The County Senior Hurling League title has returned to Na Piarsaigh for 2024 following a 10-point victory over Kilmallock on Wednesday evening in Mick Neville Park. With the teams all square at the break, our lads stepped on the gas in the second half to record a convincing win. Tougher battles with Kilmallock et al lay ahead in 6 weeks’ time but it’s important appreciate the exceptional league campaign had by this group. Wednesdays result makes it 8 wins from 8 in a competition that started back at the beginning of April.
Squad prior to throw-in
Dylan Lynch had us off the mark early with the opening score of the game but Kilmallock followed this with 4 points in a row. Striking into a stiff breeze, our captain Ronan Lynch chipped in with 3 frees and a point from play to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The biggest moment of the first half came on the 25 minute mark when a Kilmallock forward found himself one-on-one with Evan Condon but blazed the ball wide. A goal would have put our opponents up by 5. John Fitzgerald and JJ Carey popped up for a score each to leave the teams level at the break. Half time score: Na Piarsaigh 0-08 Kilmallock 0-08
Downsie stretches for a handpass
Our lads burst out of the traps in the second half with 2 quick points from Tommy Grimes followed by a lovely score from the stick of Wayne Kearns. Kilmallock responded with a pointed free. What followed was a lovely play orchestrated by a long pass from Kevin Downes to an open Ronan Lynch in the corner. Ronan moved the ball across the 14 to Kevin Daly, who pulled on it first time to score the only goal of the game. A well taken goal by the Ennis Road man that set the tone for the remainder of the game. Marcus Hogan brought great energy to the forward line throughout, winning frees a chipping in with a point. Emmet McEvoy, while playing centre back, threatened to score on a number of occasions, finally getting on the scoresheet after 55 minutes. Pat Gleeson added 2 scores from the bench to close out the game.
Marcus Hogan keep the ball within his grasp
Preparation for the final wasn’t without it’s speed bumps with both Kieran Daly and Cathal King pulling out of the warm up, being replaced by Marcus Hogan and Mark O’Connor respectively. While some lads had to drop out, a noted return was made by Alan Dempsey, introduced after 45 minutes, giving a solid display at the back.
The build-up for championship now begins with a 6-week lead-in to our opening game against Patrickswell on the weekend of the 2nd of August.
County League Champions 2024
Team: Evan Condon, Mark O’Connor, Gearoid Synnott, Jim Beary, Vince Harrington, Emmet McEvoy (0-01), Kevin Downes, Tommy Grimes (0-02), John Fitzgerald (0-02), JJ Carey (0-02), Ronan Lynch(C) (0-06, 4f), Wayne Kearns (0-01), Marcus Hogan (0-01), Kevin Daly (1-00), Dylan Lynch (0-03). Subs used: James O’Brien, Pa O’Neill, Alan Dempsey, Pat Gleeson (0-02), Bradley Moran. Subs not used: Daithi Dempsey, Cathal King, Kieran Daly, Mike Foley, James Daly, Sean Long, John O’Keefe.
