Click below for a full report on Bord na nÓg activity by board PRO Pado Flynn for the last week.
Minor
Bennettsbridge 1-20
Young Irelands 2-15
A humid Bennettsbridge saw a thrilling encounter between near neighbours Young Irelands of Gowran and homeside; Bennettsbridge. The first quarter was dominated by the visiting team, notching up 1-7 in the first fifteen minutes. Killian Carey had 1-3 to his name while Mikey Knox, Daniel Manning and Padraic Naddy all had points to their names. Bennettsbridge went into the first water break with 3 points on the board.
The next quarter saw Bennettsbridge up their tempo and work rate with Bill Hughes on target for six points – all from frees. Young Irelands were under pressure to keep the ‘Bridge side at bay. Killian Carey added three more points for Gowran, again from frees to give a half time score of Young Irelands 1-10, Bennettsbridge 0-9.
A penalty opened the second half, a foul in the Gowran square meant Young Irelands’ goalkeeper, Barry Dunne stood solo in the goal as the duel between striker and saver brought silence to the pitch. Barry; calm and collected, possibly having watched the Euro’s final the previous evening, and taken pointers from Donnarumma, stepped left and saved a low ball driving it out to the wing – while the crowd went wild. Bennettsbridge were not perturbed, and Charlie Fitzgerald scored two points from play while Bill Hughes continued his accuracy on frees, adding another two points to his name. The Young Irelands players struggled to break through the Bennettsbridge defence; Kyle Ryan and Joe Hughes – centre back and full back respectively were stalwarts in their defence. Killian Carey managed to add three points, two of which were frees for Gowran before the final water break. A draw game – 15 minutes to play! The atmosphere was electric, the noise was deafening and the evening was getting hotter. Bennettsbridge nudged ahead with a point from play. Young Irelands replied with a goal from Jamie Carter but the Bridge boys were not deterred. Three more points for Bill Hughes kept the homeside in contention. A point each from Killian Carey and Padraig Naddy seemed to push the Gowran team ahead however a late goal in the dying minutes gave Bennettsbridge a two point advantage at the final whistle.
On the beautifully manicured surface of Tom Ryall Park in Kilmanagh (surely the best in the county) on a balmy July 12th Glenmore took on one of the best teams in Roinn B, Graigue Ballycallan. Another slow start saw us fall behind by 4 points and we were lucky to be able to get back to 2 behind at the first water break. We took over from there and went in at half time 2-7 to 1-7 ahead after great hurling from both sides which was much appreciated by the quite large attendance. Perhaps sensing an upset, the Graigue mentors brought on a couple of their big guns who had an immediate impact to turn the game in their favour with a flurry of goals and points. Glenmore however never gave up and finished with a very respectable 2-17 to Graigues 5-16 at Julian O’Dwyers final whistle.
Glenmore :P. Brophy, D. Dowling, C. Vereker, J. Dollard, S. Duhig, T. Mullally 0-1,D Vereker 0-1,C. Sheehan 0-1,P.Cody 0-1,D Murphy, C. Roche 1-6(0-4f),P O’Connor, J. Reid 1-4,D.Walsh 0-2,J.Cody 0-1. Sub, J. Connolly.
Graigue Ballycallan : S. McGrath, A. Cahill, A. Comerford, R. Cody, D. Teehan, C. Walton, J. Guiry, D. O’Brien, S. Roberts 0-3(0-2f),E. Egan 0-1,B. Egan 0-2,M. Brennan, J. O’Brien, R. Corcoran, J. Casey 1-2. Subs, P. Foley 4-0,A. McEvoy 0-6(0-4f),J. Neary 0-2.
Galmoy/Windgap 5-19The Fenians 3-12
These two minor sides served up a very entertaining Roinn B League tie in Johnstown on Monday evening with a total of eight goals registered. The ability to take their scoring chances shaded the issue for the visitors as the hosts hit a number of wides. By the 7th minute,Galmoy/Windgap had established a grip on the game as they lead 2-2 to 0-0 , the goals coming from ConorDoyle and Calum Lonergan. The Fenians got on the scoreboard with a point each from Eoghan Sumner and Darragh McCormack. Killian Enright then put over a brace of points, the second after two good saves by Fenians goalie Craig Bowe, who impressed. Niall Drennan added two frees to leave the vistors ahead 2-6 to 0-2 at the first waterbreak.
