Munster crown for Causeway Comprehensive
MUNSTER SCHOOLS U-16 1/2 MUNSTER B HURLING FINAL
Causeway Comprehensive 4-11 Blackwater CS 3-9
CAUSEWAY Comprehensive School took on a much fancied Blackwater Community School from Lismore, Co. Waterford in the U-16.5 Munster B hurling final in Ballyagran, County Limerick.
Causeway CS reached the final having overcome competition of strong hurling pedigree in the shape of Patrician Academy Mallow, Abbey CBS of Tipperary town, Coláiste An Spioráid Naomh of Bishopstown and Cashel CS.
In wet and blustery conditions Causeway CS started very strong in this big clash. In the first ten minutes of the game Causeway set the tempo through their work rate and racked up a huge amount of hooks, blocks and tackles in the opening exchanges.
This tenacity was typified by centre-forward Conor O’Sullivan who caused untold problems for his marker throughout the game. Causeway’s intensity and tactical nous was rewarded with an early goal from captain Oisin Maunsell.
In testing conditions the Lismore side hit back with some well taken scores but were forced to work off scraps as Causeway’s grip on the contest tightened. Midfielder Kevin Goulding and corner-forward Oisin Maunsell kept the scoreboard ticking over with some outstanding scores for Causeway.
Causeway’s game plan worked to perfection throughout the game and midfielder Ronan Walsh found himself in space time and time again and his intelligent distribution of the ball was causing headaches for the Blackwater side.
Causeway scored their second goal of the game after a flowing move saw half-forward David O’Mahony put a dangerous ball into the full-forward line and it was expertly dispatched by the busy Ruairi Donovan.
Lismore showed their class by hitting back with a goal that threatened to turn the tide of the game. Causeway however were not shaken and a pinpoint puck out was well claimed in midfield and some beautiful link up play between the two Abbeydorney players Ruairi Donovan and Oisin Maunsell resulted in Maunsell raising his second green flag of the day.
Both teams exchanged quality scores in a thoroughly entertaining first half and on the verge of half-time the Déise men conjured a moment of real quality to breach the Causeway defence and strike a goal to narrow the gap. As the referee blew the half-time whistle, Causeway lead by a score of 3-5 to 2-6.
Causeway began the second half as they had the first and the inspirational Kevin Goulding split the posts from distance immediately from the restart. Causeway were playing with the confidence and belief in a team who knew that their game plan was working and controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish.
Causeway took a giant step toward victory with their fourth goal of the game when a loose ball spilled to Crotta player Rory Mahony who made no mistake and finished calmly under pressure.
As the game neared conclusion Blackwater CS began to increase the pressure on the Causeway full-back line of Cian McCarthy, Daire Nolan and Seamie Ó Fuarain who remained determined not to be breached as the Lismore side desperately searched for a goal to get back into the game.
Their persistent pressure paid dividends when a quickly taken free was deflected into the Causeway net with five minutes remaining.
Blackwater CS were reduced to fourteen in the last five minutes of the game as the bombarded the Causeway square in desperation but marshalled by fullback Daire Nolan the Causeway defence held firm.
At the other end of the field the outstanding Kevin Goulding put the game out of reach with some well taken scores from distance.
There were jubilant scenes on the pitch as the Causeway supporters swarmed the field at the full time whistle. Captain Oisin Maunsell was presented with the Corn Sheamuis Uí Dhonnchu.
In his acceptance speech Oisin paid testament to the hard work and dedication of banisteoir John Joe Delaney and the team spirit and determination that saw Causeway bring the cup back to North Kerry.
CAUSEWAY: Keltyn Molloy (Lixnaw), Cian Mccarthy (Ardfert), Daire Nolan (Kilmoyley), Seamie Foran (Ballyheigue), Mikey Clifford (Abbeydorney), Darragh Slattery (Ballyduff), Graham Slattery (Ballyheigue), Kevin Goulding (Ballyduff), Ronan Walsh (Kilmoyley), David O Mahony (Ballyheigue), Conor O Sullivan (Ballyheigue), Mikey Kelliher (Lixnaw), Rory Mahony (Crotta), Ruairi Donovan (Abbeydorney), Oisin Maunsell (Abbeydorney) Scorers: Kevin Goulding (0-9), Oisin Maunsell (2-2), Ruairi Donovan (1-0), Rory Mahony (1-0)