Wicklow on song
Under-21 hurlers far too strong for Kildare in Aughrim
WICKLOW KILDARE 2-13 2-4
WICKLOW’S constantly improving under-21 hurlers outplayed, outfielded and ultimately outscored their weaker Kildare opponents in this first-round Leinster Special under-21 hurling clash at Aughrim, this week 30 years ago, winning by 2-13 to 2-4.
‘The hapless Kildare 15 never made any real impression on the game and the final score line, which was beefed up with a late Kildare goal, flatters their performance,’ read the report in the Wicklow and Bray People newspapers.
‘Wicklow powered through the game with ease.
‘Their dominance never looked in doubt, and they gave the impression that they were holding a lot in reserve should it be needed at any stage.
‘Wicklow took the reins right from the start and exposed the vulnerability of Kildare’s defence with searching balls, clever play, and non-stop pressure.
‘Competitive midfielder Danny Curran soon opened Wicklow’s account, with a point from a free and was denied a goal almost immediately afterwards as Kildare goalkeeper Pat O’Malley deflected a shot which looked certain to find the back of the net.
‘Wicklow weren’t to be diverted from their task, however, and a succession of points from Nigel Byrne, Danny Curran, Declan Myers and Mick McDonnell without reply indicated the direction this game would take.
‘Corner-forward Declan Myers gave a textbook demonstration of coolness and control under pressure to slam home an unstoppable goal which put Wicklow 1-5 up.
‘Kildare began to put their act together in an effort to prevent a rout, but still Nigel Byrne managed two further points for Wicklow before Paul Cummins broke his team’s duck with a point from play.
‘Kildare found the mark again minutes later, with a goal from Ronan Byrne, but its affect was negated by an unstoppable rocket of shot from Wicklow’s Tommy Munroe which was in the net before the goalkeeper ever knew it was coming.
‘The half-time score was 2-7 to 1-1.
‘The second half of the game was a similar story, with Wicklow playing well as a team, taking their chances, and letting little through at the back.
‘The Kildare players seem to lose all hope. Their game in tatters, they spent the second half struggling to keep with their Wicklow tormentors.
‘Points from Danny Curran and
Nigel Byrne stretched the Wicklow lead even further, and a good point from Kildare’s Trevor Carew failed to restore heart to his team.
‘Points from Nigel Byrne and substitute Stephen Coady resulted from excellent hurling, and two replies from Kildare were poor fare by comparison.
‘Wicklow’s final score, from Casey O’Brien, showed a touch of brilliance as he weaved his way through a frantic Kildare defence to take his well-deserved point calmly.
‘Kildare, with a heroic effort, managed one final goal as their message of defiance, but there was no doubt that they were by far the inferior team on the occasion.
Don Hyland; Vinnie Munroe, Declan Byrne, Tom Byrne; Peadar Keogh, Noel Goggins, Michael O’Neill; Danny Curran, John Plower; Casey O’Brien, Mick McDonnell, Nigel Byrne; Declan Myers, Sean Byrne, Tommy Munroe. Subs: Shane Kerins for P Keogh, Brian Delaney for J Plower, Stephen Coady for M McDonnell.
Pat O’Malley; Dominic Cribbin, Colm Byrne, Richie Foley; Joe Lynham, Mick Mullahy, Sean Candy; Robbie Winders, Marty Doran; Tony McMullen, Ronan Byrne, John Coulson; Noel Keane, Paul Cummins, Trevor Carew. Subs: Mick Casey for J Lynham, John Coyle for T McMullen, Pat Ramayers for N Keane.
Pat Cashin (Carlow)
Wicklow: Kildare: Referee: