Fraher Field Classics

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

AGONISING DEFEAT FOR FABULOUS FOURMILEWATER AS BALLYGUNNER STRIKE THIRTEEN NOT OUT

BALLYGUNNER 1=16 FOURMILEWATER 0=15

Ballygunner snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when they scored 1=2 in the dying embers of this very entertaining SHC County final at the Fraher Field on Sunday.

Fourmilewater were the better team for the majority of the game but a number of wides in the final quarter and not scoring from play since the 49th minute prevented them making history in their first decider and in their centenary year.

On the other hand, Ballygunner possessed the bench to change their fortunes around and they found more room in front of the Fourmile goal in the final minutes than they did for all of the game.
Fourmile had their homework done for this game and their tackling in droves built on their own high levels of fitness and physicality prevented the Gunners from implementing their usual fast running game.

Fourmile got the ideal start when Sean Walsh pointed after a minute. Dessie Hutchinson fired over an equaliser and the teams were level again after four minutes following scores by Michael Morrissey for Fourmile and Conor Tobin for the Gunners.
Richard O Keeffe’s charges were getting the start to the game that they would have hoped for and Liam O Brien and Jamie Barron pushed Fourmile double scores ahead by the 15th minute, 0=4 to 0=2. Barron also had a goal strike from an acute angle hit the side netting in the town end while Aaron Ryan and Pauric Mahony were wide in the trying conditions.

Pauric Mahony pointed the first of his five County final pointed frees in the 16th minute and Fourmile goalie Stephen Ryan made the first of his three goal stops from Kevin Mahony.

A 0=5 margin opened between the teams when Aaron Ryan fired over 0=3(2f, 1-65) and Sean Walsh his second and final score. Fourmile would have been hoping to be in the game after 20 minutes before the throw in and not only having achieved this, they were in bonus territory holding an 0=8 to 0=3 lead.

That Ballyguunner had score just 0=3 in the first 22 minutes was a rarity and when Dessie Hutchinson claimed his second point in the 24th minute, it was the Gunners ‘ first such score in all of 20 minutes.

However, Ballygunner scored more in the last five minutes of the half than they did in the first twenty five. They popped over 0=4 in a row per Kevin Mahony, Ronan Power with a contender for score of the match, Mikey Mahony and Pauric Mahony(f).

Dermot Ryan restored Fourmilewater’s lead temporarily in the 29th minute and one minute into added time, Conor Tobin looked to be pulled back close to goal with a fourth first half equaliser resulting, 0=9 each.

Ballygunner had three first half wides to Fourmilewater’s four and they won four frees to their opponents’ half dozen.

SECOND HALF

Ballygunner usually blitz teams at the start of second halves but, again, Fourmile had their homework done and they matched them and better.

Pauric Mahony was wide with an early free before Dessie Hutchinson gave the Gunners the lead for the very first time . Mahony was wide from another free in the 38th minute before Aaron Ryan took centre stage with some clever loose play resulting in 0=3 by the 43rd minute.

Pauric Mahony had pointed a 42nd minute free but, overall, both teams indulged in too many wides at this stage. Ballygunner were forced to make switches before they usually did, trailing by 0=13 to 0=11 at the end of the third quarter.

Mark Hartley replaced Conor Sheahan and then a number of key moments unfolded. First Kevin Mahony shot wide, then Jamie Barron’s goal effort, though it was not hit straight at Stephen O Keeffe, it was the right height for him to stop.

Aaron Ryan was wide with the resulting ‘65’ and in the 48th minute Evan Spelman, who was closely watched by Ballygunner throughout, was wide from play. These were key moments, especially from a Fourmilewater viewpoint.

Tom Barron dealt with it someway with a contender for score of the match in the 49th minute, a 0=3 lead, and again three minutes later after Pauric Mahony and Aaron Ryan exchanged pointed frees,0=15 to 0=12.

Whether Fourmile tired or what, Ballygunner, were at last, getting a foothold in proceedings. Pauric Mahony pointed a 53rd minute free and then Mikey Mahony finished a good move with a good score two minutes later, the minimum the margin between the teams at 0=15 to 0=14.

Between the 55th and the 59th minutes, there were four wides evenly distributed in order by Sean Walsh, Kevin Mahony, Pauric Mahony and Sean Walsh again.

