Eamon
Darmody Sports Turf Care U16C Mid Hurling Final
Durlas Óg 4-18 Upperchurch-Drombane 4-11
The Ragg has witnessed and played
host to many terrific matches already this year and the fixture between Durlas
Óg and Upperchurch-Drombane in the Eamon Darmody Sports Turf Care U16C
final will certainly be a contender for top spot at year’s end following their
wonderful match on Monday, September 1st last. In a game played with
a consistently high tempo the slicker movement and work rate of the Durlas Óg lads
ensured victory in a game full of superb skill and high entertainment.
Playing into the road goal Durlas Óg were off the mark immediately with the
superb Seamie Doyle opening his account inside the first minute. Not allowing
Upperchurch a chance to draw their breath the equally impressive Aidan Butler
shot over his first point almost instantly.
The ‘Church then took a huge grip on proceedings when a long ball in from
midfield came back off the upright with Darragh Carey Brennan following up
menacingly to whip the ball into the roof of the Durlas Óg net with a nice
touch of skill. Now settled the Upperchurch attack was starting to hum as was
perfectly illustrated by Michael Lavery whose super strike rocketed to the net
in the sixth minute.
Patrick Moloney having a fine game for Durlas Óg reduced the margin before
Packie Bourke scored his first of three for the night.
From then on Durlas Óg seized control and whizzed the ball about and gave the
Upperchurch defence a torrid time of it. Doyle, Adam Hickey and Butler were a
constant thorn to the ‘Church defence with Doyle hitting two to the net in side
two minutes midway through the half, his second executed brilliantly as he
doubled on an out coming breakdown ball struck back with interest to the
Upperchurch net, his side now in
command.
T.J. Butler at centre back for the ‘Church was playing out of his skin in
defensive mode and also was responsible for launching many of his sides forays
in attack. Up front Lavery and Bourke were the ones most to profit from
Butler’s deliveries. Bourke, Butler and Dean Carew all pointed for Upperchurch
as they gained a foothold again, but points including a brace from Aidan Butler
for Durlas Óg ensured his side would lead at the break 2-10 to 2-05.
Doyle commenced the second half for Durlas Óg as he did the first pointing in
under fifty seconds. Two more followed for Durlas Óg before Daniel Moloney
goaled for them in the eight minute.
Upperchurch though were never fazed and with TJ Butler moved further out field
his threat was imminent. Duly obliging he hit over a smashing point from the
right to settle his side, but the Durlas lads responded with three as they
pushed comfortably ahead. But from then on it was all Upperchurch for a spell
as they found their mojo and hurled with purpose and determination, Butler at
the helm. He brought the best out of
Christopher Carew in the Durlas goal as he saved Butler’s fine strike. Two
points followed for the ‘Church before Butler gave them renewed hope as he
rifled home a twenty metre free on seventeen minutes. Four minutes later Conor
Fahey was quickest to pounce on a long ball in from midfield as he too goaled
reducing the margin to five with plenty of time on the clock. Butler then
pointed a free to set up a mouth watering finale.
It was shoulders to the wheels from both sides now as they strove on to push
home their own advantage. It was Durlas Óg who had more in reserve, having
weathered the Upperchurch storm they pointed through Aidan Butler and when his
long free inside the last minute was broken down, Liam Power made no mistake
from close range to hit the net ensuring a terrific win for Durlas Óg after a
tremendous encounter with a battling and gallant Upperchurch-Drombane outfit.
Excellent performances from both sides ensured superb value for money for the
fine attendance present; among those already mentioned, Seamie
Doyle, Aidan Butler and Adam Hickey had a huge influence on this Durlas Óg
victory, as did Darren Fahey, Patrick Moloney, Mikey Stakelum and Rian
McDonnell. While for Upperchurch-Drombane, T.J. Butler was the main leader in
defence and inspiring in his attack, where Michael Lavery, Packie Bourke and
Darragh Carey Brennan gave their all too; in around the house Conor Ryan and
Dean Carew in midfield were others also to note for the future.
Durlas Óg captain, Jason Jordan then stepped forward to collect the cup from
Mid Coiste na nÓg Chairman, Joe O’Sullivan, with sponsor Eamon Darmody and
Coiste Secretary, Sally Young also present.
Durlas Óg; Christopher Carew, Mikey
Stakelum, Sean Barrett, Rian Mc Donnell, Evan Moore, Bill Shanahan, Daniel
Moloney 1-00, Patrick Moloney 01, Aidan Butler 08 (01f), William Creedon, Jason
Jordan (C) 01, Darren Fahey 03, Seamus Doyle 2-03, Michael Murphy 01f, Adam
Hickey 01, Subs; Liam Power 1-00, Adam Derby, Jack Bambrick, Aaron Martin,
Patrick Bowden, Jason Cullen, Shane Dunne, Shane Fitzpatrick, Jack Croke, Paddy
Dunican, Eoin Hickey
Upperchurch-Drombane; Oran Cullen
Gildea, Callum Murray, Conor Ryan, A.J. Shanahan, Denis Ryan, T.J. Butler 1-05
(1-03f), Patrick Buckley, Dean Carew 02, Conor Fahey 1-00, Michael Lavery 1-00,
Packie Bourke (C) 03, Eanna Ryan, Keith Ryan 01, Daragh Carey Brennan 1-00,
Patrick Clancy, Subs; Conor McLoughlin, Patrick Purcell.
Referee; P.J. Nolan (Killea)