Drombane was resplendent last Saturday with its fabulous new clubhouse on show as the Upperchurch-Drombane club hosted the U16B hurling final. It is a great testament to the hard work undertaken by all involved in the Upperchurch-Drombane club and places the club on a very firm footing going into the future and they are wished every success with their development.
On the field of play in Drombane, Loughmore-Castleiney captured the U16B title getting the better of Clonakenny with a strong second half performance; see report following. The U16A final was played on Tuesday night between Durlas Óg and Holycross-Ballycahill and what a memorable final that was too, with Durlas Óg eventually holding out after a tremendous second half display from Holycross-Ballycahill, report follows also. Congratulations to Loughmore-Castleiney and Durlas Óg as they now prepare for county semi-finals in the weeks ahead.
In the U13 shields the semi-finals have taken place in the “A” grade with Durlas Óg and Moycarkey-Borris emerging to contest the final, while in the “B” grade Upperchurch-Drombane are through to the final where they await the winners of the Moyne-Templetuohy v Thurles Gaels semi-final.
Also, upcoming is the U11 blitz which proved to be a huge success last year. Once again we thank Andy Ryan, GDA, for his trojan work throughout the year in working with our clubs and schools and also in organising this and all blitzes over the year, the date for the U11 blitz is October 11th.
Congratulations to Moycarkey-Borris on their terrific double county final success in Boherlahan on Saturday winning both the U14A and C titles. It was a particularly memorable and poignant occasion in that it was the first time they got their hands on the U14 A John Flanagan Cup presented by the Flanagan family in memory of the late and great Moycarkey clubman. It certainly rounded off a terrific year for the club and these particular groups of under fourteen players, see reports following, courtesy of Neil Ryan, County PRO.
The U14B final did not go ahead and will be played this Saturday, so once again we send best wishes to Moyne-Templetuohy who meet Clonmel Óg in Cashel at 12pm and hope they can bring that title back to the division also. Best wishes also to Durlas Óg who contest the U16C county semi-final in The Ragg at 2.15pm on Saturday where they will play Templederry.
Stakelum’s Hardware Ltd U16B Mid Hurling Final
Loughmore-Castleiney 0-20 Clonakenny 2-08
A resplendent Drombane with its superb new clubhouse and facilities played host to an entertaining final in the Stakelum’s Hardware sponsored U16B championship, where a dominant second half performance from Loughmore-Castleiney ensured they would take the title last held in 2012.
The opening salvos in this contest came from Clonakenny, with Diarmuid Ryan exerting his influence from the off and also his first point from a sixty five in the second minute. Once settled though Loughmore-Castleiney came into the game in force with Brian McGrath firing over two points, one either side of a nice tap over from Conor Ryan. With Eoghan Ryan excelling at centre back early on, McGrath and Ciarán Connolly in midfield and Conor Ryan and Michael O’Connell at half forward, the Loughmore lads would make sure it wouldn’t be an easy afternoon for their Clonakenny counterparts. Diarmuid Ryan was battling away and though he hit a few wides he was back on target from a placed ball to leave two between them. McGrath quickly made it three again before parity was restored when Tommy Hennessy and Matthew O’Sullivan pointed for Clonakenny. Now back in the frame Clonakenny were competitive in most areas as Conor Shanahan and Eoin Nesbitt cleared well in the backs, with DeLacey Byrne getting to grips on O’Connell, while O’Sullivan showed glimpses of his form up front.
However, sensing the fight back Loughmore pushed on again and the points followed, the pick of these coming from the stick of Conor Ryan in the seventeenth minute. On the brink of half time Clonakenny were thrown a lifeline when Diarmuid Ryan’s sixty five, which he dropped in short, somehow made it’s way to the net to leave it all square at the break 07 to 1-04.
It was Ryan again first to show for Clonakenny in the second half as he put his side in front from a free on the twenty metre line after O’Sullivan had been fouled. From then on though it was all Loughmore, with McGrath in particular in splendid form shooting over six without reply to put his side in a commanding position.
