Toome’s forward power key to final success over Newport in North U15 'A' Hurling Final

GAA: North Tipperary Coiste na nOg Under 15 ‘A’ Hurling Final

Toomevara 2-15

Newport 2-11

Report: Liam Hogan in Puckane

Toomevara’s better all round scoring power helped them become North Under 15 ‘A’ Hurling champions for the second time since the age groups changed in 2021- when defeating holders Newport in a hard fought and entertaining final, played in front of a fine attendance on Saturday.

Except for the first twenty minute period of the second half, victory always seemed destined to go Toome’s way. The dominated the first half and led 0-9 to 0-5 at the break. However, Newport improved in the third quarter and went in front by the 41st minute before a well-taken goal by Colm O’Brien set Toomevara on the way.

With Callum Ryan, KJ Dunne and Jayden Delaney the key players, they went seven points to the good as the game went deep into injury time and despite the concession of a late goal, they had done enough to secure their first title in four years.

Newport, on the other hand, had to depend on top-scorer Harry Moloney, and his two early points, the first from a free, had them on the board after four minutes. Toome were level by the ninth minute after Delaney pointed back-to-back frees. Seconds later, a great run by KJ Dunne earned a free and Delaney gave Toome the lead, but Harry Moloney levelled after a foul on James Ryan Cooper.

As play developed Toome hit a good spell between the 13th & 17th minutes with three unanswered points through Evan Grace, KJ Dunne (free) and Charlie Cummins before Tom McCabe reduced the margin to two by the 18th minute.

Play was free flowing and points by Jayden Delaney (free) and KJ Dunne from a 65 had the lead at double scores. A brilliant reply from Tom McCabe kept Newport in touch but Toome were always more likely to score as Dunne extended their lead with another 65 after Newport keeper Gavin Gaffney deflected a low free by Dunne away.

The first half action didn’t end there as both ends survived a scare with Donnacha Kelly denying Tom O’Gorman while at the other end the hard working Darragh Healy produced a last minute hook to deny a raiding Dunne before the half time whistle sounded.

KJ Dunne’s point nine seconds into the second half had Toome leading by five, but Newport’s half time speech seemed to have inspired them as the next two minutes saw them score 1-1, starting with a Harry Moloney free before Ryan Byrne had the ball in the Toome net leaving the minimum between the teams.

KJ Dunne’s third 65 had Toome ahead by two but Newport had increased the gears and two pointed frees by Moloney had the scores level at 1-8 to 0-11 by the 40th minute.

There was more as the Mulcair boys took the lead through JJ Roche, but it didn’t last very long because Toome’s response was swift as Aidan O’Gorman worked his way in along the end-line before firing low past Gaffney for a great goal.

The next minute saw both teams produce chances. KJ Dunne was denied at one end before Newport wing back Jack Landers forced a 65 at the other which Harry Moloney converted, with scores level again after centre back Darragh Healy made it 1-11 each after 47 minutes.

As the game began to open up, another Toome attack saw KJ Dunne produce a defence splitting run. Closing in on goal he passed to Colm O’Brien who rattled the Newport net. Points by Dunne and Charlie Cummins had Toome five in front with nine minutes remaining.

The closing stages were stop/start as players needed attention for one thing or another. Scoring chances were at a premium and the breaks in play meant nine minutes of added time which saw Colm O’Brien point to increase Toome’s lead followed by KJ Dunne’s ninety metre free.

By then the destination of the Jimmy Sheedy Cup was heading up the N7 but Newport rallied one more time and Harry Moloney’s close range free found the back of the Toome net, but it was too little too late.

Toomevara were deserving winners and apart from a match-winning front eight, they received great service from James Mounsey and his fellow corner backs while Dara Wyles, Callum Ryan and Matthew Bergin did little wrong at half back.

James Egan, Michael Coffey, Jack Landers, Darragh Healy, and Noah Ryan Quinn did everything they could in defence for Newport while up front Tom McCabe caught the eye as did Harry Moloney who was Newport’s best prospect when it came to scoring.

Player of the Match: KJ Dunne (Toomevara)

Toomevara: Donnacha Kelly; Robert Powell, James Mounsey (Capt), Michael Fitzpatrick; Dara Wyles, Callum Ryan, Matthew Bergin; KJ Dunne (0-7, 2f, 3 ‘65s), Oliver Duff; Dan Daly, Jayden Delaney (0-4f), Evan Grace (0-1); Colm O’Brien (1-1), Aidan O’Gorman (1-0), Charlie Cummins (0-2).

Newport: Gavin Gaffney; James Egan, Michael Egan, Jack Casey; Jack Landers, Daragh Healy, Nosh Ryan Quinn; Tom McCabe (0-2), Rhys Guiney; Harry Moloney (1-8, 0-5f, 0-1’65), Ronan O’Mahony, Ryan Byrne (1-0); JJ Roche (0-1), James Ryan Cooper, Tom O’Gorman.

Subs: Andrew Coffey for Casey (52), Hughie Duggan for Byrne (52), Jim O’Mahony for Roche (52).

Referee: Pat O’Mahoney (Kiladangan).