Edmond Connolly 1-00, Daragh Mc Cahey 2-00, Ciarán Mc Cormack 02 (01’65), Ronan Carroll 01, Padraig Treacy 03 (01f), Eve Sweeney, Darragh Kelly 2-00, Michael Connolly, T.J. Carroll, A.J. Leahy 1-01, James Spillane.
Holycross-Ballycahill; Aaron Holland, T.J. Ryan, Stephen Maher, Seán Dwyer, Tadhg Gould, Cian Hevey, Shane Ryan, Eoin Craddock, Colin Morris (C) 1-00, Rory Fleming, Killian Crosse, Jim Ryan, James Doyle, Conor Ryan (G), Adam Fanning,
Referee; Liam Shanahan (Upperchurch-Drombane).
Joe O’Sullivan Bus Hire Mid Tipp U12 Group 4 Hurling Final
Drom-Inch (b) 4-05 Gortnahoe-Glengoole (b) 1-03
The Joe O’Sullivan Bus Hire group 4 final started off in a very lively tempo with both sides evenly matched as they used the width of the pitch to great effect in a free flowing opening period, a period where Darragh Fitzpatrick and Kate Fogarty were to the fore for Drom & Inch and Liam Hayes and Ben Doheny for Gortnahoe-Glengoole as both defences were on top early on.
After Drom hit two wides their first attempt at the goal from Diarmuid Brennan was thwarted by Liam Miskella as he made an excellent stop to keep the score blank.
However, the increasingly threatening Paul Mullens got his scoring radar on target with a point on eight minutes as he began his quest of disarming any thought the Gortnahoe lads may have had on the group 4 crown.
Almost immediately a super ball in from Fitzpatrick found Jack Johnston lurking with intent around the square and he duly obliged as his ground stroke had the Gortnahoe net shaking to the cheers of great home support.
These scores spurred on Gortnahoe and Hayes in particular whose terrific catch and strike over the bar opened his sides account. Bobby Doheny then tied up affairs when he hit the right hand side of the Drom net from an acute angle in the twelfth minute.
Drom weren’t rattled and soon hit a glorious purple patch with Mullens glistening in his play. On fifteen minutes he cut in off the left and hit a super strike on the run to the net and followed up in the exact same fashion a minute later though this time coming in off the right, hitting a low ball to the corner of the net. He then immediately pointed from play to leave Drom in a comfortable position at the break leading 3-02 to 1-01.
Mullens didn’t let up into the second half as he pointed inside fifty seconds. He continued to tattoo the Gortnahoe goal and eventually the line had to be breeched as Andrew McAllister hit the net as he followed up on a Mullens ball which was batted down by the Gortnahoe keeper into his path.
Now with Mullens, Fitzpatrick and Joseph Bourke among others on song for Drom it made life more difficult for the Gortnahoe brigade. Nevertheless, Hayes, Caitlin Power, Bobby and Ben Doheny with their Gortnahoe-Glengoole team mates tracked and tackled gallantly to try and get back into the match.
Still though Drom had the upper hand as Mullens and the sweet striking Fitzpatrick both pointed as Drom pushed home their advantage. But in true Gortnahoe style of never giving up, the final two points of the match went to Liam Hayes as he got the scores his efforts deserved.
As referee Liam Shanahan called a halt to proceedings great jubilation from the Drom & Inch supporters greeted the final whistle as they claimed the honours for this year.
It was then the turn of Drom & Inch captain Diarmuid Brennan to collect the trophy from Mid Coiste na nÓg Chairman and group 4 sponsor Joe O’Sullivan. President of Mid Coiste na nÓg Andrew O’Gorman presented the medals to both sets of players in the after match ceremony.
Drom-Inch; David Higgins, Joseph Bourke, Aisling Prout, Conor Murphy, Darragh Fitzpatrick 01f, Kate Fogarty, Andrew McAllister 1-00, Diarmuid Brennan (C), Siobhán Fogarty, Paul Mullens 2-04, Jack Johnston 1-00, Seán Duff, Tim Comerford, Taryn Purcell.
Gortnahoe-Glengoole; Liam Miskella, Ben Doheny, Michael Lanigan, Evan Lawlor (C), Michelle Bergin, Liam Hayes 03 (01f), Shane Phelan, David Lanigan, Caitlin Power, Bobby Doheny 1-00, Patrick Campion, Jack Crawford, Jack Dwyer, Jason Sinnott, Luke Kavanagh, Sarah Norton, Eimear Power.
Referee; Liam Shanahan (Upperchurch-Drombane)
By Jonathan Cullen Sun 10th Aug
