St Mary’s end 24 year wait for Senior return

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Final

St Mary’s 0-21

Killenaule 1-15

Report: Michael Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium

MATCH DIGEST

Player of the Match: Aaron Cagney (St Mary’s).

SCORERS - St Mary’s: Peter McGarry 0-8 (4 frees); Aaron Cagney 0-5; Thomas Charles 0-3; Tadhg Condon 0-2; Cathal Deeley, Tadhg Sheehan, Harry Lawlor 0-1 each.

Killenaule: Tony Ryan 0-5 (2 frees); Joe O’Dwyer 0-3; Eoin Shaw 1-0; Tom Stakelum 0-2; Podge O’Dwyer (free), Paudie Feehan, Tom Keaveney, Darragh Doyle, Mark Stakelum 0-1 each.

After an extended period in the lower echelons of Tipperary hurling, St Mary’s Clonmel are back in the big time following their three point win over Killenaule in the County Premier Intermediate Hurling final on Sunday.

This all-south division final was a fine contest and it yielded the right result. St Mary’s looked that bit slicker than their rivals and they finished the stronger, outscoring their rivals 0-8 to 0-3 in the last quarter to add county silverware to the south senior title won earlier this year.

St Mary’s success was founded on the quality of young players coming through their ranks after considerable success at under-age level in recent years. They energised the senior men in the squad, and several of this panel will be hoping to add senior football honours to their portfolio when they line out for Clonmel Commercials against Loughmore/Castleiney this Sunday while their minors are also in the county final.

24 years have elapsed since St Mary’s last tested senior action but Killenaule too were seeking a return to the top-flight after a few failed attempts. They were boosted by the return of Joe O’Dwyer to the heart of their defence and he chipped in with three first half point. His departure through injury at the three-quarter stage coincided with the start of St Mary’s late surge.

A first half lacking in quality was not short on endeavour. County man Peter McGarry’s two early points got St Mary’s moving but, with Joe O’Dwyer leading by example with two points, Killenaule were 0-5 to 0-2 ahead at the end of the opening quarter.

The Clonmel lads then had five points to Killenaule’s one for a 0-8 to 0-6 lead coming to the break. Killenaule finished well, Tony Ryan and O’Dwyer pointing for equality at half-time, 0-8 each.

With the breeze to aid them in the second half, the advantage lay with St Mary’s, but points from Tony Ryan and Paudie Feehan pushed Killenaule ahead. The sides were level at 0-12 each at the three quarter stage when Eoin Shaw, fed by Darragh Doyle, slammed home a Killenaule goal.

Killenaule then lost Joe O’Dwyer to injury and in five minutes St Mary’s were back on terms with points from Aaron Cagney (2) and Peter McGarry. Sub Thomas Charles for Clonmel and Darragh Doyle exchanged points, as did Tadgh Sheehan and Mark Stakelum and as the game hit the hour mark, Tadhg Condon and Tony Ryan for Killenaule traded scores.

The possibility of a replay loomed but in rapid succession McGarry, Cagney and Charles fired over points for St Mary’s to round off in style their return to senior ranks and their first Seamus O Riain Cup success.

This title did not come easily, and they had already lost to Killenaule in the round-robin stage, but when it really mattered, they came good with Aaron Cagney turning in a man of the match performance in attack. Peter McGarry also had a big game, while Seamus Kennedy, though not as influential as usual, was still a key figure in defence. Liam Ryan, Sammy Ryan and sub Thomas Charles were others whose contribution was very significant.

Killenaule have little time to lick their wounds as they play in the county intermediate football final next Sunday. Their success in the county league division two this year may be small consolation right now but it indicates they are on the right path to regain former glory.

The loss of Joe O’Dwyer was a big blow coming as it did at a crucial time and arguably may have cost them the match.

He, Jack Hassett, Charlie Barrett, Tony Ryan, Tom Stakelum, and Jimmy Feehan did most to advance their challenge for honours.

TEAMS - St Mary’s: Enda Dunphy (6); Richie Gunne (6), Liam Ryan (7), Darragh O’Connor (6); Tadhg Sheehan (6), Seamus Kennedy (Capt 7), James Morris (6); Tadhg Condon (6), Sammy Ryan (7); Aaron Cagney (8), Peter McGarry (7), Sean Kennedy (6); Harry Lawlor (6), Cathal Deeley (6), Josh Ryan (6).

Subs: Ruairi Leahy (6) for J Ryan (HT); Thomas Charles (8) for S Ryan (41); Ross Peters (6) for Sean Kennedy (45); Ross Slattery (6) for L Ryan (46); Gearoid Buckley (6) for Dunphy (54 inj).

Killenaule: David McCormack (6); Jack Hassett (7), Killian O’Dwyer (Capt 6), Jimmy Feehan (7); Charlie Barrett (7), Joe O’Dwyer (7), Tom Keaveney (6); Padraig O’Dwyer (6), Luke Ryan (6); Tony Ryan (7), Tom Stakelum (7), Paudie Feehan (6); Darragh Doyle (6), Mark Stakelum (6), Eoin Shaw (6).

Subs: Cian Johnson-Croke (6) for J O’Dwyer (45 inj); Fionn Fitzgerald (6) for Keaveney (51); Michael Doyle (6) for Shaw (51).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers).