A step too far for Ross C.B.S.
Quality Mullingar side reign supreme in JHC decider
A ST. Finian’s (Mullingar) side packed full of quality proved too strong for New Ross C.B.S. in the Top Oil Leinster Schools Junior hurling ‘C1’ final in Carlow Town Hurling Club on Friday.
The South Leinster champions went into the game brimming with confidence but came up against a side with no real weakness at a grade and level where you expect to be able to exploit an opponent’s shortcomings.
St. Finian’s were strong all over the field and played at a level of quality greater than anything C.B.S. had encountered this season. Right down the spine they had playmakers but they emphasised their qualities with tireless workers and grafters on the flanks.
New Ross battled away gamely, right until the final moments of the clash, but they were simply up against a better side, playing at their optimum level.
St. Finian’s were already three points up when Rory King pulled home a rebound to the C.B.S. net in the 13th minute.
Niall Connolly did all his side’s scoring in the first-half, including a fine point from the left wing in the 19th minute.
However, the Mullingar boys kept chipping away and delivered a deadly blow right on half-time when King drilled home a second major.
Down by 2-8 to 0-4 at the break, New Ross needed a spurt of scoring.
They continued to chip away but never threatened to get back on terms.
Connolly had all eight of his side’s scores on the board when Peter Reynolds netted for St. Finian’s in the 52nd minute.
A second stunning point in a row from Connolly at least raised a C.B.S. smile, with Sam Dunne and Danny Nolan also scoring with classy strikes as the New Ross lads loosened up and got a bit of a run going.
However, Luke Moore ended a fine individual performance with St. Finian’s fourth goal to complete a memorable day for the Mullingar school.
New Ross C.B.S.: Ryan Gardiner (Geraldine O’Hanrahans); Conor Ryan (Tullogher-Rosbercon), Ryan Morris (Bannow-Ballymitty), Ciarán Doyle-Maher (Rathnure); Danny Nolan (Horeswood, 0-1), Conor Morrissey (Glenmore), Dean Roberts (Horeswood); Adam Fenlon (Geraldine O’Hanrahans), Paddy Richardson (Geraldine O’Hanrahans); Darragh McDonald (Tullogher-Rosbercon), Sam Dunne (Adamstown, 0-1), Denis Kilbride (The Rower-Inistioge); Matt Rossiter (Tullogher-Rosbercon), Niall Connolly (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown, 0-10, 7 frees), Eamonn Wickham (Rathnure). Subs. - Donal WIckham (Rathnure) for Kilbride (31), Oisín Brennan for Richardson (49), also Lee Kent (Horeswood), Adam Walsh (Geraldine O’Hanrahans), Aaron McManus (Cloughbawn), Liam Walsh (Geraldine O’Hanrahans), Ryan Bolger (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown), Kyle Murray (Geraldine O’Hanrahan), Josh Quinn (Tullogher-Rosbercon), Shane Cullen (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown).
St. Finian’s: Jason Malone; Oisín Gaffney, Aaron Hill, Andrew Shaw; Andrew Shaw (T.Y.), Conor Regan, Tomás Turks; Juston Coyne, Mikey Moffatt; Peter Reynolds (1-3), Luke Moore (1-9, 0-6 frees, 0-1 ‘65), Conor Gaffney; Paddy Kelly, Rory King (2-1), Conor Murphy (0-2). Subs. - Cian Cheevers (0-1) for Kelly (25), Darren Mnguni for Shaw T.Y. (48), Ray Phelan for C. Gaffney (54), Oisín Boyle for Moffatt (56), Peter Murphy (0-1 free) for King (58).
Referee: Pat Kehoe (Carlow).