Munster Post Primary Schools Under 15 “C” Hurling Championship Q. Final
Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule 12-07
St. Declan’s, Kilmacthomas 5-10
Scoil Ruáin booked their place in the semi-final of the Munster Under 15 “C” Hurling championship with a hard-earned win over St. Declan’s, Kilmacthomas on Waterford I.T.’s 4G pitch on Wednesday last. While the score-line suggests a facile victory for the South Tipp school, a late three goal salvo from sharpshooter, Louie Doyle, gave the scoreboard a flattering look. In truth, St. Declan’s fought doggedly right throughout this contest and thoroughly tested the mettle of their opponents. Some heroics from goalkeeper, Liam Miskella, and some frantic, last-gasp defending denied Kilmacthomas on a number of occasions.
St. Declan’s raced into a three point lead in the first eight minutes of this contest and it took a brace of points from Louie Doyle in the 9th and 10th minute to settle Scoil Ruáin. A further point from the Kilmacthomas corner forward was met with a pair of quick-fire goals from the Killenaule boys to get them into their rhythm. Darragh Maher struck first, soon followed by a second from centre forward, Curtis Darcy, who was put through by his cousin, Louie Doyle, after a fine clearance from Diarmuid White.
A further point from Doyle was followed by a fine goal from lively wing forward, Sean O’Dwyer, which had the Waterford side reeling. In fairness, they responded well with three points in succession, two from placed balls to narrow the gap to five points. Further goals from Doyle and Maher sent the Tipp boys in 12 points to the good at the interval.
Kilmacthomas started the second half in determined fashion, scoring 1-03 without reply in the first nine minutes of the second half. Sean O’Dwyer was put through for his second goal after an excellent pass from Darragh Maher who went on to add two points of his own to steady the ship for Scoil Ruáin.
For the next 10 minutes Kilmacthomas threw everything into attack with their midfielders dominating and wing-forward and full forward threatening in every attack. Wing forward, Cormac Rooney, scored two goals with one from midfielder, Jack O’Connell. Remarkably, Scoil Ruáin retaliated on the break on each occasion with Louie Doyle netting after fine work from sweeper, Rian O’Halloran and Darragh Maher with two more, one set up by Sean O’Dwyer.
Doyle’s three goal salvo was the icing on the cake for Scoil Ruáin who now await the winners of Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore and either Coachford College or Douglas C.C.in the semi-final.
While the Scoil Ruán management will be pleased with the huge return from their attack, particularly the rampant form of Maher and Doyle in the three matches so far, the leaking of five goals at the back and a very obvious lack of pace in defence remains a worry. To their credit, all defenders worked their socks off and put their bodies on the line when, at times, it looked like they were going to be overrun.
Liam Miskella was sound throughout in the Killenaule goal, with Daniel Bourke and David Lanigan getting in telling tackles at crucial times in the full back line. Luke Fox also made some vital interceptions and clearances. Diarmuid White was a solid presence at centre back, thwarting many Kilmacthomas attacks while Cian Johnson-Croke had his moments on the wing. Rian O’Halloran played very effectively again in the role of sweeper, covering swathes of ground and delivering quality ball to his forwards.
The midfield partnership of Mullinahone duo, Josh Rowan and Dylan Webster, battled manfully throughout but came off second best on many occasions to the polished pairing of Jack O’Connell and Gareth Farrelly for St. Declan’s.
Doyle and Maher were outstanding in attack for Scoil Ruáin but got significant assistance from Sean O’Dwyer and Curtis Darcy throughout. Seamie Healy fought hard for every ball and substitute, Johnny Gleeson, won more than his share of ball and distributed it very intelligently for a young player.
Best for St. Declan’s were Peter Walsh at centre back, midfielders, Jack O’Connell and Gareth Farrelly and Cormac Rooney and Brian Hennessy in attack.
Scoil Ruáin will head into the semi-final in buoyant mood but must try to iron out some defensive frailties if they are to progress to the final.
Scorers: Scoil Ruáin: Louie Doyle 5-03; Darragh Maher 4-03; Sean O’Dwyer 2-00; Curtis Darcy 1-00; Dylan Webster 0-1 (free).
St. Declan’s: Darragh Ó Longáin 1-07; Euan Mac Einrí 1-00; Ruairí Ó hAirtnéid 0-01; Zack Ó Súilleabháin 0-02.
Scoil Ruáin: Liam Miskella (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); David Lanigan (do); Luke Fox (Ballingarry, Capt.); Daniel Bourke (Killenaule); Ben Doheny (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); Diarmuid White (Mullinahone); Cian Johnson-Croke (Killenaule); Josh Rowan (Mullinahone); Dylan Webster (Mullinahone); Seamie Healy (Killenaule); Curtis Darcy (Ballingarry); Sean O’Dwyer (Mullinahone); C.J. Lawlor (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); Rian O’Halloran (Moyle Rovers); Louie Doyle (Killenaule); Darragh Maher (Gortnahoe-Glengoole).
Subs: Johnny Gleeson (Killenaule) for S. Healy; Jake Doyle (Killenaule); Michael Lanigan (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); C.J. Lawlor (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); Shane Phelan (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); Luke Maguire (Grangemockler); Jack Cashin (Killenaule); Adam Ryan (do); Che Delaney-Scott (Mullinahone); Jason Sinnott (Gortnahoe-Glengoole); Michael Corcoran (Ballingarry); Patrick Hayes (Naomh Pádraig); Daire Luttrell (Moyle Rovers); Oisín Shelly (Killenaule); Gerard McGrath (Moyle Rovers); Luke Vaughan (Mullinahone); Colin Kinane (Killenaule).
