Rapps well on track
Under-14 hurlers deliver strong show
RAPPAREES 6-24 R’GAROGUE-C’TOWN 3-5 RAPPAREES GOT their New Ross Standard Coiste na nÓg Under-14 hurling championship Division 2 campaign back on track with a superb performance against Rathgarogue-Cushinstown in Bellefield on Thursday.
The Enniscorthy club had just one win from their four previous games but turned on the style in this encounter. Indeed, if they continue in this vein of form they will be a serious contender for the title come season’s end, despite their slow start.
For Rathgarogue-Cushinstown, there will be better days ahead. To their credit they played their best hurling in the final five minutes, scoring 3-1 of their total. Unfortunately, their confidence dropped in the middle third and the game got away from them.
The action was tight in the first 15 minutes, with Donal Porter (two) and Jamie O’Rourke on target for Rathgarogue-Cushinstown. At the other end Adam Sheridan scored a rasping goal, Michael McGrath saw his shot saved over the crossbar by James Rossiter, and the superb Oisín Pepper notched three points.
A drilled Pepper major followed and it started a run of 2-6 in the ten minutes before the break. The excellent Jack Kirwan nailed three points, Sheridan notched a double, McGrath registered his second, while Stephen San Agustin beat two defenders and flashed to the net to leave his side 3-10 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.
The flow of the game continued as the Rapps used the breeze to their benefit. In particular, Jack Kirwan took advantage with several stunning long-range efforts that rode the wind. However, it was Pepper who got the next goal, picking up a loose ball before darting in and smashing past James Rossiter.
With the hosts defending with vigour and the half-back line cleaning up, Rapparees continued to dominate the game. Five points in a row from Kirwan ended when Christopher O’Leary pulled home a fifth goal. Moments later Kirwan found the net with a low drive (621 to 0-4).
Just as they looked out on their feet, Rathgarogue-Cushinstown responded. Gary Porter hared away, running 40 metres to net, O’Rourke goaled and Daniel Heaphy scored a fine point. There was still time for Shane Dillon to flash home a classy finish late on but it was too little, too late.
Rapparees: Regan Treacy; Tommy McVeigh, Mikey McVeigh, Seán Lacey; Matt Kinniard (0-2), Ronan Kervick, Bill Peare; Michael McGrath (0-4, 1 free), Stephen San Agustin (1-0); Jack Walsh, Oisín Pepper (2-7), Adam Sheridan (1-2); Jordan Shallow, Jack Kehoe, Lee O’Connor. Subs. - Jack Kirwan (1-9, 0-2 frees) for O’Connor (16), Bill Collins for T. McVeigh (31), Shane Williams for Shallow (37), Christopher O’Leary (1-0) for Kehoe (40), Jeff Buckley for San Agustin (41), Niall Kehoe for Walsh (43).
Rathgarogue-Cushinstown: James Rossiter; Diarmuid Somers, Shane Dillon (1-0), Luke Dwyer; Eoin Doyle, Paudie O’Keeffe, Shane Cullen; Donal Porter (0-2, 1 free), Eoin McAuliffe; James White, Gary Porter (1-0), Conor Byrne; Rory O’Connor, Jamie O’Rourke (1-2, 0-1 free), Daniel Heaphy (0-1). Subs. - John Brennan for McAuliffe (34), also Dylan Moran.
Referee: John O’Loughlin (Monageer-Boolavogue).