Burgess impress in securing group win over Clonakenny

GAA: FBD Insurance County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 3

Burgess 3-12

Clonakenny 0-12

Report: Thomas Conway in Nenagh

Ultimately, both these teams might have progressed on to the knockout stages of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, but there’s no question as to which side will fare better.

Since their North Final defeat to Lorrha, Burgess have been a different animal - a steely, gutsy intent on making their mark in the coming weeks. They lost their master craftsman, Stephen Murray to injury, but even a blow as significant as that doesn’t seem to have dented their ambitions.

On Saturday they delivered a classic Burgess display, swishing past Clonakenny with little drama or fuss, and topping Group 2 with a 100 per-cent record in the process. It was goals they came searching for last Saturday - and they got them, twice via the penalty spot and once from play. Three killer blows, all landed at killer times.

In fairness to Clonakenny, they did their utmost to make a game of it, pressing forward from the half-back line and at times attacking with vigour, but in truth they were second best. Nicky Ryan opened their account with a classy strike from the wing and the Mid side looked high on confidence.

But Burgess struck back, emphatically. Just seconds after Ryan’s opener, Eoin Hogan rose high to collect a Ronan Tucker puckout, turned swiftly and whisked his effort over the bar. It was a statement of intent, a message that Burgess were here to do business.

Tucker's role in that move was impressive - the Burgess keeper can pick out a player with pinpoint accuracy, but his efficiency from the penalty spot was ultimately what won Burgess this game. Twice he was called upon to make the sojourn up the field, and on both occasions, he delivered, netting his first on the cusp of half-time before sealing Burgess’ victory with another in the 49th minute. Interestingly, the prolific keeper opts not to take a run up as part of his penalty routine. He simply stands, picks a side, and strikes. His technique is awesome, and devastatingly effective.

Burgess entered the interval 2-5 to 0-8 in front, following Tucker’s first penalty and an earlier Kieran Grace haymaker from the wing. They looked comfortable at the break, as if this was exactly where they had planned to be. The second-half then, was just a matter of consolidation, of securing their lead and indeed their place at the top of the group.

Clonakenny battled; Cian O’Dwyer and John Joe Ryan were flawless from placed-balls, but it wasn’t sufficient. In the final analysis, Paudie Bourke’s side were second best. They got close to Burgess on occasion, reducing the deficit to just two points following a smooth Cain Russell effort just after half-time, but it never really felt like a comeback was on the cards.

Burgess were in control. Donagh Maher was pulling the strings and Stephen Kirwan was working his magic up front. The dainty wing-forward has an irresistible touch and an eye for the posts. He struck Burgess’ final three points, converting each opportunity with sublime skill and poise.

Burgess may have lost Murray, but Kirwan appears to have stepped up to fill the void. Whether they have enough squad depth to go deep into this year’s Championship still remains to be seen, but judging by their performances in the group stage, their prospects are bright. Burgess will take beating. Clonakenny, on the other hand, are already in bonus territory.

Player of the Match: Stephen Kirwan (Burgess)

Burgess: Ronan Tucker (2-0 pens, 8); Daire Hogan (7), Kieran Ryan (7), Willie Ryan (7), Jack O’Flaherty (7), Danny Ryan (7), Johnny Mulqueen (0-2, 8), Donagh Maher (8), Mícheál Ryan (0-3f, 7), Eoin Hogan (0-1, 7), Keith Nealon (7), Stephen Kirwan (0-4, 8), Kieran Grace (1-1, 8), Bill O’Flaherty (0-1, 7), Eoin Grace (7).

Subs: Seán Dunne (6) for E Grace (56); Tony Hogan (6) for O’Flaherty (56); Aidan O’Dwyer (NR) for K Grace (59).

Clonakenny: Stephen Russell (6), Alexei Harty (6), Cain Russell (0-1, 7), Donie Greed (6), Delacy Byrne (6), Willie Ryan (0-1, 7), Diarmuid Ryan (6), John Joe Ryan (0-4f, 7), Paul Bergin (6), Michael John Carroll (6), Conor Shanahan (6), Bobby Bergin (6), Nicky Ryan (0-1, 7), Matthew O’Sullivan (0-1, 7), Cian O’Dwyer (0-5f, 7).

Subs: Peadar Byrne (6) for Shanahan (46); Proinsias Matthews (6) for Bergin (51); Brian Mullaly (6) for Greed (51).

Referee: Martin Ryan (Moyne-Templetuohy).