Ryan responded with another placed point for Clonakenny before Darragh Nolan and Matthew McKevitt both pointed for Loughmore. With victory firmly in their sights Loughmore tacked on more points in the final ten minutes and even the concession of a late goal to Eoin Nesbitt didn’t deflate their cause as McKevitt and McGrath rounded off the scoring on a memorable afternoon for the Loughmore-Castleiney side.
Along with those already mentioned above for both sides, Loughmore also had fine performances from Micheál McGrath in goal, captain Darragh Sweeney and Stefan Maher up front, while Clonakenny will have probably have been disappointed with their performance on the day knowing they are capable of much better, still had lads trying hard throughout, with Thomas Costigan, Alexie Harty and Ben O’Carroll showing glimpses of their form as well.
Joe O’Sullivan, Mid Coiste na nÓg Chairman, in his presentation address thanked in particular the Upperchurch-Drombane club for hosting the final and congratulated them with their new clubhouse development. He then presented the cup to winning captain Darragh Sweeney with Secretary, Sally Young also present.
Loughmore-Castleiney; Micheál McGrath, Liam Meade Darragh Sweeney (C), Jack Ryan, Jack O’Reilly, Eoghan Ryan, Conor McGrath, Brian McGrath 0-14 (08f), Ciarán Connolly, Conor Ryan 02, Michael O’Connell, Martin O’Connell, Brian Laffan, Stefan Maher 01, Darragh Nolan 01, Subs used; Matthew McKevitt 02, Padraig Spillane, also Dan Dooley and Loughlin Campion.
Clonakenny; Thomas Costigan, Conor Shanahan, Eoin Nesbitt 1-00, Jack Casey, Conor Nesbitt, Delacy Byrne (C), Alexei Harty, Tommy Hennessy 01, Diarmuid Ryan 1-06 (1-01’65, 03f), Sean Maher, Matthew O’Sullivan 01, Cain Russell, Cian O’Dwyer, Ben O’Carroll, Stephen Ryan, Sub; Rory Nolan.
Referee; Seán Everard (Moyne-Templetuohy)
Premierbounce.ie U16A Mid Hurling Final
Durlas Óg 2-11 Holycross-Ballycahill 1-12
Littleton was the venue for this year’s much anticipated PremierBounce.ie U16A final between Durlas Óg and Holycross-Ballycahill and as both sides failed to disappoint, this clash went down to the wire in an absorbing second half of defence and attack as Durlas Óg heroically held out against a ferocious Holycross attack to claim the title with both sides out on their feet.
Played at a frantic pace throughout each side had periods of dominance and used that to good effect in putting scores on the board. And as the scoring reflected, it was practically a game of two halves with Durlas Óg proving more efficient in front of the posts on their way to victory. But work hard they had to for the result as a resurgent Holycross-Ballycahill side hit them like a hurricane in the second period as Durlas Óg manned the levees to keep out each wave of attack, only once would they be breeched in a pincer movement of precision accuracy.
With the scene set it was the Holycross lads first into attack with their talisman Darragh Woods opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a free from just inside the seventy metre line shooting into the road goal. Two quick points for Durlas Óg from Mark Purcell and Conor Murphy edged them ahead before Woods resumed normal service with another free a minute later. Now playing with greater fluidity Durlas Óg were gaining the upper hand. The superb Harry Fitzgibbon who gave a colossal display tore down the left flank and hit a smashing cross-field ball out to Purcell who under pressure notched up his second point from an acute angle on the left sideline to put his side back in front. Conor Stakelum busy at midfield then linked up with the determined Bill Darcy who pointed from in front of the posts.
Woods reduced the deficit to one with another free form thirty five metres after Stephen Flanagan had been fouled. However, three in a row from Darcy pushed Durlas Óg further ahead with eight minutes of the half remaining. Then Woods got his first from play from tight on the left hand side as he continued the Holycross scoring.
Playing with purpose Durlas Óg sensed their destiny and went for the jugular in the next move. Purcell again the tormentor but Ewan Bourke was equal to the challenge and blocked Purcell’s goal bound shot. Unfortunately for Bourke the ball spilled to Stakelum who made no mistake from close range for the night’s first green flag.
Woods again pointed a free as Holycross tried desperately to get back into it, with Gavin Dunne, Philip Fogarty and Fionn McCartan all trying their utmost to keep in touch.
