Kieran Clancy in action in co. semi-final last saturday against Nenagh Eire Og
JUNIOR HURLING
Our Junior hurlers played Drom/Inch last Saturday week in Cashel in their county Quarter final. It was our first appearance at this stage of the competition since 2011. The first half was a tight affair but having played into a strong wind we only went in at half time 2 points down, 7 points to 5. We started the second half well and Droms lead was wiped out when Aidan Buckley grabbed our first goal of the game. Further goals from Conor Barry and Robbie Meagher gave us a lead we wouldn't lose and ended up winning on a scoreline of 3-11 to 0-15. The team was John Moroney, Darren Meagher, Paul Horan, Damien Barry, Conor Clancy, Neil Gleeson, Nicky Kearney, Danny Gleeson, Shane Gorey, Tony O Brien, Brendan Gleeson, Aidan Buckley, Conor Barry, Robbie Meagher, Robbie McCormack Subs Brian McCormack, Paddy Moroney, Kieran Clancy, Colm Dunne, Mark Mullally, Richie Needham, Aaron Cronin, Conor Cuddihy, Mark Slattery, Conor Gorey, Ciarán Mockler, Willie O Brien, Cathal Mahoney.
Having beaten Drom/Inch in the quarter final we were drawn to play Nenagh Eire Og in the county semi-final which was played in Holycross last Saturday. This was our first semi final since 2011 and our lads were hoping to qualify for their first ever county final at this grade. Nenagh started the game the stronger team and opened up a two point lead. Our lads were jittery on the ball at the start as Nenagh totally dominated the first fifteen minutes and went ahead 1-4 to 0-2 but could have been much further ahead as they hit alot of poor wides. However we soon found our rhythm and a goal from Robbie McCormack had us back in the game. We were now playing the better hurling and two outstanding long range points from Conor Clancy and Tony O'Brien put us three points ahead as the ref blew for halftime with St. Pat's 1-7 Nenagh eire Og 1-4.
The second half started with Nenagh scoring two quick points and were again dominating the play. The game had to be halted for a number of minutes as St. Patrick's corner back Darren Meagher received attention for a nasty face injury which ended his participation in the game. Kieran Clancy came on in his place and was soon in the thick of the action. Nenagh were now piling on the pressure which eventually yielded a goal which put them back in the lead. Tony O'Brien scored our first point of the second half from a free and further points from Robbie McCormack and Tony O'Brien kept us in touch but as much as our lads tried they just could not get the scores that would get us back into the lead. There was bitter disappointment for our lads as the ref blew for full time with Nenagh leading by a goal 2-12 to 1-12.
Our lads came up just short this year in their quest for a county title but hopefully they can use the hurt from this game and come back stronger next year. They have given an enormous commitment this year and thankfully they have the South championship Title to show for their efforts and also have the county football championship still to look forward to. We would sincerely like to thank the management team Eugene McCormack, Michael Nash and Tomas McCormack and also the backroom team of Liam McCormack, Michael Broderick and Siobhan Nash for the huge effort and the time they have put into this team.
This is a very young team and I have no doubt that they're day will come!
The team: John Moroney, Darren Meagher, Paul Horan, Damien Barry, Conor Clancy, Neil Gleeson, Cathal Mahoney, Danny Gleeson, Shane Gorey, Tony O Brien, Brendan Gleeson, Aidan Buckley, Conor Barry, Robbie Meagher, Robbie McCormack.
Subs : Kieran Clancy for Darren Meagher. Nicky Kearney for Conor Barry. Brian McCormack for Brendan Gleeson., Paddy Moroney, Colm Dunne, Mark Mullally, Richie Needham, Aaron Cronin, Conor Cuddihy, Mark Slattery, Conor Gorey, Ciarán Mockler, Willie O Brien.
After the disappointment of our hurler’s loss last Saturday, attention turns to football this weekend when we play Loughmore Castleiney in the county quarter final. The game takes place in Littleton on Sunday 19th at 12.00 noon.
