A very young Clonmore U-21 team took this game to their stronger & older opponents from the start and were leading by 0-11 to 0-8 on 45 mins but things went against us in the final quarter when we conceded a softish penalty and lost midfielder and county U-21 player, Shane McGrath, to a harsh sending off.
Starting with nine Minors, seven of whom were playing U-16 last year, Clonmore showed great spirit and commitment to fight back from 0-4 to 0-1 down on 17 mins to draw level, 0-6 apiece, at half-time (scorers: Shane McGrath(5) and Adam Byrne). The lads enjoyed an outstanding third quarter when they really opened up the K/C defence with their fast skillful interchanges. Points from Kevin McCarney(2), Darren McGrath and the outstanding Shane McGrath(2) put us 0-11 to 0-8 ahead on 45 mins.
But the K/C forwards were always dangerous and with county senior hurler, Daryl Roberts, exercising more influence on the game from midfield, they clawed their way back to level matters at 0-11 apiece on 50 mins. Then disaster struck on the double for Clonmore as first we conceded a soft penalty and then ‘Shock’ was sent off for a second yellow card. After that, the stronger Kildavin/Clonegal lads were able to control the game and although Clonmore battled to the end, K/C ran out 1-13 to 0-11 winners.
This is Clonmore’s third year in a row to lose the U-21 B final. While it is disappointing to lose again, we must look at the positives. It is a great achievement for a small club to get to three finals and in all three we have competed with immense skill, heart and courage but just didn’t get the bit of luck needed to win. This augurs well for the future as the club has a steady stream of dedicated young players coming through. Well done to the players and mentors, Paddy Molloy, Paul Byrne, Paddy Quigley, Stephen Byrne and Jimmy Lawlor. Keep up the good work lads and remember ‘it’s a long road that has no turning’ – 19 of the panel are underage again next year and we won the Minor B in 2011 so 2014 could finally be our year for U-21 success !
Scoring pattern:
End First Quarter: K/C 0-3 Clonmore 0-1
End 2nd Quarter: K/C 0-6 Clonmore 0-6
End 3rd Quarter: K/C 0-8 Clonmore 0-11
End 4th Quarter: K/C 1-13 Clonmore 0-11
Team: Paddy Byrne, Mark D Byrne, Andrew Byrne, Joe Hickey, Jordan Kane, Anthony Byrne, David Doyle, Shane McGrath(0-7, 7f), Willie Byrne, Conor McCarney, Kevin McCarney(0-2), Dale McNamara, Adam Byrne(0-1), Darren McGrath(0-1), Mark A Byrne. Subs used: Enda McGrath for Mark A Byrne, Martin Doyle for Andrew Byrne (blood sub). Not used: Gary Byrne, Paul Hogan, Tom Cashen, Jordan Walsh. Not available: David McCarney.
Photo: Back (left to right): Gary Byrne, Tom Cashin, Jordan Walsh, Darren McGrath, Mark A Byrne, Anthony Byrne, Shane McGrath, Jordan Kane, Andrew Byrne, Willie Byrne.
Front: Martin Doyle, Enda McGrath, Mark D Byrne, David Doyle, Paddy Byrne, Conor McCarney, Adam Byrne, Joe Hickey, Paul Hogan. Missing from photo: Kevin McCarney (Captain), Dale McNamara, David McCarney.