Then Stephen Ryan earned his keep with two brilliant saves, the first from Kevin Mahony at the expense of a point and then from Dessie Hutchinson. However, Ballygunner were now getting plenty space up from and Kevin Mahony was central to it.

Mahony pointed in the 60th minute and then provided for sub Mark Hartley and this time, Stephen Ryan couldn’t prevent his missile like strike into the town end goal.

Thus Ballygunner extended their litany of titles to an amazing thirteen and they now have eleven weeks to prepare for the semi final of the Munster club championship in Walsh Park against the Limerick champions.

Fourmilewater certainly didn’t flop on the big occasion and they were preciously close to winning. Hopefully, they will keep the same management team and all of their players as next year’s championship can see further progression on the experience learned in 2026.

PRESENTATION

Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the News and Star cup to the Ballygunner joint captains, Peter Hogan and Mikey Mahony. The JJ Kavanagh and Sons Man of the Match was awarded to Peter Hogan.

Ballyugunner’s Top Three : Kevin Mahony, Peter Hogan, Aaron O Neill.

Fourmilewater’s Top Three : Jamie Barron, Pat Walsh, Aaron Ryan.

Man of the Match : Jamie Barron.

Number of Scorers ; Ballygunner : 7. Fourmilewater : 7.

Scores From Play : Ballygunner : 1=11. Fourmilewater : 0=10.

Frees For : Ballygunner : 13. Fourmilewater : 9.

Wides : Ballygunner : 10. Fourmilewater : 8.

Score of the Match : Ronan Power’s 26th minute point for
Ballygunner.

Scorers :

Ballygunner : Pauric Mahony 0=5f, Mark Hartley 1=0, Dessie
Hutchinson and Kevin Mahony 0=3 each, Conor Tobin and Mikey Mahony 0=2 each, Ronan Power 0=1.

Fourmilewater : Aaron Ryan 0=8(3f, 1’65’), Sean Walsh 0=2, Michael Morrissey, Liam O Brien, Jamie Barron, Dermot Ryan and Tom Barron 0=1 each.

Teams :
Ballygunner : Stephen O Keeffe; Aaron O Neill, Ian Kenny, Tadhg Foley; Cormac Power, Philip Mahony, Ronan Power; Conor Sheahan, Paddy Leavey; Dessie Hutchinson, Pauric Mahony, Peter Hogan; Conor Tobin, Kevin Mahony, Mikey Mahony. Harry Ruddle for Cormac Power (40). Subs : Mark Hartley for Conor Tobin (43).

Fourmilewater : Stephen Ryan; Paddy Spelman, Tadhg Walsh, Pat Walsh; Tholom Guiry, Oisin Walsh, Dermot Ryan; Tom Barron, Conor Gleeson; Jamie Barron, Liam O Brien, Evan Spelman; Michael Morrissey, Sean Walsh, Aaron Ryan.
Subs ; James McGrath for Tadhg Walsh(37), Chris Ryan for Michael Morrissey (43).

Referee : Seaghan Walsh (DLS)Morrissey(43).

