Late Moneygall rally stuns Kiladangan

GAA: North Tipperary Coiste na nOg Under 16 'B' Hurling Final

Moneygall 1-12

Kiladangan 0-14

Report: Liam Hogan at Fr Kenyon Park, Templederry

Moneygall captured their fourth North Tipperary Under 16 ‘B’ Hurling title and first since 1996 when they snatched the silverware from the grasp of Kiladangan in the dying minutes of the final on Saturday evening.

In an exciting game, Kiladangan were looking very much the winners as they led by four points with two minutes remaining. However, Conor Keeshan, a constant threat, bore down on goal before he was hauled down outside the twenty-metre line. Captain Jack Kennedy decided to blast for goal and he was rewarded.

Suddenly, Moneygall had momentum. Mark Coonan was fouled as Kennedy levelled for a fourth time. The hour had passed and they came forward once again with Conor Keeshan grabbing the winner in the second minute of added time. Thirty seconds later, the game was over much to the delight of the Moneygall followers.

The underdogs had won. The evidence showed that Kiladangan were deservedly favourites following the major win over Borris-Ileigh in the semi-final while Moneygall got over Lorrha with little to spare.

But Moneygall’s never-say-die attitude carried value and a defence that stood to their task as Oran Hoolan, Michael Maher, Gavin O’Brien and Sean Maher had to work very hard to limit a Kiladangan front six that had much going for them in terms of talent. Cathal Tooher played very well in goal. At the other end, Jack Kennedy, Mark Coonan, Harry Jones and Conor Keeshan had plenty to offer upfront.

Kiladangan will be disappointed. They had plenty of chances, particularly from frees to have the game wrapped up. It’s fair to say that the tricky wind was no fan of the free-taker.

Their bid for a second title will have to wait another year but Josh O’Shea, Dan Boland, Dan Connolly, Tadgh O’Brien, Matthew Ryan, Donagh Carmody, Tom Byrne, Liam White and James O’Dwyer need take no blame for this defeat.

Kiladangan had use of that strong diagonal breeze in the first half but Moneygall scored first through Conor Keeshan before the Blue & Golders opened a 0-3 to 0-1 lead by the ninth minute with James O’Dwyer (frees) and Donagh Carmody on the score-sheet.

However, Moneygall soon recovered and by the 12th minute had drawn level with Keeshan and Tomas Shanahan on target. Keeshan’s next score was a brilliant effort from the wing. A quick response by Kiladangan saw Oisin O’Mahoney level before another exchange of scores through Keeshan (free) and Liam White from play had matters level for the fourth time at 0-5 each after twenty minutes.

From there, Moneygall went two in front as Jack Kennedy took on the mantle and scored back-to-back points, the second from play in the 25th minute. Kiladangan had a chance or two but failed to score until Donagh Carmody fired over a 65 which came about when Moneygall keeper Cathal Toohey was bravely off his line to deny Liam White from close range. At half time it was Moneygall 0-7 Kiladangan 0-6.

Donagh Carmody was quickly into the action on the restart when he levelled after ten seconds. Conor Keeshan responded with his blasting shot for goal was deflected out for a 65 which Jack Kennedy converted.

The game was beginning to open up and Kiladangan hit a purple patch as they scored five unanswered points in ten minutes through Tom Byrne (2) plus one each from play by Liam White and James O’Dwyer before the latter added a free.

With a four point lead and playing with some confidence, Kiladangan were finally looking the part of winners.

Moneygall needed respite and Conor Keeshan obliged with a free in the 49th minute but Kiladangan were on top and points by James O’Dwyer and Tom Byrne appeared to have consolidated their advantage two minutes from time. However, there was one more twist to come.

Player of the Match: Conor Keeshan (Moneygall).

Moneygall: Cathal Toohey; Emmett Bourke, Oran Hoolan, Noah Treacy; Michael Maher, Gavin O’Brien, Sean Maher; Hugh Smyth, Conor Nolan; Jack Kennedy (Capt, 1-6 (1-4f, 0-1’65), Aidan O’Meara, Mark Coonan; Thomas Shanahan (0-1), Harry Jones, Conor Keeshan (0-5).

Subs: Eoin Keeshan for Shanahan (46); Donnacha Franks for O’Brien (56inj).

Kiladangan: Josh O’Shea; Conor Girard, Dan Boland, Mikey Ryan; Dan Connolly, Tadgh O’Brien, Jack Ryan; Matthew Ryan, Donagh Carmody (0-3, 1’65); Oisin O’Mahony (0-1), Tom Byrne (0-3), Michael Cullinane; Liam White (0-2), James O’Dwyer (0-5, 3f), Darragh Molloy.

Subs: Ben Whelan for Cullinane (35); Stephen Byrne for O’Mahony (56).

Referee: Shane Lee (Roscrea).