The second quarter belonged to the Johnstown boys as they came more into the game.The switching of Darragh McCormack to centre back to police CalumLonergan worked temporarily but Lonergan went on to put in a really powerful second half. David Sherman at full back for the winners was instrumental in repelling several Fenian attacks in that opening period striking many long relieving clearances.Cathal Phelan was the man who lead the fightback for the Fenians, as he showed some delightful touches in the right corner forward position and hit four good points in the space of ten minutes. Two Tomás Sharkey frees and a point from Padraig O Grady, now operating at centre forward, completed a dominant spell for them. In the 22nd minute however, Galmoy/Windgap struck again with Conor Doyle and Niall Drennan combining for Doyle to strike his second goal of the evening. In the 29th minute, it was Drennan who flicked a Daniel Hanrahan delivery to the net while a minute later Billy Power flicked a ball into the path of Calum Lonerganwho ran straight up the middle to bury the sliotar and leave his side ahead 5-8 to 0-10 at the interval with Billy Garrett hitting the last Fenian score of the half.
Niall Drennan hit five points, three from frees, in the first ten minutes of the new half before the Fenianscame again. Strong full forward Billy Garrett lead the comeback with a 38th minute goal following a good run through the middle by Padraig O Grady. In the 44thminute, it was Garrett again, this time courtesy of a very clever pass from Cathal Phelan, who hit the net,toleave it 5-13 to 2-11.
When Garrett won a 45th minute penalty, the Fenianshad a wonderful chance to narrow the gap but alert goalkeeper Eoin O Shea dived to his right to thwart Tomás Sharkey’s low trajectory shot. Sharkey more than made up for it in the 51st minute when he careered through the visitors defence to strike the last goal of the night,5-14 to 3-11.The Galmoy/Windgap defence were a bit ragged at this stage but a storming finish at the other end by Calum Lonergan saw them home as he really stepped up the pace in the closing moments to stem the flow.
Others to do well for the winners were Jack O Shea,Colman Moloney,Kilian Enright and Ronan O Brien.
For the Fenians, in addition to those already mentioned, Darragh O Grady and Rory Garrett were very good in defence while Cathal Phelan took the eye up front.
Galmoy/Windgap: Eoin O Shea,Cian O Rourke,DavidSherman(0-1free) ,Jim Power,James Purcell, Jack O Shea, Evan Doyle, Colman Moloney(0-1), Billy Power,Daniel Hanrahan(0-1), Calum Lonergan(2-2,0-1free) Killian Enright(0-2), Ronan O Brien(0-1) , ConorDoyle(2-0), Niall Drennan(1-11, 0-8 frees).
Subs Used: Michael Freaney for James Purcell 53 mins, John Dermody for Cian O Rourke 55 mins, Noah O Shea for Niall Drennan(inj.) 59 mins
The Fenians: Craig Bowe,Darragh O Grady,JerryHenderson,Colin O Brien,Stephen McEvoy,Padraig O Grady(0-1),Rory Garrett,Patrick Cullen,TomásSharkey(1-3 ,0-3 frees),Brendan McEvoy,DarraghMcCormack(0-1),Jack Walsh,Cathal Phelan(0-4),Billy Garrett(2-1),Eoghan Sumner(0-1).
Sub: Regan Downey(0-1free) for Eoghan Sumner 48 mins
Referee:John Guinan(St Lachtains)
Kilkenny Honda Centre Minor Hurling League Roinn B
Galmoy/Windgap 2-20Danesfort 5-5
Galmoy/Windgap Minors finished strongly to take the points in this hard fought Roinn B League tussle in Windgap on Monday July 5th.The home side lead by the minimum at half time,0-14 to 3-4. An impressive statistic from this first half Galmoy/Windgapperformance was that as many as eight different players featured on the scoreboard. Danesfort however were able to raise a total of three green flags which kept them well in the hunt. After five early points for the home side ,featuring two from Daniel Hanrahan, it was Mark Fitzpatrick who hit the first of two goals to keep the visitors in touch. Matthew Cowley followed up immediately with another major to leave his side ahead 2-2 to 0-5 at the first waterbreak.Three pointed frees from Niall Drennan and some good points from play from Billy Power,Calum Lonergan and Ronan O Brien saw the hosts sneak ahead again, only for centreback Ben Whitty to level matters with a long distance free for Danesfort. Galmoy/Windgap had stretched in to a four point lead with Killian Enrightand James Purcell shooting well, before Anthony Ireland Wall struck for goal to reduce the deficit to the minimum at the break.
The Danesfort side had a tonic start to the new half when Mark Fitzpatrick struck to the net again followed by another Whitty free. Galmoy/Windgap kept their cool and when substitute Michael Freaney netted in the 38th minute they set sail for home with a flurry of points. Danesfort plundered one more goal, but a series of indisciplined moments saw them reduced to thirteen players for the final ten mintes and Galmoy/Windgap stepped on the gas to ease home. Best for Danesfort were Ben Whitty, Anthony Ireland Wall and Mark Fitzpatrick while Colman Moloney, Jack O Shea, Killian Enright, Calum Lonergan and Niall Drennan worked hard for the home side.
