South Tipp U-18 A Hurling
Kickhams Overcome Grangemockler
Mullinahone C.J.K. 4-10, Grangemockler-Ballyneale 1-05
Back in the balmy evenings of Summer seven clubs set out hoping to win the South Tipp -18A Hurling championship. Now, as we approach “the shortest day” five of those teams still have hopes of winning the title. The two who are out of contention are Moyle Rovers and Carrick Swan. The organisation of the Championship raises a huge number of questions, but whatever the answers and excuses, expecting underage players to go out and play “a Summer game” in the middle of Winter can hardly be justified. Take into account the fact that this Autumn and Winter so far have been quite dry. But enough of poor administration and back to Sunday’s game in Cloneen, where the weather was fine and the pitch in good condition even if the surface was a little greasy.
Both Grangemockler and Mullinahone were obliged to field under strength sides for this clash with each side short about three of their better players. Earlier in this championship, the Kickhams had defeated Grangermockler by two points so the weekend’s game was expected to be close. More recently Grangemockler had beaten the Kickhams by three points in a fine U21 B final with each side fielding quite a number of minor players. It was thought to be anybody’s game as referee Paul Guinan threw in the ball. The crowd was on the small side, but bigger than some crowds than had attended the games earlier in the competition.
Grangermockler began well and flashed over the lead point within two minutes. Mullinahone were slow to start and in those earlier stages they looked as if they might be swamped. However, their defence held firm with Michael Cody at full back and Dara O’Brien at centre holding them together. Gradually the storm abated and points were exchanged leaving the sides level at the end of the first quarter.
By now Mullinahone were finding their men better than their rivals and their confidence was growing. In the 22nd minute a fine combination move saw Martin Kehoe put the ball in the Grangemockler net despite the best efforts of goalie David Power. Mullinahone, now on top around the middle of the field, tacked on three points to Grangemockler’s one, to leave the score at the break Mullinahone CJK 1-7 Grangemockler 0-4.
Grangemockler attempted to come back, but again the Mullinahone defence was strong. Having absorbed this early pressure Mullinahone then struck in the shape of Mikey O’Shea first with a classy goal and almost from the puckout another point. These scores drained the confidence out of Grangemockler and even the best efforts of Colin O’Shea and Adam Hennebry couldn’t turn the game around. Two further goals were to follow for Mullinahone from Mikey O’Shea and Eanna Ryan and even though Grangemockler did respond with a goal in the 26th minute, it was far too late and the Kickhams ran out easy winners 4-10 to 1-5.
Kickhams now join St. Marys and Killenaule in the semi-finals. Grangermockler have to regroup and they will play off with Ballingarry for that last semifinal place. Could three more weekends see the championship finish?
Teams:
Mullinahone CJK: Brendan Kearney, Oisin Drennan, Michael Cody, Killian White, Eddie Hayes, Dara O’Brien, Dara Kelly, Colin Shelly, Liam Fennelly, Bayleigh Grace, Martin Kehoe, Sean Fitzgerald, Oisin McNamara, Michael O’Shea, Eanna Ryan
Subs used: David Whelan, Jonathan Shortt.
Grangermockler/Ballyneale: David Power, Gerard Daly, Michael Meaney, Joey Lyons, David Needham, Colin O’Shea, John Fleming, David Houlihan, M. Fallon, Ian Brett, Adam Hennebry, Mikey Lyons, Thomas Parle, Jack Lyons, Jamie Walsh
Sub used: James Houlihan
Referee: Paul Guinan (Killenaule)
Report supplied by Ricky Sheehan
