Davidstown comeback falls short
GALMOY/WINDGAP (K’KENNY) 2-8 DAVIDSTOWN-C’NACUDDY 2-4
GALMOY/WINDGAP had to survive a fine second-half recovery from Davidstown-Courtnacuddy before they eventually emerged with a four-point victory from this excellent John West Féile na nGael Division 9 hurling Cup final in Fenagh on Sunday.
The Davidstown-Courtnacuddy boys suffered a severe reality check early on as, having failed to settle into the game, they found themselves 1-6 to 0-2 in arrears at the interval.
The Kilkenny side got off to a dream start, leading by 1-3 to nil after just five minutes, with their goal finished by Adam O’Shea who drove a tremendous shot across the ‘keeper into the opposite corner of the net.
Following the early setbacks it took the Wexford side a time to settle into the game, but they managed to finish the half with two pointed frees from full-forward Oisín Hayes which still left them 1-6 to 0-2 adrift at the break.
Showing huge improvement on the resumption, the Davidstown-Courtnacuddy boys tried to inch their way back into the game.
A point from Barry Hassey, from a longrange free, helped them settle, and when Seán Nicholson found the net from close range just four points separated the sides (1-7 to 1-3) with nine minutes remaining.
When Hassey pointed a ‘65 to reduce the deficit even further, his side were now back in contention, but they were unable to turn this dominance into further scores, as the Kilkenny team gradually got back on top and finished the game with a Karl McCoy goal.
Davidstown-Courtnacuddy to their credit kept battling in search of scores, and they were rewarded just on full-time when Conor Kervick finished to the net with a ground shot.
Unfortunately, it was took late to alter the result despite a fine second-half display from the players, who were left to regret their slow start and the concession of early scores.
Davidstown-Courtnacuddy: David Treacy; Dylan Sharkey, Fionn Doyle, Evan Power; Oisín Cooney, James Doyle, Daniel Murphy; Barry Hassey (0-2, 1 ‘65, 1 free), Cillian Doyle; Seán Fitzpatrick, Conor Kervick (1-0), Darragh Furlong; T.J. Kelly, Oisín Hayes (0-2 frees), Craig Andrews. Subs. - Joseph Doyle for Sharkey, Brian Smith for Andrews, Seán Nicholson (1-0) for Kelly, also Evan Williamson, Jack O’Regan, Michael Roche, Shane Feeley, Tom Quigley, Alan Crean, Callum Murphy, Cian O’Shea, Connell Kelly, Conor Hassey, Gavin O’Connor, John O’Donoghue, Josh Doyle-Staunton.
Galmoy/Windgap: Killian Doyle; Daniel Hanrahan, Seán Purcell, Callum Lonergan; Seán Barron, Gearóid Phelan, James Darcy; Matthew Delaney, Blade O’Gorman; Karl McCoy (1-0), Billy Drennan (0-5 frees), Killian Enright (0-1); Zak Kennedy (02), Adam O’Shea (1-0), Jamie Joy. Subs. - Rohan Lonergan for Enright, Jack O’Shea for O’Gorman.
Referee: Martin Murphy (Carlow).