Galmoy/Windgap: Eoin O Shea,Cian O Rourke,Colman Moloney,Jim Power,James Purcell(0-2,0-1free), Jack O Shea, Evan Doyle,Billy Power(0-1),Killian Enright(0-1), Daniel Hanrahan(0-2), CalumLonergan(1-2) ,Niall Drennan(0-8, 0-7 frees) , Ronan O Brien(0-2) ,John Dermody ,Conor Doyle(0-2).
Subs Used: Noah O Shea & Michael Freaney(1-0)
Danesfort:Samuel Hayes,Billy Sinnott,BillSmith,Kieran Walsh,Jack Doyle,Ben Whitty(0-2 frees),Louie Jamieson,Cian O Reilly,HarryLanigan,Matthew Cowley(1-1),Anthony Ireland Wall(2-2),Mark Fitzpatrick(2-0),Éanna O Caisaide, Ronan Hackett,Leon Brown.
Referee:John Kennedy(Ballyhale Shamrocks)
U-15
Graignamanagh U15’s put in a mighty performance to overcome Clara in Graignamanagh on a sunny Wednesday evening in Dr Tierney Park. There were some great scores from both sides and at half time Graignamanagh led 2-10 to 2-1. Leaving the match all to play for in the second half, The scores started to flow throughout the game with Steven Kinsella and Conor Hoyne deadly accurate on frees from both sides. The goals for the Graig boys helped them hold out for the win on a score line of 7-17 to 3-9. Steven Kinsella, Colin Bolger and Sean O’Grady getting scores for the Graignamanagh boys while for Clara Conor Hoyne hitting impressive long range scores, John Bergin and Liam Carrigan also on the scoreboard.
Young Irelands 3-11
Blacks and whites 2-8
On a glorious Wednesday evening, in Tom Walsh Park the U15 Roinn C game between neighbours Blacks and Whites and Young Irelands was contested. While many were returning from the river or the beach, the sun hadn’t zapped their energy or their spirit. Thomas Langton opened the scoring with a point for Gowran. A point from a 65 from Shane Phelan made things all square again before Thomas Langton found the back of the net with a goal for the Young Irelands’ side. An energetic game ensued with Blacks and Whites adding a goal to their tally just before half time to give a score of Young Irelands 1-4, Blacks & Whites 1-7.
Philip Middleton made it a draw game in the opening minutes of the second half with a whizz-popping goal followed shortly with a point to push Gowran ahead. Points from Tadhg Ahern and Ben Drennan added to the Young Irelands’ tally. Alex Langrell worked hard for the home side adding a point from play while Charlie Orpen worked tirelessly for the Blacks & Whites side. Alex Kenny added another point before Philip Middleton scored his second goal for the Gowran side. Daniel Wade was superb at centre back for the Blacks & whites as was Shane Phelan midfield. Richard Nolan and Aaron Fenlon were staunch in the Young Irelands defence while Keelan Barcoe was solid in goal. A competitive and sporting game enjoyed by all who basked in the sunshine pitchside.
John Lockes 4-12 Galmoy/Windgap 2-6
A strong all-round team performance from John Lockes saw them emerge deserved winners against a determined Galmoy/Windgapside in this U-15 Roinn B League tie in Windgap on Wednesday 7thlast.
Looking for their third win on the trot, the Callan lads started well with an excellent goal from the impressive Ryan Donovan-Cooke. The home side responded well with a point each from Niall Drennanand P J Delaney, but some excellent scores from the skilful pair of Robbie Jackman and Harry Madigan, saw the Lockes stretch their lead to 5 points, a margin which divided the teams throughout.
Playing into the breeze during the first half, the Lockes defence was resolute throughout. Paddy O’Brien in goal was good for the visitors, while the full back line, held the upper hand over theGalmoy/Windgap inside forward line for the entire game. The Lockes half back line was faced with the tough task of dealing with two excellent hurlers in Conor Doyle and Niall Drennan, but with Michael Lynch anchoring the defence superbly at centre back, they were more than up to the task.With the defence well on top, some great work by young Luke Power, saw Robbie Jackman slam home a second goal, which he followed up with an excellent point from the side-line. Further scores by Ryan Donovan-Cooke pushed the Lockes into an almost unassailable nine point lead before the interval. An unstoppable late goal by Niall Drennan, after twoblinding saves by Paddy O Brien, saw the Lockes go in at half time with an interval lead of six points, 2-6 to 1-3.
