Senior Hurling Championship 2014
May 10: Ferns St Aidans 0-14, Faythe Harriers 1-6
Ferns St Aidans struck a staggering 15 wides in the second-half alone but still came good in the end, hitting five points without reply in the last five minutes plus added time to see off Faythe
Harriers in a disappointing Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group B clash in Bellefield on Saturday last.
A lot was expected from this meeting of the last two beaten finalists, but neither got to grips with the swirling wind blowing into the right corner at the town end which completely dictated proceed-ings.
Faythe Harriers availed of it first, but they looked vulnerable at half-time when they only led by 0-5 to 0-4, with none of the forwards apart from Rhys Clarke making any worthwhile impression on a Ferns defence notable for the return of Pádraig Ryan to full-back.
It was poor fare throughout that opening half as the Wexford town team struck seven wides, although Paul Morris did produce some memorable moments as he knocked over three fine points into the wind with effortless ease.
Ferns also fashioned the only decent goal chance in the 21st minute, but veteran ‘Archie’ Scallan saved from Ian Byrne and John Breen’s follow-up rebounded back into play off the goalkeeper before Breen settled for a point.
Faythe Harriers were thrown a lifeline five minutes into the new half when the sliothar was picked off the ground by a defender and Rhys Clarke drove the resultant free to the net (1-5 to 0-4).They were destined to add just one more point though - from substitute Kevin Gore in the 54th minute to make it 1-6 to 0-9 - but a defence spearheaded by David Mooney and Richie Kehoe did try manfully to keep out wave after wave of Ferns attacks before eventually succumbing.
Some of the wides from the red and whites were horrendous, and they must have been thanking their lucky stars afterwards that they weren’t punished for them.
Midfielder Brendan Jordan had landed one monster free from just outside his own ‘D’ in the high-light of the third quarter, and their pressure eventually told as Ian Byrne, Jordan (two more frees), Christopher O’Connor and Tommy Dwyer split the posts in the closing stages to seal an unimpressive win.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-4, 3 frees), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-3, 2 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), John Breen (0-1), Derek Thorpe; Christopher O’Connor (0-1), Paul Morris (0-3), Ryan Nolan (0-1).
Faythe Harriers: Ian Scallan; Colm Heffernan, David Mooney (capt.), Brendan Mulligan; Lee Chin, Richie Kehoe, Alex Lynch; Alan Lynch, Nicky Lambert; Pádraigh Farrell, Barry Goff (0-1), Rhys Clarke (1-4, 1-2 frees); Paul Lambert, Jim Berry, John Bridges. Subs: Kevin Gore (0-1) for Alan Lynch (41), Wayne Mallon for Farrell (45).
Referee: Justin Heffernan (Blackwater).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 1-14, Buffers Alley 1-7
A third quarter destruction paved the way for Ferns St. Aidans to maintain their winning ways with a comfortable seven-point win over Buffers Alley in Group B of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship in Farmleigh on Sunday last.
Last year’s runners-up held a double scores 0-8 to 0-4 lead at the interval in this free-ridden encounter, and they upped the stakes on the re-start considerably as they hit 1-5 with just one point in reply over the next twelve minutes.
A shaky-looking Alley full-back line was ripped apart in that period as inside attackers Paul Morris (two) and Ryan Nolan picked off points after Ian Byrne split the posts just 16 seconds into the new half. Willie Doran provided the sole response from the Intermediate title holders, with Tommy Dwyer on target from a free before he rattled the net after playing a one-two with Morris to leave Ferns out of sight by the 42nd minute (1-13 to 0-5).
They won’t be happy with their failure to score again from play, as another Dwyer pointed free in the 54th minute was all they could muster. However, a defence well marshalled by Pádraig Ryan and Colm Whelan dealt capably with most of what the Alley had to offer, although the leaders did concede a goal early in the last quarter when Andrew Kenny’s shot went in off the hurl of netmin-der Michael Walsh (1-13 to 1-6).
This game never flowed, with 33 frees awarded (17 to Ferns) in the slippery underfoot conditions. Neither side created a goal chance of note in the first-half and it remained close throughout the first 20 minutes before three late points from Tommy Dwyer frees left the red and whites with that double scores interval lead.
Once they upped the tempo on the re-start there was only ever going to be one winner as the beaten finalists of 2013 did more than enough to claim outright leadership of the group after two rounds.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 1-5, 0-5 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), John Breen, Derek Thorpe (0-1); Christopher O’Connor (0-1), Paul Morris (0-3), Ryan Nolan (0-2). Subs: Jamie Whelan for Thorpe (58), Colin Leacy for D. Byrne (58), Thorpe for Nolan, inj. (61).
Buffers Alley: Darren O’Brien; Paudie Reidy, Bobby Kenny, Barry Kenny; Robert O’Leary, Ciarán Kenny, Kevin Roche; Shane Grannell (0-1), Seán Og Whelan; Cormac Foley, Andrew Kenny (1-2), Willie Doran (0-1); Pat Kenny (0-1), Keith Burke (0-2 frees), Tomás O’Leary (capt.). Sub: Paul O’Leary for Foley (29).
Referee: Joe Kelly (Naomh Eanna).
August 2: Ferns St Aidans 2-10, Glynn/Barntown 1-13
Ferns St. Aidan’s and Glynn-Barntown both remain unbeaten in Group B of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship after team captain John Leacy pointed a free with the last puck of the game to give the Wexford District side a deserved draw in a rain-lashed Oylegate on Saturday last.
A game spoiled by indecisive umpiring at both ends of the field ended in plenty of excitement as last year’s runners-up twice edged ahead by a point, but Glynn-Barntown showed a lot of charac-ter to peg them back on both occasions.
There was a key 20-second turnaround at the end of the third quarter when Paul Morris, surprisingly held scoreless from play, bore down on goal but saw his effort saved by county colleague Mark Fanning. The resultant Glynn-Barntown attack gave Gary Moore an opening but his effort was well stopped by Michael Walsh, only for John Leacy to bundle the rebound over the line.
