St Marks shake off determined Millstreet bid to take U-21 hurling title

St. Marks 2-12 Millstreet 1-10

ST. Marks came up with the answers during the second half to record a deserved victory over defending holders Millstreet in the Duhallow U-21 ‘C’ HC Final played in Meelin.

The contest remained up for grabs ‘til the latter stages before the slicker efforts of the Freemount and Meelin combination gained a reward for their consistent efforts. On doing so, St. Marks savoured the fruits of a first time victory in the grade, achieving their target thanks to a gritty opening half performance against the breeze and a well organized drive after the interval yielded the accolades.

Backed by the elements, Millstreet enjoyed stellar performances from Evan Murphy, Tim Healy, Shane Hickey, Darragh Cashman and Danny Buckley.

Millstreet gained an early boost from a Donal Sheehan goal with Cashman adding points. Gradually, St. Marks hauled themselves back into contention with Michae l O’Callaghan and Nicholas Linehan splitting the uprights and a Kevin O’Connor goal trimmed the arrears 1-7 to 1-5 at the break.

And St. Marks returned to action the more energized with a pair of points squaring up the contest. Though a Padraig Moynihan point regained the lead for Millstreet, St. Marks increased the intensity levels through the workrate of John Walsh, James Moynihan, O’Callaghan and Linehan.

Though pretty nip and tuck for a spell, there was so much better certainty to St. Marks game with Linehan, O’Callaghan and Jack Curtin on target with points.

Millstreet battled with plenty of tenacity but lacked the quality of the Marks attack. The victors held the greater possession and put the polish on a rewarding performance with Linehan netting a late goal to confirm a first time victory in the grade for the amalgamation.

Team captain Dean Collins accepted the silverware from Duhallow Junior Board Vice Chairman Steven Lynch.

ST. MARKS: T O’Callaghan; C Broderick, S Curtin, Jack Walsh; John Walsh, Mike O’Callaghan, J Moynihan; Michael O’Callaghan 0-4 (3f), J Curtin 0-1; K O’Connor 1-0, N Linehan 1-6 (0-4f), Cormac Curtin, M McAulliffe, D Collins 0-1, Cian Curtin. Subs: A Buckley for Cian Curtin, J O’Leary for K O’Connor.

MILLSTREET: D Harnett; D O’Donovan, A Murphy, E Murphy; C O’Leary, N Flahive, P Moynihan 0-1; T Healy, S Hickey 0-3, D Buckley 0-1, P Dineen, D Cashman 0-5 (4f); D Kelleher, D O’Leary, D Sheehan 1-0. Subs: L O’Donoughue for T Healy (inj), D Murphy for D Kelleher.

REFEREE: J Hartnett (Boherbue)