Newport College win first Munster Schools Hurling title

GAA: TUS Munster Post Primary Schools Under 19 Hurling Development Competition Final

Newport College 1-16

Meanscoil, An Rinn 1-14

Report: Eoin O’Dwyer

Newport College made history in Fethard Town Park last Wednesday as they got their hands on their first Munster Post Primary Schools hurling title defeating Meanscoil, An Rinn in the Under 19 Development Competition final.

This was a tough game between two well-balanced teams. Both teams had progressed to the final on the back of comprehensive wins in their respective semi-finals.

The Tipperary representatives opted to play with the wind in the first half. This looked to be a wise choice as they settled quickly into their rhythm with points from Sam Caplis and Kevin Grace.

However, the young men from the West Waterford Gaeltacht soon found their groove. Liam Clancy, a grandson of one of Tipperary's most famous sons, exploded into life.

Newport would find themselves three points down as the half neared its conclusion. An Rinn were energised and very efficient with their use of the ball. In comparison, the young men from North Tipp looked frustrated as numerous attacks broke down due to poor supply into their inside forward line.

As half-time approached, it looked as if Newport would face an uphill battle. Then, a beautiful low angled delivery into Stephen O'Brien, who simply offloaded to midfielder Kevin Grace for a well-worked point. This was immediately followed by a hard-fought Harry McKeogh score, which reduced the arrears to a single point at half-time.

Newport emerged early from their dressing room. From the outset, they seemed determined to put the errors of the first half behind them. Newport clubman Conor Nolan burst into the game. His pace, power and finishing helped the College team regain the lead. A Micheál Shanahan point and an exchange of frees between Michael Healy and Liam Clancy saw Newport hold a slender lead heading into the stretch.

There was a feeling a goal would change this game and Newport College’s Stephen O'Brien obliged. Great work from Cormac Kennedy put O'Brien in on goal. The keeper saved brilliantly, but the rebound fell to him again and he made no mistake the second time of asking.

It looked like Newport would see it home from here. But the Waterford men did not wilt. A goal from danger man Clancy saw the game level with ten minutes to play. A wonder point from Rory Doheny and a late free from Healy was enough to see Newport College over the line, although they did endure a late period of An Rinn pressure as they chased the winning goal. Their chances diminished with a late red card.

Newport College team v An Rinn: Ryan Shinnors (Newport); Michael Lynch (Ballinahinch), Eric Bates (Newport), Oisin O'Gorman (Newport); Michael Shanahan (Newport), Sam Caplis (Newport), Cillian Marren (Clonlara); William Ryan (Ballinahinch), Kevin Grace (Ballinahinch); Harry McKeogh (Newport), Michael Healy (Ballinahinch), Conor Nolan (Newport); Cormac Kennedy (Ballinahinch), Stephen O'Brien (Newport), Rory Doheny (Ballinahinch). Subs: Seamus Bridgeman (Ballinahinch), Zach Mooney (Newport), Michael Finn (Ballinahinch), Noah Ryan Quinn (Newport), Cody Sheehy (Ballinahinch), Kyle Gow (Murroe Boher), Tadhg Blackwell (Cappamore), Conor Ryan (Ballinahinch), Luke Ryan (Newport), Daire Nolan (Newport), Jack Caplis (Newport), Eoin Ryan (Ballinahinch), Scott McGrath (Newport).