It was a significant swing as, instead of stretching their lead to 3-7 to 0-11, Ferns now found themselves 1-11 to 2-7 in arrears. Christopher O’Connor brought them level and a nervy spell fol-lowed in the worsening conditions as Ferns hit two wides while their rivals had three before the next score.
It came in the 58th minute when a long Benny Jordan free found Jamie Whelan who pushed the Gorey District men into a narrow 2-9 to 1-11 lead.
Gary Moore showed good composure under pressure to equalise before John Leacy sent a scoreable free wide, but the five minutes of added time provided plenty of drama.
Benny Jordan converted a tricky free into the wind off the left touchline to edge Ferns in front once more, but a push on Barry Doyle close to goal gave Leacy another chance and he made no mistake this time with the last puck of a tight game.
Ferns now lead the way after three rounds with five points but Glynn-Barntown can feel well pleased with their efforts too as they are on four following a win over Cloughbawn and a draw with Rapparees.
With Michael O’Regan a notable absentee, they continued to place their faith in a lot of young players and made life as hard as possible for the side which beat them in last year’s semi-final by utilising Kevin Crean as an extra defender against the first-half wind.
Ian Byrne and Paul Morris weren’t as dominant as usual in general play which is a tribute to that back line, and their team as a whole was bolstered by a fine start which yielded points from John Leacy (two frees) and Gary Moore, with the latter effort only given by linesman John Carton after the umpires had waved it wide. It was one of four incidents, two at either end, where the men in white seemed very unsure of themselves and drew the ire of the crowd, while Ferns were also adamant that a first-half effort from John Breen had gone over when it wasn’t given.
While Benny Jordan and Christopher O’Connor got the favourites off the mark, a monster pointed free by Mark Fanning from his own ’45 into the elements left Glynn-Barntown ahead by 0-4 to 0-2.
However, they lost that advantage in the 13th minute when a long Michael Walsh puck-out went all the way to John Breen lurking close to the ’21 and he made no mistake with the opening goal.
The red and whites went on to lead by 2-6 to 0-8 at half-time, with Christopher O’Connor getting the second major in the 27th minute when a high delivery from Tommy Dwyer broke into his path.
Glynn-Barntown had to be patient in a low-scoring third quarter with the elements now in their favour as they eventually narrowed the gap to 2-7 to 0-11 thanks to points from a John Leacy ’65, the impressive Alan Cowman and Pádraic Weafer.
That Leacy goal set an eventful closing 15 minutes in motion, with both sides deserving to leave the venue with something to show for their efforts.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Benny Jordan (0-2, 1 free), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-3, 2 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), Paul Morris, John Breen (1-1); Ryan Nolan, Jamie Whelan (0-1), Christopher O’Connor (1-2). Sub: Derek Thorpe for Nolan (37).
Glynn-Barntown: Mark Fanning (0-1 free); Pádraig Donnelly, Jack Fenlon, P.J. Carley; Rowan White, Brendan Doyle, Calum O’Shea; Alan Cowman (0-3), Barry Doyle; Kevin Crean, John Leacy (capt., 1-5, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ’65), Michael Doyle; Pádraic Weafer (0-1), Gary Moore (0-3), Matthew Joyce. Subs: Ian Moran for Joyce (38), Daire Barron for Weafer (55).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard)
August 12: Ferns St Aidans 0-15, Cloughbawn 1-12
IT TOOK a late Tommy Dwyer point to save Ferns St. Aidan’s from a surprise defeat in St. Patrick’s Park on Tuesday last as Cloughbawn kept in contention for a place in the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship quarter-finals with a battling Group B draw.
A win over Buffers Alley will now earn that place in last eight, and this share of the spoils was no more than they deserved as Ferns failed to fire on full cylinders for the second game running.
Last year’s runners-up were too intent on seeking early goals and lost handy points in the process, although they still led by 0-6 to 0-3 early in the third quarter. Harry Kehoe hit back with a brace, and the margin remained at one by half-time (0-9 to 0-8) after Paul Morris was unfortunate to see an attempt for goal come back off the woodwork.
The tight nature of proceedings continued on the re-start as Tommy Dwyer converted two Ferns frees while Barry Kehoe and Harry Kehoe (free) replied for Cloughbawn.
Another placed ball from the latter levelled matters, but they looked to be heading for a narrow defeat they didn’t deserve when Dwyer (free) and Benny Jordan from distance edged Ferns in front by 0-14 to 0-12 with four minutes to go.
However, all was not lost for Cloughbawn as Joey Lawlor set up Harry Kehoe for the lead-taking goal before Ferns lost Ryan Nolan to a straight red card for an off-the-ball offence.
It needed a late Tommy Dwyer free to earn the pre-match favourites their second successive draw, and even after that Cloughbawn had a couple of chances to snatch victory which came to nothing.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Colin Leacy; Benny Jordan (0-1), Declan Byrne (0-1); Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-6 frees), Ian Byrne (0-2), John Breen (0-2); Paul Morris (0-2), Jamie Whelan, Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Ryan Nolan for J. Whelan, Derek Thorpe for Leacy.
Cloughbawn: Noel Carton; Cathal Spratt, Tomás Furlong, Corey Bolger; Gavin Murphy, Barry Kehoe (0-1), M.J. Furlong; Davin Murphy (0-1), Páidí Cullen (0-1); Robert Whitty, Alan Carton, Barry Carton; Paul Foley (0-2), Joey Lawlor (capt., 0-2, 1 free), Harry Kehoe (1-5, 0-3 frees). Subs: David Doyle-Murphy for Spratt, Leslie Monahan for Bolger.
Referee: David O’Leary (Rathnure).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 1-15, Rapparees 0-9
Ferns St Aidans secured top spot in Group B of the Pettitt's Senior hurling championship in Farmleigh on Sunday last and in doing so inflicted Rapparees’ first defeat of the season on the Bellefield boys.
The win was only secured with a final quarter burst from last year’s beaten finalists, but in truth the pressure was building on their overly-cautious opponents as the second-half progressed. Rathnure will now be their last eight opponents, a re-match of last year’s quarter-final which Ferns won going away.
