Congratulation to the St. Patrick's Junior "A" hurling team who defeated Skeheenarinka in the South junior "A" hurling final play in Clonmel sportsfield on Sunday last. After losing out to Skeheen at the semi-final stage for the past two years our lads were all out to put it right this year. Played in glorious sunshine with a nice breeze blowing down the field conditions were perfect for a cracking game of hurling. Skeheen drew first blood scoring a point in the opening minute but St. Pat's were soon ahead after Conor Barry burst through the Skeheen defence and rattled the net for a St. Pat's goal. With the breeze in their backs St. Pat's were playing the better hurling and started picking off some fine points with the sweetest been a point from Robbie Meagher from just inside the corner flag. Although St. Pat's defence were well on top any frees giving away were been put over the bar by Skeheen's Fionn O'Sullivan which was keeping them in touch. However Tony O'Brien was equally as accurate from placed balls at the other end and also scored a fine point from play. As the first half went on St. Pat's were starting to dominate the play more with our defence well on top and Shane Gorey and Danny Gleeson winning the mid field battle. Skeheen's main threat Conor sweeney was been well marshalled by Damien Barry and our minor players Conor Clancy and Cathal Mahoney were hurling well in the half back line where Neil Gleeson was lording it at centre back. As the half was coming to an end St. Pat's suffered a blow as Danny Gleeson received a head injury and had to leave the field of play due to concussion. Conor Barry moved to centre field with Nicky Kearney coming in at corner forward. As the ref blew for half time St. Pats were 6 points ahead.
For the second half St. Pat's introduced Robert McCormack at full forward in replace of Mark Mullally who had been carrying an injury. With the wind advantage now in their favour Skeheen started to put more pressure on St. Pat's and soon had the lead down to 3 points. However St. Pat's soon had the lead back to 6 points before what was to become the main talking point of the game. A good move saw a Skeheen forward get the ball on the edge of the square with only Johnny Moroney to beat from point blank range however before he could make his strike he was illegally challenged by Cathal Mahoney who was to receive a red card for his trouble. In hindsight his intervention probably averted a certain goal which would have given Skeheen a huge tonic at a critical stage of the game. The resulting penalty was sent over the bar by conor Sweeney as the new rule for penalty taking was debated again. Shortly after this Skeheen won another 21 yard free and this time Fionn O'Sullivan's bullet of a shot was saved by Conor Clancy's chest on the line. St.Pat's having sustained the pressure started to take control of the game again and points from Robert and Brian McCormack who had replaced Robbie Meagher gave St. Pat's a well needed lift. Aidan Buckley was winning great ball on the wing and scored a peach of a point while Shane Gorey and Brendan Gleeson also picked off good scores. As St. Pat's lead stretched to nine points the game was over as a contest but all credit to Skeheen as they battled hard until the final whistle blew. This was a a complete team effort for St. Pat's with everyone playing their part. Johnny Moroney kept a clean sheet in the goal and was well protected by the full back line of Darren Meagher, Paul Horan and Damien Barry. The half backline were solid throughout the game and Shane gorey worked tirelessly at mid field as did Danny Gleeson until his injury. Up front all the forwards had their moments with some great scores taken. The subs introduced in the forwards Nicky Kearney, Robbie and Brian McCormack each scored valuable points and the oldest member of the panel Kieran Clancy did his bit when introduced in defence.
Needless to say there were jubilant scenes as joint captains Robbie McCormack and Shane Gorey received the winners Cup from south board chairman Joe Brennan. The man of the match award was given to St.Pat's Neil Gleeson and no one would have argued with that as he gave an outstanding performance at centre half back. For Skeheenarinka it was a bitter pill to swallow as they have now lost three south finals in a row but they will now re-group for the county championship as they still go forward to the county quarter finals as divisional runner ups. St. Patrick's will have gained alot of confidence from this victory which will stand to them as they now go on in search of the club's first ever County Junior title. Huge credit must go to the teams management of Michael Nash , Eugene and Tomas NcCormack and the back room team of Liam McCormack, Siobhan nash and Michael Broderick who have put so much time and work into this team .
Team: John Moroney, Darren Meagher, Paul Horan, Damian Barry, Cathal Mahoney, Neil Gleeson, Conor Clancy, Danny Gleeson, Shane Gorey (Vice Captain), Tony O’Brien, Brendan Gleeson, Aidan Buckley, Conor Barry Robbie Meagher, Mark Mullally, Nicky Kearney, Robert McCormack, Brian McCormack, Kieran Clancy, Darren Boland, Patrick Moroney, Colm Dunne, Mark Slattery, Aaron Cronin, Richard Needham, Ciarán Mockler, Conor Cuddihy, Conor Gorey.
We sincerely thank The Archway Bar Drangan who sponsored socks for our team.
Junior "B" hurling
On Saturday last 13th September our Junior B hurlers played Carrick Swans in the South Tipperary Quarter Final in Fethard Sportsfield. After a good start our boys remained in touch for the first half but the superior hurling and fitness of the Swan team prevailed in the second half and Swan were victorious by 3-13 to 0-12. The team was Declan Ryan, Tommy Hayes, Anthony Barry, Conor Gorey, Conor Cuddihy, Richard Needham, Ciarán Mockler, Jason Hayes, Darren Boland, Mark Slattery, Aarron Cronin, Marcus O'Halloran, TJ Noonan, William O’Brien, Kieran O'Brien, Mark Fitzgerald, Tony Smith. We thank the players and selectors for the time and they put into this competition.
Junior "A" Football
On this Saturday our Junior Footballers play Ballingarry in the South Final at 5.30pm in Fethard as we attempt to bring off a double which was previously achieved in 1963, 1991 and 2005. As this is for the Fr. John Egan cup presented by St. Patricks in memory of a tireless worker on behalf of St. Patricks GAA Club there is an extra incentive at stake. Please come out and support our footballers!