Matthew Kelly for Durlas Óg set off on an excellent solo run and duly set up Darcy for his first of two late points as Durlas Óg turned the screw. There was heartbreak in injury time for Holycross when Darcy’s ball into the square was spilled and who but Stakelum was lurking menacingly to whip it to the net for his second of the night, Durlas Óg comfortable at the break 2-09 to 05.
Whatever the Holycross lads ate or had said to them at half time worked immediate wonders as the second half wasn’t a minute old when Woods again was on target with another well taken free. It was now fierce Holycross pressure as wave after wave they bombarded the Durlas defense where Harry Fitzgibbon, Loran O’Toole, Seosamh Ryan and Michael Purcell along with their colleagues fortified their lines superbly forcing Holycross to shoot from distance as they held their lines intact.
Edward O’Gorman was switched to centre back and with Gavin Dunne now in the forwards they played key roles in their side’s revival. Jimmy Ryan too was brought forward and with Woods and Flanagan they formed a cohesive unit as bit by bit they hauled back the deficit in a pulsating second half. Though the wide count was mounting for Holycross they had the comfort that only one attack had been made on the own goal as they dictated the play in the half, Woods worryingly still the only scorer. That was soon to change as Dunne cut in from the right wing and set up Flanagan who smartly sidestepped his opponent before unleashing a blistering shot to the net, Holycross now only four behind with ten minutes left to play. Set for a grandstand finish Holycross upped the ante symbolized none better than by Jimmy Ryan tigerish in his play. Woods again pointed from a placed ball to leave it a one score game.
Remarkably it was to be the twenty fourth minute before Durlas Óg registered their first score of the second half so hemmed in they were by the Holycross attack, Darcy pointing a free to put his side four ahead. Into the last frantic five minutes a brace from Woods and a fine direct point from Alex Murphy left one between them with two minutes plus injury time left on the clock. Into the last minute of normal time Kevin Donnelly pointed for Durlas Óg to shove it out to two, the chance of a steal or even a draw for Holycross was highly likely such was their grip on the second half proceedings. Alas for them though two wides resulted and while Durlas Óg also hit one it gave them that bit of breathing space to hold out for a narrow victory after weathering the most magnificent battle of attack laid siege on any defence at this grade for many a year. In a terrifically sporting contest both sets of players embraced each other as each to a man gave his all in pride for their club and jersey and in truth who could ask for more.
Echoing the terrific display from both sets of players, Mid Coiste na nÓg Chairman, Joe O’Sullivan called on the large crowd assembled for the post match presentation to show their appreciation to the players for the wonderful final witnessed. He then presented the cup to winning joint captains of Durlas Óg, Loran O’Toole and Mark Purcell with Coiste Secretary, Sally Young also present.
Durlas Óg; Matt O’Brien, Bill Byrne, Harry Fitzgibbon, Keith O’Dwyer, Aaron Cullen, Michael Purcell, Seosamh Ryan, Conor Stakelum 2-00, Loran O’Toole (Joint Capt), Bill Darcy 07 (04f), Conor Murphy 01, Anthony Cooney, Mark Purcell (Joint Capt) 02, Matthew Kelly, Evan Mc Cormack, Subs used; Kevin Donnelly 01, Gavin Wright, also Kevin Bracken, Paddy Dunican, Michael Murphy, Ryan Mc Donnell, Jason Jordan, William Creedon, Evan Moore, Patrick Moloney, Aidan Butler.
Holycross-Ballycahill; Ewan Bourke, Jimmy Ryan, Philip Fogarty (Joint Capt), David Croke, Seamus Stakelum, Gavin Dunne (Joint Capt), David Manning, Stephen Flanagan 1-00, Fionn Mc Cartan, Alex Murphy 01, Edward O’Gorman, Seán Stakelum, Seán Spillane, Darragh Woods 0-11(08f), Mikey Nally, Sub used; Jack Ryan, also Bryan O’Meara, Cormac O’Connor, Eoin Morris, Jack Dwan, Finn Briody, Kamil Rusinek Paddy Mc Grath, Eanna Ryan, Colin Nolan, Liam Ryan, William O’Donoghue, Patrick O’Gorman, Ben Slattery, Luke O’Shea, Denis Ceaser.