Rapparees shot themselves in the foot here. Leading by 0-9 to 0-7 at the break, the Enniscorthy town side failed to score in the second-half and rarely threatened to do so. Their defence actually played well but they were aided by Ricky Fox sitting in and allowing Declan Ruth to sweep.
However, there was no out ball for Rapparees, and no inspiration, and they let their understrength opposition dominate the middle third. Only Ferns' profligacy stopped the victors getting in front ear-lier but once they got ahead there was only one winner.
Playing with the breeze, Rapparees did enough to earn the interval lead. The game wasn't good though, as too many lazy fouls, perpetrated by both sides, led to lots of stopping and starting. Tommy Dwyer got four points in the half, Christopher O'Connor scored a brace and Pádraig Bolger also registered but they were still behind.
Rapparees led through Ruth in the opening minute and never trailed in the period. Kevin Foley scored a double, Tomás Mahon got a treble, Jack Kelly notched the point of the half while both corner-forwards also registered for their side’s two-point interval lead.
Only a superb Brendan Jordan point troubled the flagmen in the first 17 minutes of the second-half. However, when John Breen's flipped ball over the top was batted to the net by 'Bitsy' O'Connor, the writing was on the wall for Rapparees.
Ferns’ defence continued to dominate; Pádraig Ryan was probably the best 'Ryan' on the field on the day and that was saying something. Points started to flow, undoubtedly helped by the introduc-tion of the half-injured Paul Morris.
Morris got two points of the seven his side scored in the last eleven minutes, as did Tommy Dwyer and O'Connor, while Ian Byrne also hit the target to send Ferns clear and condemn Rapparees to defeat and a quarter-final clash with Shelmaliers.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Declan Byrne; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-6, 5 frees); Pádraig Bolger (0-1), John Breen, Ian Byrne (0-1); Derek Thorpe, Jamie Whelan, Christopher O'Connor (1-4). Subs: Paul Morris (0-2) for Whelan (43), Ben Cowman for Thorpe (50).
Rapparees: Eamonn Furlong; Ben Edwards, Liam Ryan, John Ryan; Jack Kelly (0-1), Declan Ruth (0-1 free), Peter O'Sullivan; Kevin Courtney, Ricky Fox; Tomás Mahon (0-3, 2 frees), Tom Wall, Eoin Quigley; James Peare (0-1), Kevin Foley (0-2), Tommy Foley (0-1). Subs: Kevin Ryan for Quigley (43), Anthony Russell for Courtney (54), Darragh Pepper for Peare (56).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard)
September 20, quarter-final: Ferns St Aidans 1-25, Rathnure 2-17
Ferns St Aidans took another giant step towards that elusive senior title, striking six points to their opponents’ one through the closing eight minutes to brush aside a stern Rathnure challenge in this bruising Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final at Bellefield on Saturday last.
The uncompromising nature of the exchanges saw this game hang in the balance right up to that closing spell, a spell where the superior stickwork and fitness of Ferns eventually won through to a deserved victory, albeit by a somewhat flattering six point margin in the end.
The foundations for the Ferns victory through that closing spell were laid through the accuracy of Tommy Dwyer’s free-taking, while both Paul Morris and Ian Byrne suddenly imposed themselves on proceedings as they created a gap against a tiring Rathnure outfit whose challenge faded in the closing exchanges, as last year’s beaten finalists and this year’s league winners suddenly pulled clear.
But for lengthy periods of this game, a shock looked on the cards as Rathnure took on the challenge, imposing their own direct brand of hurling on the game. They dug deep, particularly during a spell in the second half after they had fallen four points adrift (1-14 to 0-13) after 41 minutes.
They got back level in a three-minute spell, while a Jack Guiney pointed free one minute later had them amazingly one point in front.
Rathnure had set the tone, and when a 47th minute Richie Flynn goal had them 2-15 to 1-15 ahead, the challenge was laid down for Ferns.
They got the wake-up call, responded positively with a powerful closing 13 minutes as they broke up the Rathnure resistance with some excellent point-taking that ultimately got them over the line.
After John Breen and Jack Guiney (‘65’) had exchanged opening points, Rathnure led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the end of the opening quarter. With Anthony O’Connell picking off some excellent points from his new wing forward role, Rathnure built up a 0-8 to 0-5 lead by the 24th minute, but a flurry of points from Ian Byrne, Johnny Dwyer, Tommy Dwyer and Paul Morris saw Ferns respond and left them leading by 0-10 to 0-9 at the interval.
When the need was greatest, veteran Robbie Codd stepped in with two early second half points for Rathnure, with a further Shane Lalor point giving them a 0-12 to 0-10 lead three minutes into the second period.
Two Tommy Dwyer pointed frees kept Ferns in contention, but a dreadful defensive error after 37 minutes handed Ferns the game’s opening goal, with two defenders colliding under a dropping ball and leaving Christopher O’Connor in a one-on-one with the Rathnure goalkeeper, Dermot Flynn. The diminutive corner forward crashed to the net, giving his side a 1-12 to 0-12 lead.
Many a team would have been sunk by this mistake, but Rathnure powered back, with Robbie Codd crashing home a great 44th minute goal to level the sides, and then came Flynn’s goal two minutes later from a Codd lay-off to power his side to a 2-15 to 1-15 lead.
Ferns needed someone to step up to the mark and it was the excellent free-taking of Tommy Dwyer that led the way as he struck five points during that closing twelve-minute spell, two from play via the middle of the field.
During the closing 13 minutes Rathnure could only muster a further two points through two Jack Guiney efforts, one from a free, and this was no way near enough to hold off that Ferns victory surge.
This was the second year in a row for the Gorey District side to deny their black and amber rivals at the quarter-final stage.
And with their conquerors in last year’s final, Oulart-The Ballagh, now departed from the race, Ferns will be fancied by many to go that one step further and bring home a cherished senior hurling championship crown.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Declan Byrne; Brendan Jordan (0-1, free), Tommy Dwyer (0-11, 0-6 frees, 0-1 ‘65’); Pádraig Bolger, Ian Byrne (0-3), Jonny Dwyer (0-1); Paul Morris (0-4), John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor (1-2). Subs: Ciarán Roberts for Declan Byrne; Ryan Nolan (0-1) for Bailey; Jamie Whelan (0-1) for Jordan; Ben Cowman for O’Connor.
Rathnure: Dermot Flynn; Chris Redmond, Brendan O’Leary, Michael O’Leary; Brian Quigley, John O’Connor, Podge Doyle; Paddy Whitley (0-1), Aidan Redmond (0-1); Shane Lawlor (0-1), Michael Redmond, Anthony O’Connell (0-4); Ciarán O’Connor, Robbie Codd (1-3), Jack Guiney (0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-2 ‘65’). Sub: Richie Flynn (1-0) for Michael Redmond.
Referee: Sean Whelan (St Martins).
October 5, semi-final: Shelmaliers 1-11, Ferns St Aidans 0-11
Emerging from years of underage success, this current crop of Shelmaliers players have put the club on the map as they shocked championship favourites Ferns St Aidans with a dramatic three-point victory in this exciting Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
Shelmaliers are still on course for the greatest year in the club’s history, as their dream of the senior double is still very much alive thanks to an opportunist 46th minute goal from the impressive Joe Kelly, who is enjoying a rich vein of form in recent games.
Times have changed for the Over the Water men. Having found it difficult to bring their underage talent through, this victory will come as a huge boost for a club that is making so much progress on the field over the past few matches.
While it’s not their first time contesting such high-stake games, it was their ability to finally deliver on all that rich underage promise that has eventually caught the eye. It has been a stunning period for the club and now they are just sixty minutes away from their first-ever county senior hurling title.
For Ferns, it was the ultimate collapse. They seemed to be plodding their way through this game, but their tally of wides - 14 in all - came back to haunt them, particularly after Kelly had struck for the game’s only goal.
From the perspective of a gameplan they totally lost their way in the final quarter, a period when they had just three attackers placed down the centre after falling behind, with no options down either flank. Midfield had drifted deep back into the half-back line, leaving the Shels to grasp the situation, and how they relished their new-found dominance as they drove on for a fully deserved three-point victory in the end.
All year, Shelmaliers had been struggling to bring consistency to their game. This they managed to achieve in recent outings as many of their players finally stood up to the challenges, none more so that centre back Clive Lawlor, who had an outstanding sixty minutes, while the Doyle brothers, Eoin and Brian, grasped the game in midfield.
This proved the inspiration as Joe Kelly’s coring flourish unhinged the Ferns defence, along with Brian Malone’s ability to win possession and use it well.
This defeat will be a huge blow for Ferns as, having lost last year’s final, and given the make-up of the semi-finalists with Oulart/The Ballagh gone, they were everyone’s favourites to finally get over the line. But their final quarter collapse was totally unexpected as their game fell into total disarray, with no composure or plan to their approach as the players seemed lost for alternatives once the Shels struck with their victory effort.
Still, it was Ferns who had begun the stronger. Just two minutes into the game, Ian Byrne forced a great save out of ’keeper Brian Murphy, with Paul Morris shooting the game’s opening point after six minutes. Joe Kelly and Tommy Dwyer exchanged pointed frees, before Ferns swept into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead by the 13th minute through points by Paul Morris, Jonny Dywer and Ian Byrne.
The accuracy of Joe Kelly along with points from Brian Malone and a long-range Brian Doyle effort kept Shels in touch, while Ferns responded with points from Paul Morris and a Dwyer free, leaving the North Wexford men ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval.
Ferns, mainly through their lack of a goal-scoring forward, have been struggling to put teams away. During the opening exchanges on the resumption, John Breen and Benny Jordan tagged on Ferns points, while Joe Kelly (free) and Eoin Doyle chipped in with points for Shels in between.
After 41 minutes, Ian Byrne stretched Ferns into a 0-10 to 0-7 lead, but amazingly they could manage only one further point for the remainder of the game: a Dwyer free from the sideline with five minutes remaining.
The Shels still scented victory. Clive Lalwor and Eoin Doyle were continually driving their side forward. Joe Kelly pointed a free, and then came the goal on 46 minutes that changed the whole course of the game.
A long ball was floated in by Conor Walsh and when Simon Donohoe’s shot was smothered, the break fell into the path of the inrushing Joe Kelly, who had switched to corner forward, and he cooly drilled a ground shot to the net to give his side a 1-8 to 0-10 lead - the first time they were in front in the game.
Shelmaliers now exploded into the game, with Kelly sending over a huge 75-metre free to extend the lead. While Dwyer’s pointed free reduced the deficit to the minimum (1-9 to 0-11), Kelly once again stamped his class on the game by lofting over an 80-metre free, with Ciarán O’Shaughnessy completing the scoring two minutes into injury time.
It was joy for Shels on the final whistle, but soul-destroying for Ferns.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-2), Paul Morris (0-3), Jonny Dwyer (0-1); Ryan Nolan, John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor. Subs: Jamie Whelan for J Dwyer (45); Derek Thorpe for Nolan, inj. (52); Pádraig Bolger for Jordan.
Shelmaliers: Brian Murphy; Simon Donohoe, Aidan Murphy, André O’Brien; Conor Walsh, Clive Lawlor, Aidan Cash; Eoin Doyle (0-1), Brian Doyle (0-1); Joe Kelly (1-7, 0-7 frees), Brian Malone (0-1), Benn Barron; James Cash, Stephen Banville, Ciarán O’Shaughnessy (0-1). Sub: Noel Mythen for Banville (60)
Referee: Pat Kehoe (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown)
Ferns St Aidans struck a staggering 15 wides in the second-half alone but still came good in the end, hitting five points without reply in the last five minutes plus added time to see off Faythe
Harriers in a disappointing Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship Group B clash in Bellefield on Saturday last.