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
BALLYDUFF HEAD TO
PREMIER RANKS
BALLYDUFF 3=17
ROANMORE 3=10
BALLYDUFF stamped their authority at the end of the first half and
especially in the fist seventeen minutes of the second at the Fraher
Field on Saturday to realise their ambition of moving up the hurling
ladder in the County once again having been the last club from the
West to win the senior title back in 2007.
Two of that team from the past, the Kearney brothers, Shane and Jamie
were playing on Saturday and they were not there to make up the
numbers as both played a leading part in their team’s deserved win.
For Roanmore, it was a second defeat in a row, having loss narrowly to
An Rinn in Walsh Park last year yet through to their tradition, they
fought to the very end and reduced a 0=15 47th minute deficit to 0=7
come the final whistle.
The firm sod once again produced a fast hour’s plus of hurling while
the sky blues will regret their tally of ten first half wides as they
passed the scoreboard heading into the dressing room reading 0=11 to
0=6 in Ballyduff’s favour.
Roanmore lost full back Eanna McHugh to their senior team the previous
Sunday v Fourmilewater with Darragh Hearne starting instead. Ballyduff
had a clean bill of health and they started with points by Jamie
Kearney and Mikey Kearney before Eoghan Barry levelled with a point of
either variety by the 10th minute.
In the tension of the day, scores were a rarity early on and at the
end of the first quarter, the teams were still level at 0=3 each
after the first of Mikey Kearney’s two match scores from frees, plus
half a dozen from play and a point from play by Dean Reidy.
Shane Kearney was playing the free role in defence for Ballyduff to
perfection and his 16th minute point pushed Ballyduff into a permanent
lead. The winners enjoyed a purple scoring patch after this, claiming
the next five scores by the 24th minute from their usual scoring
suspects, Mikey Kearney 0=3 in a row from play in a man of the match
performance, Shane Kearney, again, with a contender for score of the
match, and Sean Hickey, 0=9 to 0=3.
Credit Roanmore, they always show resilience. Dean Reidy popped over
his second point in the 27th minute and the speedy Brian Cooke brought
a solid save out of Ballyduff’s custodian, Conor Sheehan.
Bill Keane had a real workmanlike performance in the middle of the
field and he traded scores with Josh Sheridan in the 29th minute
before a Mikey Kearney pointed free at the end of normal time, gave
him his sixth point of the half, the same amount as Roanmore and a 0=5
lead at the break.
SECOND HALF
Roanmore are a team, if any ever was, that are never beaten until the
venue is empty. The large attendance was reminded of this when Josh
Sheridan scored a 31st minute goal after Brian Cooke was again denied
by Conor Sheehan.
With just 0=2 the difference, we looked like we were set for a belter
of a game. However, Ballyduff actually outpaced the nippy sky blues
for the rest of the game as they upped their gears and fitted new
tyres.
The Village kept Roanmore scoreless for the rest of the third quarter
while they added 3=4 to their tally before Roanmore scored again.
The goals were as good as each other. After Bill Keane and Tireoghain
Flynn added points, the latter, as in the Western final , now
impressing further out the field, headed for goal in the 35th minute.
He couldn’t be caught and he coolly dispatched the sliotar into the
country end net.
Wides by both teams followed before Ballyduff ‘s attacking wing back
Quentin Joyce, who enjoyed a great County final and Mikey Kearney
