JUNIOR HURLING: On Saturday evening the Village supporters made the short journey to Danesfort for the, Section B, JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior Championship Final against our City rivals O' Loughlin Gaels. At stake, for the winners of section B, was a place in the County Semi-final of the Junior County Championship. We had already beaten O' Loughlins in the League final 3 weeks ago in a game that went to extra time.
What we witnessed on Saturday was a game of hurling that had heart, determination and some quality scoring from both sides. O' Loughlins got off to a very fast start and had the sliothar in the back of the Village net after three minutes followed by a point from play before Mikey Drennan opened our scoring with a point from a free followed quickly by another from play, with James Tyrrell getting another to settle the Village lads down. In the fourteenth minute O' Loughlins struck again giving our goal keeper Daniel Power no chance with a powerful strike which gave them a lead of 2:2 to 0:3. The Village response was quick from Mikey Drennan with two points and Sean Deely before a long high ball delivered into the full forward line collected by David Walton ,who held off his marker, to raise the green flag . This was a major boost for the Village to leave the sides level pegging at 1:6 to 2:3 after twenty four minutes of play. From there to the half time whistle both sides fought hard to edge ahead, but it was the James Stephens side that held the minimum advantage with the final scores coming from our two minors, Sean Deely and Daniel Ring, leaving the scoreline at 1:10 to 2:6.
Both sides traded early points at the start of the second half so there was never more than two points between the teams. The quality of hooking, blocking and a never say die spirt was a joy to behold. With Mikey Drennan punishing the O' Loughlins backs for any indiscipline, and, some long rang points from play, aided by the hard working corner forward Daniel Ring the game was headed for a tight finish. Heading into the final 5 minutes ,with the scoreline of 1:16 to 2:11, the unerring Drennan scored his 10th point of the evening leaving O' Loughlins looking for a goal to save the game, but the Village defence stood strong with Adam O Connor, Eoin Deely, Dinny Stapelton, before being injured, and Rory Harrison commanding their lines. The hard-working midfielder James Tyrrell played a captain's role in driving his team forward with quality ball into his forward line, aided by Oisin Bateman. It was with great relief when referee blew the final whistle to leave the full-time score at James Stephens 1:17 to O' Loughlins Gaels 2:13.
A great win which can only inspire our seniors in the relegation final next Saturday where we take on Glenmore in Thomastown at 2pm. We wish them our very best and let's get out and give them our support.
MINOR HURLING: A big well-done to our Minor C team who won a hard-fought championship semi-final game against St Lachtain's last Sunday evening on a scoreline of 2:22 to 1:22. This win puts them through to a County Final where they play Ballyhale Shamrocks. Well done to all players and management team on this achievement to have our two teams contesting Minor County finals is a credit to one and all.
SEAMUS FRY TOURNAMENT: Due to the orange weather warning our 31st running of the Seamus Fry tournament was postponed. This tournament is held annually to honour our former President the late Seamus Fry who passed away in December 1991.
HANDBALL: Congratulations to club member Noah Manogue who was presented with his 60 x 30 Minor All Ireland Singles Cup and medal in Nowlan Park last Tuesday. The presentation was made at the Handball World Championship meeting by County Board Chairman Michael O' Shea.
LOTTO: Last week's numbers were 3 ,5, 29, 32. There was no winner. This week's jackpot will be €18,800. The €40 consolation winners were Darren Dalton, Aaron Dorney, Paul Tynan, James Neary, Greg Pollard.