In defence for Galmoy/Windgap, two U-13 players, Jack O Dwyer and Jack Egan were very good indeed, with George Culleton doing well on the half line. Eoin O Shea worked tirelessly all through also for the hosts and he battled hard against the strong midfield pairing of Shay Jackman and Conor Doheny. The Callan defence stoppedthe home side developing any fluency in attack and the hostsstruggled to make any impression on the scoreboard. The Lockesattack meanwhile, continued to operate fluently, and second half goals from Harry Madigan and another from Robbie Jackman, plus some long range efforts by Ryan Donovan-Cooke, pushed the Callan boys into an unassailable 13 point lead. Only some errant shooting stopped the determined Callan lads from further increasing their lead.
Niall Drennan, who fought very hard throughout ,made a strong run from midfield in the dying moments and when he was brought down, Conor Doyle struck a late goal from a 20 metre free but it was too little too late as John Lockes prevailed.
John Lockes:Paddy O Brien,Jack Hennessy,Danny Carey,ConorMurphy,Zak O Halloran,Michael Lynch,Patrick Kerwick,ShayJackman,Conor Doheny,Patrick Gibbs,Ryan Donovan-Cooke(1-6),Josh Adriano,Luke Power(0-1),Harry Madigan(1-2),Robbie Jackman(2-3).
Subs used: Hugh Hennessy,Tommy Hoyne,Ollie O Donovan.
Galmoy/Windgap:Fionn Lonergan,Jack O Dwyer,AlexCulleton,Jack Egan,George Culleton,Colman Moloney,EdmondPower,Eoin O Shea(0-1),Cian O Rourke,Niall Drennan(1-1),ConorDoyle(1-1,1-0 free),Padraig Egan,P J Delaney(0-1),Thomas Power(0-2),John Power.
Subs:Aidan O Shea for Edmond Power and Sam Moloney for Padraig Egan
U-13
Graignamanagh 9-10 Setanta Carlow 5-4
Graignamanagh played host to Setanta Carlow on an evening with perfect conditions for hurling.
The home side were quick out of the blocks with a brace of goals and points registered on the scoreboard.
The visitors settled however and before the first water break Dmitriy Shabalin had responded with a well worked goal.
Graignamanagh stepped up a gear and showed their ruthless side in the 2nd and 3rd quarters with the scoring double act of Sean O’ Grady and Jamie Kennedy keeping the scoreboard operator busy. A move into the forwards allowed Cody O’ Neill to register a goal and Padraig Phelan popped over a point.
There was still fight left in Setanta and they entered their purple patch in the final quarter where they began a run of scores with a goal by Robbie Carbery. Graignamanagh fought back with Padraig Phelan and Alex Kelly-Dalton stepping up with goals and Cian Dowling put a free over the bar but the visitors ended up outscoring the Graig boys in that final quarter.
On the night, it left Graignamanagh with a win by a comfortable margin and they will be satisfied the scoring was shared among 6 of their players. Setanta left knowing that if they can maintain the final quarters performance for a full match, then a match win is surely on the cards for this team.
Graignamanagh 4-11 Burren Rangers 2-2
Burren Rangers made the trip across the county border to Graignamanagh on what was a damp evening for hurling
Graignamanagh started well and clocked up a number of scores as Burren Rangers struggled to get their score tally going.
The first water break gave Burren Rangers a chance to reset with the two sides more evenly matched in the second quarter
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Graig again making a strong start and clocking up the scores.
The final quarter was a tough contest with the game going from end to end in a match that was more even than the scoreboard suggested.
However the regular supply of scores from Sean O’ Grady was always going to separate the two teams on the night.
Galmoy/Windgap 5-7 Glenmore 3-6
Galmoy/Windgap U-13s made the long journey to Páirc Na Ratha Glenmore a worthwhile one on Friday night last with a good victory over the home side. This was the first win for this team after two challenging opening games against St Martinsand Lisdowney.Glenmore put up stern resistance but the visitors were slightly sharper up front.
Galmoy/Windgap:Ryan Whelan,Alyn Hearne,Jack O Dwyer,Aidan Doyle,Dara Houlihan,Jack Egan,MikieSaunders,Aidan O Shea,Dara Enright,Tadhg Kennedy,JohnPower,Conor Power,Joe Moloney,Frankie Dollard,Shane Doyle.
Subs:Jules Seagrave for Shane Doyle,Jack Culleton for Joe Moloney,Cathal Barron for Aidan Doyle (inj.) and George Culleton for Alyn Hearne.
Glenmore:Mark Griffin,Colm Mackey,Fionn Murphy,ScottGarvey,Tommy Ryan,Mark Cody,Conor Doherty,RoryAtkins,Aaron Talbot,Sean Croke,Conor Walsh,HughBeirne,Stephen Grant,Seamus Harney,Sam McDonald.
Referee:Gavin Quilty (Slieverue)
