Borrisokane CC captain Matthew Tierney raises the cup aloft in the dressing room with his teammates and manager Sean Ryan after victory in the Munster PPS Corn Risteard Uí Mhathúna Final. PHOTO: ODHRAN DUCIE

Borrisokane power their way to Munster glory

Borrisokane Community College 2-16

St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe 0-6

 

By Liam Hogan in Toomevara

 

Showing greater strength in depth, Borrisokane Community College overcame a slow start to comprehensively defeat St. Anne’s Community College, Killaloe in the Munster Post Primary Schools Senior 'C' Hurling final last Saturday.

Playing with great heart and tenacity, Borrisokane upped their game in the second quarter to take a 0-9 to 0-3 half time lead despite playing against a stiff breeze. From there the winners were completely on top in the second half with Sean McAdams and Neill Connelly grabbing the goals to make no mistake about the destination of the O'Mahony Cup.

Sean McAdams was the man of the match at midfield as the Kilruane clubman scored 1-7, including seven points frees but his leadership in the middle third stood out and his goal in the 38th minute was a peach.

A good free taker is half the battle and McAdams did miss two frees but his accuracy was a major difference when one considers Killaloe had six frees off target as they hit eight first half wides from various distances. St Anne's had three different free-takers which also tells one of the difficulties they had in front of goal.

In addition the Borrisokane defence gave very little away where Matthew Tierney played a captains part at centre back. Michael Slattery and Jack Mahoney played their part on the wings in front of a cohesive inside backline of Conor Culhane, Mark Carey and Eamon Hough who made a number of clearances giving goalkeeper Paidi Williams a comfortable day.

But Williams, who has a lengthy puckout, was always on his toes and made two very good saves in the second half, the first one the best in the 38th minute when he denied Darren Bowe. Borris led by eight points at that stage and Eoghan Power was on hand for the rebound but his effort went wide.

And while Williams and his defence held their part of the bargain it was the front three of Oisin Larkin, Neil Connelly and Colm Fogarty who combined to score 1-6 from play with Connelly nabbing 1-2. When Borrisokane emptied the bench they Michael Tierney supplied two points and Conor Ryan added one, all coming in final twenty minutes an indication of the depth of talent that Borrisokane have.

St. Anne’s will be very disappointed with their performance where Conor Power, James Hanley, Michael Gough at half back tried best while Sam Loughran at centre back could do no more as he read the game so well. But for him Killaloe’s plight may have been much worse. James Power did well in goal with one very good save in the first half. Darren Bowe did his best to carry the torch at midfield.

 

MATCH DIGEST

Man of the Match: Sean McAdams (Borrisokane CC)

SCORERS – Borrisokane CC: Sean McAdams 1-7 (0-7 frees); Neil Connelly 1-2; Oisin Larkin, Colm Fogarty, Michael Tierney 0-2 each, Conor Ryan 0-1.

St Anne's: M Power 0-3 (0-2f); D Boland, D Howe and K Donnelly 0-1 each.

 

TEAMS – Borrisokane CC: Paidi Williams (Kilruane MacDonaghs); Conor Culhane (Kiladangan), Mark Carey (Nenagh Eire Og), Eamon Hough (Shannon Rovers); Michael Slattery (Shannon Rovers), Matthew Tierney (Shannon Rovers); Jack Mahoney (Borrisokane); Roan Murphy (Borrisokane), Sean McAdams (Kilruane MacDonaghs); John O’Meara (Shannon Rovers), Eoghan McGrath (Kiladangan), Matthew Cleary (Kiladangan); Oisin Larkin (Borrisokane), Neil Connelly (Portumna), Com Fogarty (Lorrha).

Subs: Conor Ryan (Borrisokane) for Slattery (45); Michael Tierney (Shannon Rovers) for McGrath (47); Cathal McGrath (Silvermines) for Cleary (58).

St. Anne's CC, Killaloe: James Power (Ballina); Tommy Walsh (Clonlara), James Hanley (Ballina), Eanna McNamara (Smith O’Briens); Conor Power (Ballina), Sam Loughran (Ballina), Michael Gough (Smith O’Briens); Eoghan Power (Ballina), Evan Connolly (Smith O’Briens); Darren Bowe (Ballina), Matthew Power (Ballina), Davy Boland (Broadford); Kian Donnelly Ballina), Dylan McMahon (Clonlara), Aaron Conlon (Clonlara).

Subs: Alan Mason (Broadford) for Walsh (28 inj); Tony Seymour (Smith O’Briens) for McNamara (45-51 blood); Tony Seymour (Smith O'Brien's) for Conlon (52); Robbie Breen (Ballina) for Bowe (55).

Referee: Mike Sexton (Limerick).

 

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