added points. The western side soon had one hand on the cup when Sean
Hickey did the spadework and Jamie Kearney, the man of the match in
the senior final all of 19 years previously, finished to the net, 2=15
to 1=6.
Just two minutes later, the 47th, Tireoghain Flynn struck for his
second goal and Ballyduff’s third with their grip very much on the cup
at this stage.
Other teams would have thrown in the towel or implemented the physical
element but, Roanmore kept hurling and Brian Cooke replied with a goal
just one minute later, 3=15 to 2=6.
Such was the gap in scores, there was no way back for Roanmore but
they shaved their deficit further. Goalie Tadhg Ryan(f) traded with
Mikey Kearney in the 52nd minute as Roanmore outscored Ballyduff by
1=3 to 0=1 for the rest of the game.
Ballyduff faded towards the end of the Western final v Kilrossanty and
it occurred again here. The winners were forced to concede frees and
Dean Reidy and Eoin Barry converted a brace of them by the end of
normal time, 3=16 to 2=9.
Four minutes of added time were announced and, half way through it,
Brian Cooke scored his second goal. Sean Hickey steadied Ballyduff
with his second score of the final before Ballyduff full back Oran
Leamy was yellow carded for pulling down a Roanmore player heading for
goal.
Tadhg Ryan’s second pointed free ended the scoring, 3=17 to 3=10,
Ballyduff the most deserving of winners on their overall display and
Roanmore leaving the venue with their hurling reputation very much
intact.
Ballyduff, thus head to the Premier Intermediate, a grade they should
do well in while Roanmore’s day will surely come in this grade after
the experience of contesting the last two County finals in it.
PRESENTATION
Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the championship
cup to the Ballyduff captain, Jamie Hannon whose acceptance reply
fittingly described and respected the tough year off the field that
the club and its parish endured in 2026.
The JJ Kavanagh player of the year award was presented to Ballyduff’s
top scorer in the final and in the championship, Mikey Kearney.
Ballyduff’s Top Three : Mikey Kearney, Shane Kearney, Tireoghain Flynn;
Roanmore’s Top Three : Brian Cooke, Dean Reidy, Josh Sheridan.
Man of the Match : Mikey Kearney.
Number of Scorers : Ballyduff : 7. Roanmore : 6.
Scores from Play : Ballyduff : 3=15. Roanmore : 3=5.
Frees For : Ballyduff : 6. Roanmore : 11.
Wides : Ballyduff : 12. Roanmore : 16.
Score of the Match : Shane Kearney’s 22nd minute morale boosting point
from play by Ballyduff
Scorers :
Ballyduff : Mikey Kearney 0=8(2f), Tireoghain Flynn 2=1, Jamie
Kearney 1=2, Sean Hickey and Bill Keane 0=2 each, Shane Kearney and
Quentin Joyce 0=1 each.
Roanmore : Brian Cooke 2=0, Josh Sheridan 1=1, Dean Reidy 0=4(2f),
Eoghan Barry 0=2(1f), Tadhg Ryan 0=2, Ethan Hayes 0=1.
Teams :
Ballyduff : Conor Sheehan; Tomas Ahern, Oran Leamy, Jamie Hannon;
Quentin Joyce, Shane Kearney, Aoghan Hickey; Shane Hannon, Bill Keane;
Conor Hickey, Shane Kearney, Kevin Casey; Mikey Kearney, Tireoghain
Flynn, Donnacha Hickey. Subs : Cathal Murphy for Jamie Kearney(49),
Gavin Kenneally for Aodhan Hickey(inj. 55), Brian Bourke for
Donnachadh Hickey (61).
Roanmore : Tadhg Ryan; Darragh Power, Ethan Hayes, Conor Fanning;
Chris Dempsey, Sean Barrett, Darragh Hearne; Harry White, Daniel
Ryan; Paul Hayes, Brian Cooke, Dean Reidy; Eoghan Barry, Eamonn Power,
Josh Sheridan. Subs : Kayden Kavanah Drennan for Josh Sheridan (43),
Aaron McCabe for Conor Fanning(49), Sean Murphy for Daniel Ryan (54),
Ben O Riordan for Darragh Hearne(61).
Referee : Thomas Walsh (Modeligo).