A lot was expected from this meeting of the last two beaten finalists, but neither got to grips with the swirling wind blowing into the right corner at the town end which completely dictated proceed-ings.
Faythe Harriers availed of it first, but they looked vulnerable at half-time when they only led by 0-5 to 0-4, with none of the forwards apart from Rhys Clarke making any worthwhile impression on a Ferns defence notable for the return of Pádraig Ryan to full-back.
It was poor fare throughout that opening half as the Wexford town team struck seven wides, although Paul Morris did produce some memorable moments as he knocked over three fine points into the wind with effortless ease.
Ferns also fashioned the only decent goal chance in the 21st minute, but veteran ‘Archie’ Scallan saved from Ian Byrne and John Breen’s follow-up rebounded back into play off the goalkeeper before Breen settled for a point.
Faythe Harriers were thrown a lifeline five minutes into the new half when the sliothar was picked off the ground by a defender and Rhys Clarke drove the resultant free to the net (1-5 to 0-4).They were destined to add just one more point though - from substitute Kevin Gore in the 54th minute to make it 1-6 to 0-9 - but a defence spearheaded by David Mooney and Richie Kehoe did try manfully to keep out wave after wave of Ferns attacks before eventually succumbing.
Some of the wides from the red and whites were horrendous, and they must have been thanking their lucky stars afterwards that they weren’t punished for them.
Midfielder Brendan Jordan had landed one monster free from just outside his own ‘D’ in the high-light of the third quarter, and their pressure eventually told as Ian Byrne, Jordan (two more frees), Christopher O’Connor and Tommy Dwyer split the posts in the closing stages to seal an unimpressive win.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-4, 3 frees), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-3, 2 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), John Breen (0-1), Derek Thorpe; Christopher O’Connor (0-1), Paul Morris (0-3), Ryan Nolan (0-1).
Faythe Harriers: Ian Scallan; Colm Heffernan, David Mooney (capt.), Brendan Mulligan; Lee Chin, Richie Kehoe, Alex Lynch; Alan Lynch, Nicky Lambert; Pádraigh Farrell, Barry Goff (0-1), Rhys Clarke (1-4, 1-2 frees); Paul Lambert, Jim Berry, John Bridges. Subs: Kevin Gore (0-1) for Alan Lynch (41), Wayne Mallon for Farrell (45).
Referee: Justin Heffernan (Blackwater).
May 18: Ferns St Aidans 1-14, Buffers Alley 1-7
A third quarter destruction paved the way for Ferns St. Aidans to maintain their winning ways with a comfortable seven-point win over Buffers Alley in Group B of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship in Farmleigh on Sunday last.
Last year’s runners-up held a double scores 0-8 to 0-4 lead at the interval in this free-ridden encounter, and they upped the stakes on the re-start considerably as they hit 1-5 with just one point in reply over the next twelve minutes.
A shaky-looking Alley full-back line was ripped apart in that period as inside attackers Paul Morris (two) and Ryan Nolan picked off points after Ian Byrne split the posts just 16 seconds into the new half. Willie Doran provided the sole response from the Intermediate title holders, with Tommy Dwyer on target from a free before he rattled the net after playing a one-two with Morris to leave Ferns out of sight by the 42nd minute (1-13 to 0-5).
They won’t be happy with their failure to score again from play, as another Dwyer pointed free in the 54th minute was all they could muster. However, a defence well marshalled by Pádraig Ryan and Colm Whelan dealt capably with most of what the Alley had to offer, although the leaders did concede a goal early in the last quarter when Andrew Kenny’s shot went in off the hurl of netmin-der Michael Walsh (1-13 to 1-6).
This game never flowed, with 33 frees awarded (17 to Ferns) in the slippery underfoot conditions. Neither side created a goal chance of note in the first-half and it remained close throughout the first 20 minutes before three late points from Tommy Dwyer frees left the red and whites with that double scores interval lead.
Once they upped the tempo on the re-start there was only ever going to be one winner as the beaten finalists of 2013 did more than enough to claim outright leadership of the group after two rounds.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 1-5, 0-5 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), John Breen, Derek Thorpe (0-1); Christopher O’Connor (0-1), Paul Morris (0-3), Ryan Nolan (0-2). Subs: Jamie Whelan for Thorpe (58), Colin Leacy for D. Byrne (58), Thorpe for Nolan, inj. (61).
Buffers Alley: Darren O’Brien; Paudie Reidy, Bobby Kenny, Barry Kenny; Robert O’Leary, Ciarán Kenny, Kevin Roche; Shane Grannell (0-1), Seán Og Whelan; Cormac Foley, Andrew Kenny (1-2), Willie Doran (0-1); Pat Kenny (0-1), Keith Burke (0-2 frees), Tomás O’Leary (capt.). Sub: Paul O’Leary for Foley (29).
Referee: Joe Kelly (Naomh Eanna).
August 2: Ferns St Aidans 2-10, Glynn/Barntown 1-13
Ferns St. Aidan’s and Glynn-Barntown both remain unbeaten in Group B of the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship after team captain John Leacy pointed a free with the last puck of the game to give the Wexford District side a deserved draw in a rain-lashed Oylegate on Saturday last.
A game spoiled by indecisive umpiring at both ends of the field ended in plenty of excitement as last year’s runners-up twice edged ahead by a point, but Glynn-Barntown showed a lot of charac-ter to peg them back on both occasions.
There was a key 20-second turnaround at the end of the third quarter when Paul Morris, surprisingly held scoreless from play, bore down on goal but saw his effort saved by county colleague Mark Fanning. The resultant Glynn-Barntown attack gave Gary Moore an opening but his effort was well stopped by Michael Walsh, only for John Leacy to bundle the rebound over the line.
It was a significant swing as, instead of stretching their lead to 3-7 to 0-11, Ferns now found themselves 1-11 to 2-7 in arrears. Christopher O’Connor brought them level and a nervy spell fol-lowed in the worsening conditions as Ferns hit two wides while their rivals had three before the next score.
