Good Counsel defeated

GOOD COUNSEL slipped to a heavy defeat against old foe St Kieran’s in their first round encounter in the Top Oil Leinster Post Primary Schools Senior ‘A’ hurling championship in Carriganore on Wednesday afternoon last.

The New Ross Town school were looking to put down a marker against the championship favourites but were left with clear notice that there’s plenty of work to do in the coming weeks if they are to be realistic contenders.

Counsel never led in the game, falling behind when talented Kilkenny Minor Conor Kelly pointed to put his school ahead against the breeze with just a couple of minutes on the clock.

Dangerman Kelly came away from a throw-in with possession with eight minutes left in the first half and flashed to the rigging to give the Kilkenny school a six point lead against the elements (1-6 to 0-3).

Rathnure’s A.J. Redmond kept the scoreboard ticking over for Good Counsel but it was a goal by Taghmon-Camross youngster Cathal Doyle - after he collected Padraig Bailey’s long delivery and netted - that gave the Ross boys some hope at the break, down 1-7 to 1-5.

As underdogs, playing against the breeze and trailing by two, Good Counsel needed a positive start to the second half. They didn’t get it, after James Young pointed, Ciaran Brennan flashed home to put the Kilkenny boys in control.

Kelly tacked on three more points and, without any Good Counsel score, the lead was closing in on double-digits (211 to 1-5). Sean O’Connor, Bill Dempsey, Padraig Dempsey and Sean Hunt all registered scores for Good Counsel as they battled away.

However, Kelly brought his tally to 1-8, Eoin Cody ended the game with four points and Dacel Fwamba netted as the second half wore on to ensure St Kieran’s comfortably sauntered to victory as Counsel floundered.

Much will come down to the draw for the next round, the losers of the four first round games go into the hat together, a last chance saloon for all to begin a run.

With Borris VS and Birr available, Good Counsel will be keen to avoid league champions Kilkenny CBS, surprise losers to Colaiste Eoin last week.