fotos :

1569 : Ballyduff players stand in respect as their captain Jamie
Hannon pays a tribute to Killian English, Collette Mullen and Michael
Kearny at the presentation of the cup at the Fraher Field on Saturday.

1551 : Ballyduff mentors enjoy the moment as the final whistle sounds.

1537 : Man of the Match from the 2007 senior hurling final win over
Ballygunner, Jamie Hannon, earns the plaudits of his managanging team
after scoring 1=2 on Saturday..

1531 : Ballyduff's Kevin Casey gets the ball away ahead of Roanmore's
Harry White.

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY JUNIOR ‘A’ HURLING FINAL

MOUNT SION WIN TOM DRUMMY CUP


MOUNT SION 2=21 ABBEYSIDE 1=18
MOUNT SION became the latest winners of the County Junior ‘A’ hurling
title with a deserving win over a gallant Abbeyside fifteen at the
Fraher Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Tom Drummy Cup heads east so for the Winter and both Tom and his
son Ollie, who gave decades of service to the Shandon venue between
them as groundmen were fittingly remembered when the cup was presented
by County Board chairman, Neil Moore.
Prior to the game, a minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect
to the late Brendan Breen , who just the previous Wednesday was on the
line at the same venue for Stradbally in their County minor final v
Portlaw/Ballyduff.
Both clubs were fielding their second fifteen and the standard was as
good as any in recent years. Abbeyside didn’t play a team of Mount
Sion’s quality in the Western championship and it showed in the first
quarter when ‘Sion shot out of the blocks, were much quicker in
everything they did and raced into a 1=7 to 0=3 lead.
They received the most perfect of leads when Lee Flanagan added to his
opening point when finishing a Jack Teat goal attempt to the country
end net as early as the 4th minute.
Wing back Oisin Power opened Abbeyside’s account in the 6th minute and
they had further scores by their midfield pairing of Conor Kent and
Charlie Feeney.
However, 0=3(2f) by the deadly accurate Mt. Sion captain, Evan McGrath
and contributions by Louie Halligan and Lee Flanagan, again, gave the
winners their commanding 1=7 to 0=3 advantage.
That Abbeyside were just 0=1 in arrears by half time at 1=9 to 0=11
speaks volumes on how they reacted to their 0=7 deficit and they
could have been in front but for five wides to Mt. Sion’s two.
Three points in a row by the 22nd minute per Joe Flynn(2f) and minor
Aaron Walsh, who finished with 0-=4, saw Abbeyside just a goal behind.
Mt. Sion didn’t score from play for the rest of the half and indeed
since the 15th minute, relying on an Evan McGrath brace of pointed
frees.
In contrast, Abbeyside showed that they had come to terms with their
opponents when they scored 0=4 in a row via Cathal Sweeney, who again
was later surprisingly substituted as he is always a goal threat, Joe
Flynn’s third pointed free and a brace of points from play by the
influential Aaron Walsh.
SECOND HALF
The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the start of the
first thirty minutes. A wind assisted Mt. Sion took over proceedings
again. The winners scored five points in a row by the 35th minute
from Jack Teat after 13 seconds, Evan McGrath with 0=2 from play, wing
back Alex Walsh and full forward Richie Roche, 1=14 to 0=11.
This scoring burst had a big bearing, though Abbeyside’s Cathal
Sweeney sent a screamer into the country end net in the 36th minute to
haul in their deficit to 1=14 to 1=11.
Mt. Sion, though, always had the ability to reply such as, on this
occasion, by Evan McGrath(f) and Jack Teat, in front by 0=5. Charlie
Feeney, his second, and Lee Flanagan, bringing his tally to 1=3,
traded points and finished a very busy first ten minutes on the half
for the scoreboard keeper, 1=9 in total between both teams, 1=17 to
0=12.
Mt. Sion gave themselves more valuable scoring space when Scott Ryan’s
42nd minute delivery ended up with a green flag being raised in the
town end, 2=17 to 1=12.
Yet, Abbeyside proved their mettle in winning the rest of the game by
0=6 to 0=4, though they were never going to win at this stage. Joe
Flynn pointed three frees and Sean Prunty, Aaron Walsh and and corner
back, Oisin O Riordan dissected the posts. Final quarter Mt. Sion sub
Evan Flanagan contributed 0=2, Jack Teat his third point and Evan
McGrath completed his County final scoring of 0=9(6f) for the
deserving winners. Teat had a 61st goal attempt well saved by Stephen
Enright.
The Junior grade, once the preserve of the one team rural club is now
the breeding ground for senior clubs’ young hurlers on their way to
the top tier. Both clubs are implementing this very positively and on
Saturday last, it produced a quality game of hurling.
PRESENTATION
Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presented the Tom Drummy Cup
to the Mt. Sion captain Evan McGrath, who suitably replied and the JJ
Kavanagh Man of the Match award was presented to Mt. Sion’s number 12,
Jack Teat.
Mt. Sion’s Top Three : Evan McGrath, Lee Flanagan, Jack Teat.
Abbeyside’s Top Three : Aaron Walsh, Diarmuid Mackle, Joe Flynn.
Man of the Match : Evan McGrath.
Number of scorers ; Mt. Sion : 8. Abbeyside : 8.
Scores From Play : Mt.Sion : 2=15. Abbeyside : 1=12.
Frees For : Mt. Sion : 8. Abbeyside : 8.
Wides : Mt. Sion : 5. Abbeyside : 8.
Score of the Match : Aaron Walsh’s 30th minute point from play for Abbeyside.
Scorers :
Mt. Sion : Evan McGrath 0=9(6f), Lee Flanagan 1=3, Scott Ryan1=0, Jack
Teat 0=3, Alex Walsh and Evan Flanagan 0=2, each, Louie Halligan and
Richie Roche 0=1 each.
Abbeyside : Joe Flynn 0=7(6f), Cathal Sweeney 1=1, Aaron Walsh 0=4,
Charlie Feeney 0=2, Oisin Power, Conor Kent, Sean Prunty and Oisin O
Riordan 0=1 each.
Teams :
Mt. Sion : Josh Fanning; Jack Byrne, Peter Penkert, Ciaran Flynn; Alex
Walsh, Evan Curran, Ross Thornton; Tommy McGrath, Charlie Costello;
Louie Halligan, Evan McGrath, Jack Teat; Scott Ryan, Richie Roche, Lee
Flanagan. Subs : Dylan Ryan for Peter Penkert (38), Evan Flanagan for
Richie Roche(44), Barry Ryan for Tommy McGrath and Sean Doocey for
Scott Ryan, (both 51), Hugh Flanagan for Ross Thornton(56).
Abbeyside : Stephen Enright; Oisin O Riordan, Shane Ahern, Niall
McCarthy; Oisin Power, Daithi Brunnock, Jack McGrath; Charlie Feeney,
Conor Kent; James Beresford, Diarmaid Mackle, Sean Prunty; Cathal
Sweeney, Joe Flynn, Aaron Walsh. Subs : Daniel Morrissey for Oisin
Power(37), Eoin Ahern for Cathal Sweeney(48), Fergal Slevin for Jack
McGrath (51).
Referee : Martin Freeman (Ferrybank).

