Devereux extinguishes Harriers’ hopes
LEE DEVEREUX extinguished Faythe Harriers’ hopes of avoiding a Permanent TSB Junior hurling championship relegation final with a pair of clinical late frees in Hollymount on Friday.
The Páirc Charman side looked to be on their way to a vital Group B victory after a stirring second-half performance under the lights, but Devereux was in unrelenting mood from dead-balls and when the chances arose he nailed them.
Rosslare sauntered through the first-half, playing with all the confidence that comes with a secure spot in the last eight. They led by 1-5 to 0-3 after the opening quarter, thanks mainly to the only goal of the game, a whipped, waist-high pull by Devereux after a superb Ultan Quirke pass.
With both Rossiter brothers picking off scores, and Devereux taking his first period tally to 1-6, St. Mary’s built a 1-10 to 0-5 interval lead.
Their opponents spread their scores around more, and that pattern of play continued into the second-half.
The Harriers didn’t take long to start chipping away with Fiach O Crualaoich, Daniel Lynch, Eoin Roche, Jack O’Leary and James Henebery all on the scoresheet as their side eased within a goal with twelve minutes remaining (1-12 to 0-12).
Tails up and intensity through the roof, Conor Halligan drew the Wexford town club level with seven minutes left. A pair of classy, long-range Henebery dead-balls put them two clear but Devereux had the final say to earn a draw for his side after an entertaining hour of hurling.
While Faythe Harriers now face Tara Rocks to decide who will play in the Junior ‘A’ ranks next year and who will maintain their current status, St. Mary’s have a quarter-final to look forward to against Buffers Alley.
Faythe Harriers: Adam McDaid (capt.); Seán Banville, Emmet Keeling, Danny Walsh; Fran Cleary, Alan Lynch, Ben O’Brien; Daniel Lynch (0-4), Jack Murphy; Conor Halligan (0-3), Shane Howard (0-1), Fiach O Crualaoich (0-1); James Henebery (0-6, 4 frees, 1 ‘65), Jack O’Leary (0-1), Eoin Roche (0-2). Sub. - Nicky Lawlor for Murphy (31).
St. Mary’s (Rosslare): Niall Walsh; Ned Power, Conor Cafferkey, Conal Grant; Gearóid Byrne, David Murphy, Richard Bent; Tiarnan Rossiter (0-2), Naomhan Rossiter (capt., 0-2); Barry Quirke, Andrew Murphy, Larry Morrissey (0-1); Jason Ellard, Ultan Quirke, Lee Devereux (1-10, 0-8 frees). Subs. - Ian Kavanagh for Ellard (38), Emmet Byrne for A. Murphy (57), Andy Cummins for B. Quirke (59).
Referee: Aidan Foley (Shelmaliers).