Draw a fair reflection

Our Intermediate hurlers played out a draw in round 4 of the County Hurling League last Friday night. Skeheenarinky played Premier Intermediate side Moyne-Templetuohy and came away with a creditable draw.

Playing in perfect conditions but on a heavily sanded pitch, Skeheenarinky opened proceedings with a Tomas Vaughan free before Moyne replied with two of their own to leave it at 0-02 to 0-01 to the home side after five minutes. Two excellently taken long range points from play from Tomas Vaughan saw us back in front before Moyne equalised with one of their own to make in 0-3 a-piece.

Riain Hennessey struck his first of the evening before Moyne equalised. Two Tomas Vaughan frees pushed Skeheen 2 points ahead but Moyne replied with two of their own to leave it 0-6 a-piece at the midpoint of the half. From there until the half-time interval, both sides exchanged points with Dean Finn, Noel Vaughan, Tomas Vaughan, Charlie English and Riain Hennessey on the scoresheet for Skeheen to leave it 0-11 a-piece at the break.

A Tomas Vaughan free at the start of the second period had Skeheen back in front before a Moyne free tied things up again. James Barry landed a long-range effort and Tomas Vaughan added a free to leave Skeheen 2 points up on 0-14 to 0-12 on 35 minutes. Moyne had the better of the middle period of the half and hit five of the next seven scores to take the lead at 0-17 to 0-16. During this period, Skeheen introduced Oisín Brennan for his long-awaited return from a knee injury and it had almost instant effect when Oisín found himself on the end of a passing move but his shot narrowly flew wide of the Moyne upright.

Spurred on Skeheen struck the next two scores with points from play from Tommy Sweeney and Tomas Vaughan to retake the lead before Moyne responded with three of their own to go 2 points up reaching the closing stages. Three unanswered scores from Tomas Vaughan, two frees and one from play, saw Skeheen take the slimmest of margins into the additional time but a Moyne strike from distance on the final whistle saw them close the game out as a draw on 0-21 a-piece.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable game with the sides level on 17 occasions and the draw was probably the fairest outcome. In the other games in the group Newport beat Silvermines by 0-22 to 1-18 and Borrisokane beat Moneygall by 3-19 to 1-18.

Team and scorers: Aidan Treacy, Seamus O’Callaghan, John Martin, Christy English, Noel Vaughan (0-01), James Barry (0-01), John O’Callaghan (Oisín Brennan 35’), Mikey Maher (Paudie Fitzgerald 45’), Tomas Vaughan (0-14, 0-09f), Dean Finn (0-01), Riain O’Callaghan, Tommy Sweeney (0-01), Riain Hennessey (0-02), Evan Hickey (Glen Walsh 59’) and Charlie English (0-01). Subs: Aaron Hickey, Aaron O’Donnell, Kevin O’Mahony, Cillian Hackett, James Hackett, Eoghan O’Donnell, Tomas Martin, Anthony Crotty and Aidan O’Donovan.

To date, Skeheenarinky have one win, two draws and one loss from their opening four games and lie in fifth place in the group with one round remaining, three points off top spot Newport, and a point behind second placed Moyne-Templetuohy and equal on points with Borrisokane and Silvermines. A win against bottom side Moneygall in the final round at home on the weekend of May 12-14, depending on other results and points difference, could still give Skeheen a semi-final spot.

Our Junior B team is scheduled to play their opening game in the South League on Wednesday, May 10th against St Patricks in Cloneen at 7.30pm. Please check our social media pages for updates in case of change.

In the meantime, this weekend the players’ attention reverts to football with two away games this Sunday against West Tipp opponents in the County Leagues. The Ballyporeen Seniors take on Arravale Rovers in Tipperary Town at 12 noon and the Junior side takes on Solohead in Monard at 3pm. Best of luck to all involved.

JUVENILE UPDATE

Next Monday night, May 8th, our U17 hurlers play Lattin-Cullen at home in their second game in the South-West divisional league group at 7.30pm. Both sides had 6-point wins over Knockavilla Kickhams in their opening game so it should be a tight contest. Please come out and support.

Congratulations to the Ballyporeen U15 footballers and management who won Division 6 of the Féile Peil last weekend. It’s a second success in the competition in the last three years and a third final appearance in a row. Well done to all involved and keep up the great work.

CLUB SHOP UPDATE

Our O’Neills club shop has been restocked with our club gear. The gear is available online at oneills.com. Click on the ‘Clubs & Education’ section on the site and search for Skeheenarinky Hurling Club to see what’s on offer. Look out on our social media pages for special offers.

COUNTY DRAW UPDATE

The next draw will take place on Friday, May 5th. If you are interested in supporting the County Board Draw, entries can still be made online at tipperary.gaa. ie. 50% of the entry to the Draw reverts to the Club as commission. Thanks for your continued support.