FOTOS :
1513 : Chairman of the County Board, Neil Moore presents the Tom
Drummy Cup to the Mt. Sion captain, Evan McGrath.

1525 ; Mt. Sion's Jack Teat receives the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Man of
the Match award from Ken Begley (Kavanaghs) and Neil Moore , County
Chairman).

1488 : Abbeyside's Fergal Slevin is hunted down by Mt. Sion's Tommy McGrath.

1492; Pictured in action are Mt. Sion's Charlie Costello, on right
and Abbeyside's Charlie Feeney.

PRESIDENT OF THE GAA JARLATH BURNS UNVEILS FOURMILEWATER CENTENARY PLAQUE

The village of Ballymacarbry was a sea of blue and white on Saturday as the local Fourmilewater club continued its centenary celebrations. Guest of honour was Uachtarain C.L.C.G. Jarlath Burns who unveiled a Centenary plague on the wall of the dressing rooms in the Mill field.

The afternoon began with juvenile games in every corner of the field, followed by the unveiling of the plaque and then the colourful parade to the Community Centre where further celebrations took place.

Heading into its second century, it was announced that the Mill Field would close for the foreseeable future to facilitate the commencement of the Mill Field transformation works whose aim is to develop a modern, inclusive and accessible sports and recreation facility that will serve Fourmilwater hurling club, NIRE football club, the Ballymacarbry LGFC and the wider community for years to come.

In the meantime, the Centenary year continues with the appearance of the senior hurling team in the Waterford final for the first time in its history on this Sunday August 30th v Ballygunner in the Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field in Dungarvan with a throw in time of 2.30pm. The game is also being shown live on TG4.

Included are fotos of Saturday’s celebrations in Ballymac.

JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS COUNTY JUNIOR ‘C’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
REMARKABLE AN RINN COMEBACK EARNS REPLAY
AN RINN 1=15 FERRYBANK 0=18
AHEAD BY 0=9 IN THE 29TH MINUTE, Eastern champions Ferrybank looked
hosed and dried in this final of a definite two different halves at
the Fraher Field on Friday evening. Everything they hit seemed to go
over the bar with Shane Oates, Jacob Richards and Eoin O Neill
regularly dissecting the posts and An Rinn looked as if they were in
for a big defeat.
Eveyrthing An Rinn hit seemed to go wide, they finished the half with
thirteen of them, including ten in the first nineteen minutes. It
looked, at times, as if they expected their efforts to go wide but a
little glimmer of hope shone when they scored the last two points of
the half to leave the scoreboard reading 0=13 to 0=5 at the break.
What transpired in the second half was as unbelievable as it was
impressive. By the end of the third quarter, there was just 0=2 the
difference at 0=15 to 0=13, An Rinn winning this period of time by 0=8
to 0=2.
It looked like a different An Rinn side completely on the field from
the throw in with players standing up to the mark, begging the
question were they half time subs? It wasn’t just a case of one hero
changing the game around. An Rinn finished with eight different
scorers but nearly undid all of their good work in the final minutes
when the score was 0=16 to 0=15.
Two needless mistakes in defence gave Ferrybank two points while a
free came back off the upright which proved even costlier after the
final whistle had sounded. 0=18 to 0=15 behind at the end of normal
time, An Rinn started dropping in hopeful deliveries but the Ferrybank
defence held firm, that is until the second last play.
Deep into the four minutes of added time, it looked as if An Rinn
midfielder, Eoghan O Crotaigh was going to dispatch another hopeful
‘lob in’ from about thirty metres out to the left of the country end
goal. However, he elected to send in a missile instead and it sailed
over one and all before dropping at the opportune moment to rattle the
net.
The An Rinn support went ‘as a meabhair’ while the Ferrybank camp had
to relinquish their one hand on the cup. No sooner had the final
whistle sounded when a replay was announced so we are only at half way
in the story of this year’s ‘C championship story.
During the course of the second half, it looked as if Ferrybank, on
one hand, were lacking fitness, but they could not counteract the new
found speed and hurling of their opponents. They were held to a
pointed free and a point from their top scorer from play, Eoin O
Neill, in the third quarter and didn’t score from play again between
the 36th and 60th minute until O Neill raised his fifth white flag.
It was all so different in the first half and Ferrybank looked certain
to make up for their defeat in the previous year’s final. They had 0=6
on the board by the 7th minute before Tiarnach O Siothchain, who
looked to be needed out the field more, struck a genuine contender for
score of the match from under the stand.
O Siothchain followed up with the first of his six pointed frees, his
team’s only scorer up to the first minute of added time. Ciaran O
Toibin was coming into the game and he pointed before the short
whistle, he and Cian O Riagain then surprisingly substituted during
the second half.
At the final whistle, Ferrybank were left wondering what went wrong
and tried to make sense of An Rinn’s type of Jekyll and Hyde
performance on the night. They, themselves, took off two players in
the full forward line during the second half but no possession was
ever coming these players’ way and their problems were more out the
field, especially in the middle where Eoghan Breathnach and Senan O
Drochain were proving a handful.
Seasoned campaigners, Shane O Cuirrin and Cathal O Cuirrin also came
to the fore after a quiet first half and the momentum was very much
with their team
However, Ferrybank are very much in contention for the replay. Their
first half hurling was crisp and their scores out of the top drawer,
equal to a higher grade, They were within inches of claiming the title
and could have been 0=4 up when Eoghan O Crotaigh scored An Rinn’s
match saving goal.
The replay, we think, on Friday the 4th of September, will certainly
bring back the same attendance and more as how this game will be
played out compared to the first one will prove most interesting. As
they say, it will be a match not to be missed.
Ferrybank’s Top Three : Eoin O Neill, Shane Oates, Jacob Richards.
An Rinn’s Top Three : Senan O Drochain, Sean M,ac Gearailt, Shane O Cuirrin.
Man of the Match : Eoin O Neill.
Number of Scorers : Ferrybank : 4. An Rinn : 8.
Scores From Play : Ferrybank : 0=12. An Rinn : 1=9.
Frees For : Ferrybank : 11. An Rinn : 21.
Wides : Ferrybank : 9. An Rinn : 16.
Score of the Match : Eoghan O Crotaigh’s match levelling goal for An
Rinn in the 64th minute.
Scorers :
Ferrybank : Shane Oates 0=8(6f), Eoin O Neill 0=5, Jacob Richards 0=4,
Tom Burtchaell 0=1.
An Rinn : Tiarnach O Siothchain 0=7(6f), Eoghan O Crotaigh 1=0, Senan
O Drochain and Sean Mac Gearailt 0=2 each, Ciaran O Toibin, Cian O
Riagain, Padraig O Murchadha and Ruadhan O Floinn 0=1 each.
Teams :
An Rinn : Macx Van Haeften : Brian De Baruin, Lucas O Cuirrin, Ruadhan
De Faoite; Cian O Riagain, Shane O Cuirrin, Darragh Mac Craith;
Deoghan O Crotaigh, Senan O Drochain; Cathal O Cuirrin, Padraig O
Murchadha, Fionn O Murchu; Tiarnach O Siothchain, Ciaran O Toibin,
Sean Mac Gearailt. Subs ; Ruadhan O Floinn for Cian O Riagain (40),
Eoin O Murchadha for Ciaran O Toibin (48), Seadna Mac Giolla Chuda for
Cathal O Cuirrin (58), Padraig O Duibhir for Fionn O Murchadha
(inj. 61).
Ferrybank : Kyle Daly; Eddie Daly, John Ahern, Lochlann Flanagan;
Damien Ahern, Graham Coady, Ales Kinsella; Jack Keogh-Moran, Maciek
Tomczuk; Jacob Richards, Eoin O Neill, John Collins; Shane Oates, Greg
Murphy, Tom Burchaell. Subs : Kevin Hurley for Damien Ahern(35),
Eimhin Burns for Greg Murphy (48),.
Referee : Gavin Whelan (Colligan Rockies).

foto ; Ferrybank's Shane Oates the games top scorer with 0=8(6f).

An Ghaeltacht take Division 4 county minor hurling title title

Mac Dara Mac Donncha

An Ghaeltacht 2-19 Ardmore 1-11

As the scoreline illustrates, An Ghaeltacht were too strong for
Ardmore in this Division 4 County minor Hulring final, played in
Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field last Tuesday evening. It was a gutsy
display by Ardmore who played three quarters of the game a man short
and in John O’Brien, they had one of the best players on the field but
An Ghaeltacht were more balanced throughout. Eoin Keevers got Ardmore
off the mark with a fine early point but An Ghaeltacht replied with
five, three from sharpshooter Tiarnach Ó Síothcháin and a brace from
Richie Ó Ceallaigh. Padraig Foley had Ardmore’s second in the 10th
minute but they were relying on scraps up front. After a superb Colman
Ó Corraoin point from the right- hand sideline, Richie Ó Ceallaigh
finished expertly to the net and now there was a wide gap between the
sides. Worse was to follow for Ardmore when they had a player awarded a straight red card by Referee Timmy Organ for
interference with a faceguard. They kept battling however and were
given a lifeline in the 16th minute when John O’Brien latched onto a
rebound after Daire Ó Droma had saved from Padraig Foley. Now only
four points separated them but from then to the interval, An
Ghaeltacht added nine points to Ardmore’s one. Tiarnach Ó
Síothcháin(5), Cian Mac Ualtair(2) and Richie Ó Ceallaigh kept the
scoreboard ticking over so at the break, there was a considerable
chasm between the sides, 1-15 to 1-3.

Three early scores on the re-start threatened a
mini-comeback from Ardmore, with John O’Brien and Padraig Foley(2) on
target but then in the 40th minute, Cian Mac Ualtair received from
Donnchadh Ó Raghnaigh and he gave Machara Fraher no chance between the
posts, effectively ending whatever faint hopes Ardmore may have had of
causing an upset. From then to the end, it was a case of An Ghaeltacht
tacking on scores here and there. Liam Mac Fhlannchadha, Cathal Mac
Craith and Tiarnach Ó Síothcháin were all on target. John O’Brien,
Padraig Foley and Eoin Keevers added points for Ardmore but they were
the inferior side here, despite their best efforts. Shortly before the
end of the procedings, Daire Ó Droma pulled off a few excellent saves
to deny Paudie Keevers and John O’Brien. Best for the victors were
Senan Ó Drócháin, Cian Mac Ualtair, and Richie O Ceallaigh with
Tiarnach Ó Síothcháin very accurate from placed balls. Ardmore’s best
were John O’Brien, Padraig Foley and Eoin Keevers. County chairman,
Neil Moore presented the cup to winning captain, Senan Ó Drócháin,
after the match.

An Ghaeltacht: Daire Ó Droma, Ruadán Ó Lochlainn, Euan Ó hUallacháin,
Aedán Ó Raghallaigh, Senan Ó Drócháin, Tomás Ó hArta, Cian Mac
Ualtair(1-3), Colmán Ó Corraoin(0-1), Donnchadh Ó Raghnaigh, Lliam Mac
Fhlannchadh(0-1), Cathal Mac Craith(0-1), Tiarnach Ó Síothcháin(0-10,
6fs, 2 65s), Richie Ó Ceallaigh(1-3).

Fir Ionaid: Cormac Ó Riagáin do C Mac Craith(52), Domhnall Mac
Murchadha do D Ó Raghnaigh(59), Osscar ó Fearghaíl do T Ó hArta(59).

Ardmore: Mochara Fraher, Eamon Foley, Charlie Power, Conor Bree, Jimmy
Keevers, Tony Quirke, Aaron McNamara, John Moloney, Padraig Foley(0-4,
1f), Eoin Keevers(0-2), John O’Brien(1-3), Paudie Keane(0-1), John
Hickey(0-1).

Subs: Sean Flavin for Power(h/t), Billy Broderick for E Keevers(53)

Réiteoir: Timmy Organ(Abbeyside-Ballinacourty)

foto : Chairman of the County Board Neil Moore presents the Division 4 Minor
hurling cup An Ghaeltacht's winning captain Senan O Drochain.