Clonoulty maintain unbeaten run, just!
Clonoulty-Rossmore 2-17
Holycross-Ballycahill 1-20
Holycross-Ballycahill 1-20
Report: Michael Dundon in Boherlahan
A major upset looked on the cards as Holycross-Ballycahill led firm favourites Clonoulty-Rossmore deep in injury time in this County Senior Hurling Championship round 3 tie on Saturday, but the 2018 champions salvaged a draw with Enda Heffernan’s 63rd minute point.
Though Clonoulty were hotly fancied to complete a hat-trick of wins in the round-robin series a serious Holycross challenge was expected, and the Mid lads did not disappoint in a cracking contest that finished in thrilling fashion.
Holycross were three points up going into the last quarter and extended the advantage to five, but Clonoulty were relentless in their pursuit of their neighbours, Thomas Butler’s goal just before the finish being the crucial score in their recovery.
After six minutes it looked as though Clonoulty were going to rout their opponents. Stephen Quinn’s goal in the fifth minute helped them to a 1-3 to no score lead. Holycross’ recovery was steady rather than spectacular, towering full forward Aidan Stakelum being a key figure with Dara Woods’ accuracy from frees also important but at the first water-break Clonoulty were still ahead 1-5 to 0-5.
Cathal Barrett also stepped up to the plate for Holycross who drew level by half-time, 0-11 to 1-8 and indicative of the concern in the Clonoulty camp was the introduction of John O’Keeffe at centre back for the second half, the former county man nursing a rib injury at present.
Clonoulty resumed in style with Dillon Quirke showing his quality with three rapid points but Holycross were not going away and Aidan Stakelum’s goal after 44 minutes shot them into a 1-16 to 1-14 lead, Dara Woods extending it with a pointed free before the water break.
With six minutes to play, the advantage to Holycross was five points (1-20 to 1-15) and it looked like there would be a three-way tie in this group, but Clonoulty showed great heart in the manner they refused to capitulate. Dillon Quirke pointed and then Thomas Butler blasted home a great goal to leave only a point in it.
It was edge of the seat stuff now and the restricted crowd loved it with Clonoulty fans on their feet as Enda Heffernan fired over the leveller after 63 minutes – a fair result after a massive contest.
Keeping their unbeaten record intact was important for Clonoulty/Rossmore and this spirited recovery will do much for their confidence. It was never going to be easy against their neighbours, but they showed yet again that they have “the bottle” for a scrap and eke out results in tight situations. With six points from play Dillon Quirke was their top performer but Michel Ryan, Thomas Butler, Stephen Quinn, Enda Heffernan, and the O’Keeffe’s when they came on all contributed well to the point gained.
Holycross can look back with satisfaction on this campaign and the challenge for them is to drive on from here. Next up will be the Mid championship and if they can maintain their present momentum, they could have a big say in the destination of honours. Aidan Stakelum, with 1-4 from play, had a great outing but Conor Ryan, Gavin Dunne, Bryan O Meara and Cathal Barrett were others to distinguish themselves. Jack Stakelum did well when introduced.
MATCH DIGEST
Player of the Match: Aidan Stakelum (Holycross/Ballycahill).
Clonoulty/Rossmore: Declan O’Dwyer (6); Tommy Ryan (5), Ciaran Quirke (6), Jimmy Ryan (6); Jimmy Maher (6), Enda Heffernan (0-1, 7), Sean O’Connor (6); Michael Ryan (0-3, 8), Conor Hammersley (0-1, 6); Cathal Bourke (0-2, 6), Dillon Quirke (0-6, 9), Ronan Heffernan (6); Timmy Hammersley (0-4, 3f) 6), Thomas Butler (1-0, 7), Stephen Quinn (1-0, 6).
Subs: Joey O’Keeffe (6) for T Ryan (30); John O’Keeffe (6) for Maher (HT); Jack Ryan (6) for Bourke (45).
Holycross/Ballycahill: Dinny Ferncombe (6); Jack Ryan (6), Philip Fogarty (6), Gavin Dunne (7); Michael Doyle (6), Bryan O’Mara (7), Conor Ryan (7); Jamie Woods (0-1, 6), Raymie Nally (6); Paraic Russell (6), Cathal Barrett (0-4, 8), Stephen Flanagan (6); Luke O’Mara (0-1, 6), Aidan Stakelum (1-4, 9), Dara Woods (0-10f, 7).
Subs: Jack Skehan (6) for Russell (42); Eanna Ryan (6) for J Woods (53).
Referee: Peter Carroll (Burgess)
Player of the Match: Aidan Stakelum (Holycross/Ballycahill).
Clonoulty/Rossmore: Declan O’Dwyer (6); Tommy Ryan (5), Ciaran Quirke (6), Jimmy Ryan (6); Jimmy Maher (6), Enda Heffernan (0-1, 7), Sean O’Connor (6); Michael Ryan (0-3, 8), Conor Hammersley (0-1, 6); Cathal Bourke (0-2, 6), Dillon Quirke (0-6, 9), Ronan Heffernan (6); Timmy Hammersley (0-4, 3f) 6), Thomas Butler (1-0, 7), Stephen Quinn (1-0, 6).
Subs: Joey O’Keeffe (6) for T Ryan (30); John O’Keeffe (6) for Maher (HT); Jack Ryan (6) for Bourke (45).
Holycross/Ballycahill: Dinny Ferncombe (6); Jack Ryan (6), Philip Fogarty (6), Gavin Dunne (7); Michael Doyle (6), Bryan O’Mara (7), Conor Ryan (7); Jamie Woods (0-1, 6), Raymie Nally (6); Paraic Russell (6), Cathal Barrett (0-4, 8), Stephen Flanagan (6); Luke O’Mara (0-1, 6), Aidan Stakelum (1-4, 9), Dara Woods (0-10f, 7).
Subs: Jack Skehan (6) for Russell (42); Eanna Ryan (6) for J Woods (53).
Referee: Peter Carroll (Burgess)