It came in the 58th minute when a long Benny Jordan free found Jamie Whelan who pushed the Gorey District men into a narrow 2-9 to 1-11 lead.
Gary Moore showed good composure under pressure to equalise before John Leacy sent a scoreable free wide, but the five minutes of added time provided plenty of drama.
Benny Jordan converted a tricky free into the wind off the left touchline to edge Ferns in front once more, but a push on Barry Doyle close to goal gave Leacy another chance and he made no mistake this time with the last puck of a tight game.
Ferns now lead the way after three rounds with five points but Glynn-Barntown can feel well pleased with their efforts too as they are on four following a win over Cloughbawn and a draw with Rapparees.
With Michael O’Regan a notable absentee, they continued to place their faith in a lot of young players and made life as hard as possible for the side which beat them in last year’s semi-final by utilising Kevin Crean as an extra defender against the first-half wind.
Ian Byrne and Paul Morris weren’t as dominant as usual in general play which is a tribute to that back line, and their team as a whole was bolstered by a fine start which yielded points from John Leacy (two frees) and Gary Moore, with the latter effort only given by linesman John Carton after the umpires had waved it wide. It was one of four incidents, two at either end, where the men in white seemed very unsure of themselves and drew the ire of the crowd, while Ferns were also adamant that a first-half effort from John Breen had gone over when it wasn’t given.
While Benny Jordan and Christopher O’Connor got the favourites off the mark, a monster pointed free by Mark Fanning from his own ’45 into the elements left Glynn-Barntown ahead by 0-4 to 0-2.
However, they lost that advantage in the 13th minute when a long Michael Walsh puck-out went all the way to John Breen lurking close to the ’21 and he made no mistake with the opening goal.
The red and whites went on to lead by 2-6 to 0-8 at half-time, with Christopher O’Connor getting the second major in the 27th minute when a high delivery from Tommy Dwyer broke into his path.
Glynn-Barntown had to be patient in a low-scoring third quarter with the elements now in their favour as they eventually narrowed the gap to 2-7 to 0-11 thanks to points from a John Leacy ’65, the impressive Alan Cowman and Pádraic Weafer.
That Leacy goal set an eventful closing 15 minutes in motion, with both sides deserving to leave the venue with something to show for their efforts.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Declan Byrne, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Benny Jordan (0-2, 1 free), Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-3, 2 frees); Ian Byrne (0-1), Paul Morris, John Breen (1-1); Ryan Nolan, Jamie Whelan (0-1), Christopher O’Connor (1-2). Sub: Derek Thorpe for Nolan (37).
Glynn-Barntown: Mark Fanning (0-1 free); Pádraig Donnelly, Jack Fenlon, P.J. Carley; Rowan White, Brendan Doyle, Calum O’Shea; Alan Cowman (0-3), Barry Doyle; Kevin Crean, John Leacy (capt., 1-5, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ’65), Michael Doyle; Pádraic Weafer (0-1), Gary Moore (0-3), Matthew Joyce. Subs: Ian Moran for Joyce (38), Daire Barron for Weafer (55).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard)
August 12: Ferns St Aidans 0-15, Cloughbawn 1-12
IT TOOK a late Tommy Dwyer point to save Ferns St. Aidan’s from a surprise defeat in St. Patrick’s Park on Tuesday last as Cloughbawn kept in contention for a place in the Pettitt’s Senior hurling championship quarter-finals with a battling Group B draw.
A win over Buffers Alley will now earn that place in last eight, and this share of the spoils was no more than they deserved as Ferns failed to fire on full cylinders for the second game running.
Last year’s runners-up were too intent on seeking early goals and lost handy points in the process, although they still led by 0-6 to 0-3 early in the third quarter. Harry Kehoe hit back with a brace, and the margin remained at one by half-time (0-9 to 0-8) after Paul Morris was unfortunate to see an attempt for goal come back off the woodwork.
The tight nature of proceedings continued on the re-start as Tommy Dwyer converted two Ferns frees while Barry Kehoe and Harry Kehoe (free) replied for Cloughbawn.
Another placed ball from the latter levelled matters, but they looked to be heading for a narrow defeat they didn’t deserve when Dwyer (free) and Benny Jordan from distance edged Ferns in front by 0-14 to 0-12 with four minutes to go.
However, all was not lost for Cloughbawn as Joey Lawlor set up Harry Kehoe for the lead-taking goal before Ferns lost Ryan Nolan to a straight red card for an off-the-ball offence.
It needed a late Tommy Dwyer free to earn the pre-match favourites their second successive draw, and even after that Cloughbawn had a couple of chances to snatch victory which came to nothing.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Colin Leacy; Benny Jordan (0-1), Declan Byrne (0-1); Tommy Dwyer (capt., 0-6 frees), Ian Byrne (0-2), John Breen (0-2); Paul Morris (0-2), Jamie Whelan, Christopher O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Ryan Nolan for J. Whelan, Derek Thorpe for Leacy.
Cloughbawn: Noel Carton; Cathal Spratt, Tomás Furlong, Corey Bolger; Gavin Murphy, Barry Kehoe (0-1), M.J. Furlong; Davin Murphy (0-1), Páidí Cullen (0-1); Robert Whitty, Alan Carton, Barry Carton; Paul Foley (0-2), Joey Lawlor (capt., 0-2, 1 free), Harry Kehoe (1-5, 0-3 frees). Subs: David Doyle-Murphy for Spratt, Leslie Monahan for Bolger.
Referee: David O’Leary (Rathnure).
August 31: Ferns St Aidans 1-15, Rapparees 0-9
Ferns St Aidans secured top spot in Group B of the Pettitt's Senior hurling championship in Farmleigh on Sunday last and in doing so inflicted Rapparees’ first defeat of the season on the Bellefield boys.
The win was only secured with a final quarter burst from last year’s beaten finalists, but in truth the pressure was building on their overly-cautious opponents as the second-half progressed. Rathnure will now be their last eight opponents, a re-match of last year’s quarter-final which Ferns won going away.
Rapparees shot themselves in the foot here. Leading by 0-9 to 0-7 at the break, the Enniscorthy town side failed to score in the second-half and rarely threatened to do so. Their defence actually played well but they were aided by Ricky Fox sitting in and allowing Declan Ruth to sweep.
However, there was no out ball for Rapparees, and no inspiration, and they let their understrength opposition dominate the middle third. Only Ferns' profligacy stopped the victors getting in front ear-lier but once they got ahead there was only one winner.
Playing with the breeze, Rapparees did enough to earn the interval lead. The game wasn't good though, as too many lazy fouls, perpetrated by both sides, led to lots of stopping and starting. Tommy Dwyer got four points in the half, Christopher O'Connor scored a brace and Pádraig Bolger also registered but they were still behind.
Rapparees led through Ruth in the opening minute and never trailed in the period. Kevin Foley scored a double, Tomás Mahon got a treble, Jack Kelly notched the point of the half while both corner-forwards also registered for their side’s two-point interval lead.
Only a superb Brendan Jordan point troubled the flagmen in the first 17 minutes of the second-half. However, when John Breen's flipped ball over the top was batted to the net by 'Bitsy' O'Connor, the writing was on the wall for Rapparees.
Ferns’ defence continued to dominate; Pádraig Ryan was probably the best 'Ryan' on the field on the day and that was saying something. Points started to flow, undoubtedly helped by the introduc-tion of the half-injured Paul Morris.
Morris got two points of the seven his side scored in the last eleven minutes, as did Tommy Dwyer and O'Connor, while Ian Byrne also hit the target to send Ferns clear and condemn Rapparees to defeat and a quarter-final clash with Shelmaliers.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Declan Byrne; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-6, 5 frees); Pádraig Bolger (0-1), John Breen, Ian Byrne (0-1); Derek Thorpe, Jamie Whelan, Christopher O'Connor (1-4). Subs: Paul Morris (0-2) for Whelan (43), Ben Cowman for Thorpe (50).
Rapparees: Eamonn Furlong; Ben Edwards, Liam Ryan, John Ryan; Jack Kelly (0-1), Declan Ruth (0-1 free), Peter O'Sullivan; Kevin Courtney, Ricky Fox; Tomás Mahon (0-3, 2 frees), Tom Wall, Eoin Quigley; James Peare (0-1), Kevin Foley (0-2), Tommy Foley (0-1). Subs: Kevin Ryan for Quigley (43), Anthony Russell for Courtney (54), Darragh Pepper for Peare (56).
Referee: Barry Redmond (Clonard)
September 20, quarter-final: Ferns St Aidans 1-25, Rathnure 2-17
Ferns St Aidans took another giant step towards that elusive senior title, striking six points to their opponents’ one through the closing eight minutes to brush aside a stern Rathnure challenge in this bruising Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final at Bellefield on Saturday last.
The uncompromising nature of the exchanges saw this game hang in the balance right up to that closing spell, a spell where the superior stickwork and fitness of Ferns eventually won through to a deserved victory, albeit by a somewhat flattering six point margin in the end.
The foundations for the Ferns victory through that closing spell were laid through the accuracy of Tommy Dwyer’s free-taking, while both Paul Morris and Ian Byrne suddenly imposed themselves on proceedings as they created a gap against a tiring Rathnure outfit whose challenge faded in the closing exchanges, as last year’s beaten finalists and this year’s league winners suddenly pulled clear.
But for lengthy periods of this game, a shock looked on the cards as Rathnure took on the challenge, imposing their own direct brand of hurling on the game. They dug deep, particularly during a spell in the second half after they had fallen four points adrift (1-14 to 0-13) after 41 minutes.
They got back level in a three-minute spell, while a Jack Guiney pointed free one minute later had them amazingly one point in front.
Rathnure had set the tone, and when a 47th minute Richie Flynn goal had them 2-15 to 1-15 ahead, the challenge was laid down for Ferns.
They got the wake-up call, responded positively with a powerful closing 13 minutes as they broke up the Rathnure resistance with some excellent point-taking that ultimately got them over the line.
After John Breen and Jack Guiney (‘65’) had exchanged opening points, Rathnure led by 0-5 to 0-3 at the end of the opening quarter. With Anthony O’Connell picking off some excellent points from his new wing forward role, Rathnure built up a 0-8 to 0-5 lead by the 24th minute, but a flurry of points from Ian Byrne, Johnny Dwyer, Tommy Dwyer and Paul Morris saw Ferns respond and left them leading by 0-10 to 0-9 at the interval.
When the need was greatest, veteran Robbie Codd stepped in with two early second half points for Rathnure, with a further Shane Lalor point giving them a 0-12 to 0-10 lead three minutes into the second period.
Two Tommy Dwyer pointed frees kept Ferns in contention, but a dreadful defensive error after 37 minutes handed Ferns the game’s opening goal, with two defenders colliding under a dropping ball and leaving Christopher O’Connor in a one-on-one with the Rathnure goalkeeper, Dermot Flynn. The diminutive corner forward crashed to the net, giving his side a 1-12 to 0-12 lead.
Many a team would have been sunk by this mistake, but Rathnure powered back, with Robbie Codd crashing home a great 44th minute goal to level the sides, and then came Flynn’s goal two minutes later from a Codd lay-off to power his side to a 2-15 to 1-15 lead.
Ferns needed someone to step up to the mark and it was the excellent free-taking of Tommy Dwyer that led the way as he struck five points during that closing twelve-minute spell, two from play via the middle of the field.
During the closing 13 minutes Rathnure could only muster a further two points through two Jack Guiney efforts, one from a free, and this was no way near enough to hold off that Ferns victory surge.
This was the second year in a row for the Gorey District side to deny their black and amber rivals at the quarter-final stage.
And with their conquerors in last year’s final, Oulart-The Ballagh, now departed from the race, Ferns will be fancied by many to go that one step further and bring home a cherished senior hurling championship crown.
