Ballinahinch/Templederry made history in becoming the first team to capture the inaugural North Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling title when they came from behind to defeat Borrisokane

GAA: North Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling Final

Ballinahinch/Templederry 3-14

Borrisokane 2-15

Report: Liam Hogan in Moneygall

MATCH DIGEST

Player of the Match: Conor Ryan (Borrisokane)

SCORERS - Ballinahinch/Templederry: Adam Ryan 0-8 (4 frees, 1 65); Liam King 1-1; Karl Kelly (free), Darragh Murray 1-0 each; David Healy, Mikie Ryan 0-2 each; Harry Stapleton (free), Evan Kearns 0-1 each.

Borrisokane: Conor Ryan 1-10 (0-5 frees); Kevin Cleary 1-1; Ciaran Foley, Josh Chadwick 0-2 each; Niall Quinn 0-1.

Ballinahinch/Templederry made history in becoming the first team to capture the inaugural North Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling title when they came from behind to defeat Borrisokane in a very enjoyable final last Wednesday.

In a game that provided many thrills and spills and no little goalmouth action the new champions timed their winning run to perfection outscoring Borris 0-5 to 0-2 the final quarter.

The first half began in a whirlwind with three goals scored in four minutes. The first came after 29 seconds when Borrisokane’s Dylan Slevin found an unmarked Kevin Cleary ghosting into open space before striking a lowball past Sean Collins.

Ninety seconds later Liam King had an equaliser despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Luke Gleeson and with supporters barely getting their breathe back Conor Ryan had Borrisokane’s second goal.

The end-to-end action continued with Mikie Ryan scoring a point for Ballinahinch/Templederry before his goalkeeper Sean Collins was called into action to deny Niall Quinn.

Borris regrouped to strike three quick points through Kevin Cleary and Conor Ryan with two the second from a free. David Healy replied for Ballinahinch/Templederry but Conor Ryan’s free moved Borris five clear and the lead increased to seven as points from Niall Quinn and Ciaran Foley’s point from halfway brought play up to the water break and Borris leading 2-6 to 1-2.

The return to action signalled a comeback by the combo as Cathal O’Brien, Harry Stapleton from a free and David Healy each scored. There was no let up as Conor Ryan and Adam Ryan traded frees but Josh Chadwick returned with the last point of the half with Borris leading by five a lead that could have been curtailed had Phelim O’Reilly’s first time shot from close not being saved by Luke Gleeson. At half time, Borrisokane led 2-8 to 1-6.

The second half was just eighteen seconds old when Ciaran Foley increased Borrisokane’s lead. Points from Adam Ryan, the second from play, kept the combo’s fires burning and the flames received a boost when half time substitute Darragh Murray had the ball in the Borrisokane net in the 35th minute. Game on!

However, Borrisokane’s lead increased to three after the brilliant Conor Ryan added another brace with the second from play, but the colour of the game was about to change when Luke Gleeson failed to hold Karl Kelly’s eighty metre shot in the 41st minute. Cruel luck indeed!

With the scores level at 2-11 to 3-8 Borris regained the lead through Conor Ryan’s brilliant point but Mikie Ryan’s point was equally good. Another brace from Conor Ryan, saw Borrisokane hold the advantage but it was halved by Adam Ryan’s free just before the final water-break as Borrisokane led 2-14 to 3-10.

Another Ryan free moved Borris two clear with the same player in pursuit of more but Collins denied him. Inspired by the save the Combo ventured up-field and grabbed three points in as many minutes through Adam Ryan, Liam King plus a free from halfway.

More pressure followed but Luke Gleeson’s double save resulted in a 65 to Ballinahinch and Ryan found the target. Borris came back but Ciaran Ryan’s goal-bound shot was saved by Karl Kelly. Once play reached the other end it was left to Adam Ryan who stretched his team’s lead to three.

Borrisokane would require a goal, but their final effort led to a Josh Chadwick shot going inches over the crossbar much to the relief of the Ballinahinch/Templederry supporters.

The winners can thank Sean Collins in goal; the Tipp minor panellist never put a foot wrong. Outside of him Joey Kelly, Mark Kinane and Karl Kelly did most in defence with midfielder Mikie Ryan always a threat to Borris. Evan Kearns, David Healy, Liam King and Harry Stapleton caught the eye with Adam Ryan a real leader up front.

Man of the match Conor Ryan was brilliant at centre forward for Borrisokane. Josh Chadwick Niall Quinn and Barry Ryan provided support as did Ciaran Foley and Kevin Cleary while Peter Collins, James Hough and Diarmuid Hogan did most in the backline in front of a brilliant but unfortunate Luke Gleeson in goal.

Ballinahinch/Templederry will take on Holycross-Ballycahill in the county semi-final.

TEAMS - Ballinahinch/Templederry: Sean Collins; Jack Mullaney, Joey Kelly, Nathan Lenihan; Mark Kinane, Karl Kelly (Capt), Michael Hayes; Mikie Ryan, Cathal O’Brien; Evan Kearns, Adam Ryan, David Healy; Liam King, Harry Stapleton, Phelim O’Reilly.

Sub: Darragh Murray for O’Reilly (HT).

Borrisokane: Luke Gleeson; Sean Egan, James Hough, Diarmuid Hogan; Darren Moore, Peter Collins, Oisin Carroll; Ciaran Foley, Kevin Cleary; Luke Quigley, Conor Ryan, Niall Quinn; Barry Ryan, Dylan Slevin, Josh Chadwick.

Sub: Eoin Tighe for Moore (35 inj).

Referee: Pat O’Mahoney (Kiladangan)