Referee; Martin Ryan (Moyne-Templetuohy).
U14C County Final
Moycarkey-Borris 3-03 St. Patricks 0-10
In midsummer like weather the sun shone down in abundance in Boherlahan for the staging of both the U14 A & C Hurling County Finals. Mid champions Moycarkey-Borris were making club history in contesting a county double.
The action opened at 1.30pm with the “C” contest between south champions St. Patricks and Moycarkey Borris. This curtain raiser was an epic encounter with two very evenly balanced contenders. St. Pats opened the scoring with a point from James Fitzgerald. The opening goal came in the third minute for Moycarkey with a fine strike by John Coffey. This was quickly responded to with another St. Pats point from a free by Frank Meagher who was in a commanding form from midfield inwards. Moments later Liam McDonagh pointed from play to increase the Moycarkey advantage. The spectators were being served up a very lively and exciting dual with some brilliant displays from both teams in attack and defensive areas. Both goal keepers were being tested and dually delivered. Two frees conceded in quick succession by Moycarkey which St Pats marksman Frank Meagher converted had the sides’ level for the second time after twelve minutes Moycarkey 1-01 St Pats 0-04. Both sides let their next scoring opportunities go begging and certain goals were on offer but as earlier mentioned both goal keepers were on red alert mode. However the stalemate came to end on the twenty first minute when Moycarkey regained a one point lead from a converted free by Aidan Scott and indeed could have made two more additions to the score board as they saw two chances tailing off target. The interval score read Moycarkey Borris 1-02 St. Patricks 0-04.
It was St Patricks turn to enjoy the advantage of the slight breeze and right from the off this appeared to be occurring as they showed to be much more purposeful in their play. From the commencement Frank Meagher pointed a free to level matters for the second time. Captain Conor Duggan quickly added another pointing from play. Moments later both Frank Meagher and captain Duggan adding a point each to bring their teams total to 0-08 while holding off the Moycarkey attack to go ahead for the first time since the opening minute of the game on a score reading St. Patricks 0-08 Moycarkey 1-02. On the fifteenth minute Daniel Brown pointed a free to reduce the Moycarkey deficit. Seconds later St. Pats responded with a pointed free by Frank Meagher to hold a three point advantage. Another chance of extending the lead tailed narrowly wide. With five minutes remaining the Moycarkey boys made an attack which yielded a goal by Aidan Scott to put the sides level for the third 2-03 to 0-09.A minute later the Mid boys had the net rattled for a third goal by Ben O’Dwyer to put Moycarkey up 3-03 to 0-09. Two more chances off 65’s went off target as Moycarkey were in top flight. St Patricks attacked with Dale Murphy getting a long range point to reduce the difference to two points. They made one final attack on goal but the time had run out on their chance and it was heart breaking for the South followers who had seen victory snatched from them in the dying moments of a half that they had enjoyed supremacy. For Moycarkey it was scenes of jubilation as was heard by one of their supporters that it was a smash and grab finish. Full credit has to be accorded to both panels of players who served up a very honest and hard fought game of hurling. It was a sporting spectacle all the way through. It would be unjust to single out any group of players from either side as on every section of the pitch every player was giving their all.
Chairman Joe Kennedy presented the Jacksie Ryan cup to victorious captain Bill Hackett. He acknowledged the services of referee Willie Kennedy and his officials. He thanked the Boherlahan Dualla club for having the field in top shape.
Moycarkey-Borris victorious panel: CIARAN KIRWAN, MICHAEL O’DONNELL,.BRENDAN LOOBY, BRIAN O CALLAGHAN, SEAN MOCKLER, SHANE BURKE, BILL HACKETT (CAPT), PAT HACKETT, LIAM MC DONAGH, DANIAL BROWN, JOHN COFFEY, AIDAN SCOTT, TOM MAHER, DYLAN SHAW, BEN O’DWYER, MICHAEL MAHER, DIARMUID MAHER.