Ferns St Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Declan Byrne; Brendan Jordan (0-1, free), Tommy Dwyer (0-11, 0-6 frees, 0-1 ‘65’); Pádraig Bolger, Ian Byrne (0-3), Jonny Dwyer (0-1); Paul Morris (0-4), John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor (1-2). Subs: Ciarán Roberts for Declan Byrne; Ryan Nolan (0-1) for Bailey; Jamie Whelan (0-1) for Jordan; Ben Cowman for O’Connor.
Rathnure: Dermot Flynn; Chris Redmond, Brendan O’Leary, Michael O’Leary; Brian Quigley, John O’Connor, Podge Doyle; Paddy Whitley (0-1), Aidan Redmond (0-1); Shane Lawlor (0-1), Michael Redmond, Anthony O’Connell (0-4); Ciarán O’Connor, Robbie Codd (1-3), Jack Guiney (0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-2 ‘65’). Sub: Richie Flynn (1-0) for Michael Redmond.
Referee: Sean Whelan (St Martins).
October 5, semi-final: Shelmaliers 1-11, Ferns St Aidans 0-11
Emerging from years of underage success, this current crop of Shelmaliers players have put the club on the map as they shocked championship favourites Ferns St Aidans with a dramatic three-point victory in this exciting Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Wexford Park on Sunday last.
Shelmaliers are still on course for the greatest year in the club’s history, as their dream of the senior double is still very much alive thanks to an opportunist 46th minute goal from the impressive Joe Kelly, who is enjoying a rich vein of form in recent games.
Times have changed for the Over the Water men. Having found it difficult to bring their underage talent through, this victory will come as a huge boost for a club that is making so much progress on the field over the past few matches.
While it’s not their first time contesting such high-stake games, it was their ability to finally deliver on all that rich underage promise that has eventually caught the eye. It has been a stunning period for the club and now they are just sixty minutes away from their first-ever county senior hurling title.
For Ferns, it was the ultimate collapse. They seemed to be plodding their way through this game, but their tally of wides - 14 in all - came back to haunt them, particularly after Kelly had struck for the game’s only goal.
From the perspective of a gameplan they totally lost their way in the final quarter, a period when they had just three attackers placed down the centre after falling behind, with no options down either flank. Midfield had drifted deep back into the half-back line, leaving the Shels to grasp the situation, and how they relished their new-found dominance as they drove on for a fully deserved three-point victory in the end.
All year, Shelmaliers had been struggling to bring consistency to their game. This they managed to achieve in recent outings as many of their players finally stood up to the challenges, none more so that centre back Clive Lawlor, who had an outstanding sixty minutes, while the Doyle brothers, Eoin and Brian, grasped the game in midfield.
This proved the inspiration as Joe Kelly’s coring flourish unhinged the Ferns defence, along with Brian Malone’s ability to win possession and use it well.
This defeat will be a huge blow for Ferns as, having lost last year’s final, and given the make-up of the semi-finalists with Oulart/The Ballagh gone, they were everyone’s favourites to finally get over the line. But their final quarter collapse was totally unexpected as their game fell into total disarray, with no composure or plan to their approach as the players seemed lost for alternatives once the Shels struck with their victory effort.
Still, it was Ferns who had begun the stronger. Just two minutes into the game, Ian Byrne forced a great save out of ’keeper Brian Murphy, with Paul Morris shooting the game’s opening point after six minutes. Joe Kelly and Tommy Dwyer exchanged pointed frees, before Ferns swept into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead by the 13th minute through points by Paul Morris, Jonny Dywer and Ian Byrne.
The accuracy of Joe Kelly along with points from Brian Malone and a long-range Brian Doyle effort kept Shels in touch, while Ferns responded with points from Paul Morris and a Dwyer free, leaving the North Wexford men ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval.
Ferns, mainly through their lack of a goal-scoring forward, have been struggling to put teams away. During the opening exchanges on the resumption, John Breen and Benny Jordan tagged on Ferns points, while Joe Kelly (free) and Eoin Doyle chipped in with points for Shels in between.
After 41 minutes, Ian Byrne stretched Ferns into a 0-10 to 0-7 lead, but amazingly they could manage only one further point for the remainder of the game: a Dwyer free from the sideline with five minutes remaining.
The Shels still scented victory. Clive Lalwor and Eoin Doyle were continually driving their side forward. Joe Kelly pointed a free, and then came the goal on 46 minutes that changed the whole course of the game.
A long ball was floated in by Conor Walsh and when Simon Donohoe’s shot was smothered, the break fell into the path of the inrushing Joe Kelly, who had switched to corner forward, and he cooly drilled a ground shot to the net to give his side a 1-8 to 0-10 lead - the first time they were in front in the game.
Shelmaliers now exploded into the game, with Kelly sending over a huge 75-metre free to extend the lead. While Dwyer’s pointed free reduced the deficit to the minimum (1-9 to 0-11), Kelly once again stamped his class on the game by lofting over an 80-metre free, with Ciarán O’Shaughnessy completing the scoring two minutes into injury time.
It was joy for Shels on the final whistle, but soul-destroying for Ferns.
Ferns St. Aidans: Michael Walsh; Niall Maguire, Pádraig Ryan, Colm Whelan; Gavin Bailey, James Tonks, Ciarán Roberts; Brendan Jordan (0-1), Tommy Dwyer (0-3 frees); Ian Byrne (0-2), Paul Morris (0-3), Jonny Dwyer (0-1); Ryan Nolan, John Breen (0-1), Christopher O’Connor. Subs: Jamie Whelan for J Dwyer (45); Derek Thorpe for Nolan, inj. (52); Pádraig Bolger for Jordan.
Shelmaliers: Brian Murphy; Simon Donohoe, Aidan Murphy, André O’Brien; Conor Walsh, Clive Lawlor, Aidan Cash; Eoin Doyle (0-1), Brian Doyle (0-1); Joe Kelly (1-7, 0-7 frees), Brian Malone (0-1), Benn Barron; James Cash, Stephen Banville, Ciarán O’Shaughnessy (0-1). Sub: Noel Mythen for Banville (60)
Referee: Pat Kehoe (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown)
