Cathal hits fine hat-trick
WEXFORD PURPLE 3-17 DUBLIN CLARKE 2-6 THREE GOALS from corner-forward Cathal Doyle inspired Wexford to an impressive 14-point victory over Dublin Clarke in this Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge Under-17 hurling game at Tinryland on Sunday.
In contrast to 24 hours earlier, this game was played out in splendid sunshine, with Wexford and in particular Doyle shoning from the outset.
The corner-forward had found the Dublin net inside one minute of the throw-in, giving his side a confidence-boosting start.
While Wexford had the early goal, Dublin still managed to get back level inside two minutes when Liam Dunne found the net from close range.
After the sides had traded points through James Lawlor and a Dunne free, Doyle showed excellent control and stickwork to work his way through the defence and finish with a fine low shot to the net, giving his side a 2-1 to 1-1 lead after seven minutes.
Wexford were never less than competitive throughout, and their excellent striking and first touch caught the eye as they managed to outscore their opponents.
They added a further goal through a 25-metre free from Cathal Doyle who beat a packed goalmouth with a rising shot.
While Dublin managed a second goal through a Dunne penalty, Wexford still led by 3-7 to 2-5 at the interval with some fine points coming via the impressive Seán O’Connor, Kevin O’Donohoe and Conall Clancy.
And while Dublin tried to up their game on the resumption, they were unable to overcome a determined Wexford outfit whose continued improvement was impressive, with Seán O’Connor showing tremendous accuracy from frees, while Conall Clancy, Rees Broaders and Kevin O’Donoghoe all got in on the scoring with excellent points from distance.
Wexford were flying through the second 30 minutes, dominating in every sector to such an extent that they restricted their opponents to just one second-half point, this coming from a Liam Dunne 42nd-minute free.
Next up are Kilkenny Amber in Thomastown on Thursday.
Wexford Purple: Ben Walsh (Geraldine O’Hanrahans); Pat O’Hagan (Ferns St. Aidan’s), Eoin Doyle (Craanford), Chris Callanan (Liam Mellows); Peter Rowley (Oylegate-Glenbrien), Conall O Crualaoich (Faythe Harriers), Cillian Gahan (Faythe Harriers); Michael O’Connor (Rathnure), Ben Stafford (St. Martin’s); Conor Nolan (Oylegate-Glenbrien), Kevin O’Donohoe (Gusserane, 0-3), Conall Clancy (Faythe Harriers, 0-2); James Lawlor (Ferns St. Aidan’s), Seán O’Connor (Rathnure, 0-11, 5 frees), Cathal Doyle (Taghmon-Camross, 3-0). Subs. - Rees Broaders (St. Mary’s, Rosslare, 0-1) for O’Donohoe, Seán Cooper (Davidstown-Courtnacuddy) for Walsh, O’Donohoe for S. O’Connor, Diarmuid Kehoe (Geraldine O’Hanrahans) for Stafford.
Dublin Clarke: Eoin Flaherty; Robert Halpin, Jamie McDonald, Liam McDonald; Seán Foran, Alex O’Neill, Tom Cullen; Fergal Ryan, Shane Lawlor; Karl Mangan, Adam McDermott (0-1), Daragh McBride (0-1); Luke Codd, Liam Dunne (2-4, 1-3 frees), Eoin Buckley. Subs. - Shane O’Leary for Flaherty, Alex Carroll for Lawlor, David Bohan for Codd.
Referee: Brian Deering (Carlow).