Referee; Willie Kennedy
Moycarkey Borris Bridge a Thirty Year Gap in Securing the County U14A Hurling Title
Moycarkey-Borris 4-11 Cappawhite 2-07
In this contest Moycarkey Borris were up against West champions Cappawhite. Within the opening minute Fraser Allen pointed a free to put the West side on the score board. Three minutes later the next addition to the score sheet came from Moycarkey’s Jack Fallon who slotted over a ‘65 to put the sides’ level and it was indeed to prove to the only time that the margin would be minimal. On the fifth minute Emanon Martin had the Mid followers in delight with a cracking goal. From the resulting puck out goal number two for Moycarkey was delivered by Darren Flood. Things were looking bleak for Cappawhite as Moycarkey appeared to have upped many gears. Both sides had missed opportunities regarding points. On the ninth minute Cappawhite marksman Fraser Allen pointed his third. Seconds later Cappawhite were reeling when their net was rattled for a third Moycarkey goal from Bill Maher. However two minutes later Jack Redican had the Cappa supporters on their feet with the Moycarkey net shaking to put the score at Moycarkey 3-01 Cappawhite 1-03. Their joy was to be short lived as on the sixteenth minute Kyle Shelly clocked up a fourth Moycarkey goal. The Mid champions were in devastating mode and during the closing five minutes they added another four points to their tally. Jack Fallon from a ‘65 and three from play courtesy of the every roaming John Kirwan to put the interval score reading Moycarkey Borris 4-05 Cappawhite 1-03. Rhys Shelly the Moycarkey keeper had hawk eye vision grabbing some high incoming balls clearing his lines with ease. Tom Ryan was always on top in his area surrounding the square. From the back line out Moycarkey were very well in control. While for Cappawhite they were constantly under siege and were never afforded much time on the ball.
Upon the resumption Cappawhite were first to record a score with a point from Brendan Murphy on the second minute. Three minutes later another Cappawhite addition with a point from Gearoid Ryan
The Moycarkey outfit were in commanding mode right throughout all areas of the pitch leaving it very difficult for the Cappawhite boys to penetrate .Such supremacy meant that the Moycarkey attack enjoyed a lot of possession and with it came goal number five on the sixth minute from Darren Flood and his second in all to put the score at 5-05 to 1-05. Even though it was only four scores that separated the sides, the decisive factor was the scores being goals. Despite the huge deficit Cappawhite found themselves in, they never gave up contesting vigorously throughout the game. Over the next four minutes both sides added a point to their lot.
On the nineteenth minute Fraser Allen got a goal for Cappawhite to put the score at 5-07 to 2-07.This was to be the last addition to the score record for the West champions and in contrast Moycarkey added another four points courtesy of a James Dillon free, Jack Fallon, Bill Maher and Darren Flood for a concluding score line of Moycarkey Borris 5-11 Cappawhite 2-07. Despite the score reading Cappawhite have to be commended for a very steadfast performance throughout the entire contest. Moycarkey Borris were very worthy champions. They bridged a thirty year wait in securing this title. But to add much more to winning this title was the fact that the cup being presented was in memory of the late John Flanagan who passed to his eternal reward in 1994. John was a brilliant hurler for both Tipperary and his beloved Moycarkey Borris club. So it was a very delighted captain Rory Darmody who was lifting the Memorial John Flanagan cup for Moycarkey for the first time. Prior to the presentation chairman Joe Kennedy thanked both teams for a good game of hurling. He acknowledged referee John O’Grady and his officials for a job well done. He thanked all involved in the Boherlahan Dualla club for having everything in order.
Victorious Moycarkey Borris panel; RHYS SHELLY, PETER MELBOURNE,TOM RYAN, CONOR CUMMINS, KEVIN HAYES, RORY DARMODY (CAPT), MAX HACKETT, JACK FALLON, ZACH JACKSON, JAMES DILLON, JOHN KIRWAN, BILL MAHER, EAMONN MARTIN, DARREN FLOOD,
KYLE SHELLY, JACK MORRISSEY, SEAN MOCKLER, BILL HACKETT, PAT HACKETT, DIARMUID MAHER.
Mentors for both Moycarkey-Borris teams were: Dermot Maher, Colm Ryan, Vinny Flood, Pat Molloy and Kevin Moran.
Referee; John O’Grady
By Jonathan Cullen Tue 16th Sep
