Our intermediate hurlers gave a spirited performance as they went down to Caherline in the Intermediate County League Final on Friday evening. The horrendous conditions made for plenty of slips and spilled balls but it certainly didn’t take away from the spectacle. Each to man, our boys left it all out there from minute one.
James Daly had a 100% record from placed balls, knocking over 7 frees and one from play. His workrate both with and without the ball was exemplary. Kevin Daly gave a captain’s performance from wing forward, registering 2 good scores in the opening half.
Christy O’Hagan was selected at corner back, proving to be a thorn in the side of the Caherline forwards. He got on the world of ball throughout the hour and got his name on the scoresheet in the closing minutes. Brian Connolly is playing in his first year of adult hurling and has shown great promise. It was no different on Friday night, a game that will certainly stand to him over the coming years. Dean McLoughlin spent the evening mopping up at centre back. He commanded the area all throughout.
Josh O’Halloran made his long awaited return to pitch having last lined out for Na Piarsaigh as far back as 2016. He rolled back the years with his graceful style we’ve missed in recent years. Ruaidhrí Ó Conaill and Dillon Skehan made for a mean pairing in midfield, both growing into the game. Their selfless work rate and tackling was admirable.
Josh loses his footing in the wet conditions.
Kevin McNamara gave an exhibition at full back, keeping former Limerick senior hurler Andrew Brennan at bay. James Linnane stood strong, finding his man with short puckouts and making the best of the poor conditions. Donal Ó Conaill was also making a long awaited return to the Na Piarsaigh jersey having spent the last 2 seasons travelling between Canada and New Zealand. Having been introduced as a late substitute in the West Final, Donie was a solid presence at wing back from the start on Friday evening.
Mark Hogan had 1-02 scored within the first quarter but had to be withdrawn due to injury. He proved to be a huge loss, not alone for his scoring threat but also his ability to win frees in front of goal. Mark has brought his incredible form shown in last year's minor campaign into both the senior and intermediate leagues this year. We wish him well in his recovery. Eoghain Sherlock lined out at centre forward and proved to be a handful for the Caherline number 6. Fresh off his All Ireland Junior Rugby success with Thomond, Eoghain will undoubtedly play a central role in our senior footballers exploits later this month.
Ruaidhrí gets to know his opposite number while Christy's man clearly wants to try on his helmet.
Ben O’Regan was selected at corner forward with Andrew Stack playing at full. Both put in a solid shift with Ben making life difficult for opposition to clear their lines. Andrew had a great goal chance midway through the second half only to be denied by a last ditch save from the Caherline keeper.
Supporters and players alike couldn’t be prouder of how our lads performed on Friday evening. While Caherline deserved the victory, the lads will undoubtedly take confidence from their display leading into championship.
Team: James Linnane, Christy O’Hagan(0-01), Kevin McNamara, Brian Connolly, Josh O’Halloran, Dean McLoughlin(0-01), Donal Ó Conaill, Ruaidhrí Ó Conaill, Dillon Skehan, Kevin Daly(0-02), Eoghain Sherlock, James Daly(0-08, 0-07f), Ben O’Regan, Andrew Stack, Mark Hogan(1-02).
Subs: Padraig Heaney, Sam Jordan, Conor Stack, John Leahy & Cathal Hassett.
Our intermediate hurlers that lined out against Caherline in the County League Final.
