Storming comeback secures North title for Silvermines

GAA: Ger Gavin North Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling Final

Silvermines 3-12

Kiladangan 0-15

Report: Liam Hogan in Borrisoleigh

MATCH DIGEST

Player of the Match: Luke O’Brien (Silvermines)

SCORERS – Silvermines: Sean Nolan 1-5 (0-4 frees); Darragh Treacy 1-1 (0-1 free); Ronan Cunneen 0-3; Sean McGrath, Cathal Treacy, Michael Young 0-1 each.

Kiladangan: Noel Gleeson 0-9 (7 frees, 1 65); Ciaran Taplin, Diarmuid Fogarty 0-2 each; Chullian McGrath, Jack Minehan 0-1 each.

This North Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling final proved to be a game of two halves, and it was Silvermines won the important second half to claim their first title in the grade when defeating Kiladangan on Sunday afternoon.

Having trailed 0-12 to 1-2 at half time, one wondered if Silvermines had the ability to produce a comeback but come back they did as they kept Kiladangan scoreless from play while scoring 2-10 in a blistering second half performance.

This was a great win for the ‘Mines who were on everybody’s shortlist as ultimate champions, along with Kilruane MacDonaghs and Moneygall/Clonakenny, the latter Silvermines defeated in the semi-final by a single point.

They began the final on the front foot when Sean Nolan found the Kiladangan net in the second minute after Cynan Bailey began the move. The scores came quickly and points by Chullian McGrath and Noel Gleeson from a free on halfway had Kiladangan back in the frame, but Sean Nolan hit back to put the ‘Mines two in front after eleven minutes.

Kiladangan responded through Jack Minihan before Noel Gleeson levelled with a free in the fourteenth. Both sides went through the next six minutes without a score as accuracy in front of goal proved disappointing, especially the ‘Mines who struck eight wides by half time as their plan to shoot from far put was not working. Losing David Ryan in the fourteenth minute through injury was another setback.

It wasn’t that Kiladangan were really up to anything either as their wides were increasing as the normally accurate Noel Gleeson was off target from frees and a 65. Suddenly, it all came right. Led by Jos Slattery who dominated midfield, an eight point run ensued with Noel Gleeson scoring four points, three from placed balls, with Ciaran Taplin and the impressive Diarmuid Fogarty scoring two each from play.

Kiladangan were looking good, but the ‘Mines kept their heads and Ronan Cunneen’s point before half time was timely as it reduced the arrears to seven at the break.

Playing with the breeze in the second half, Silvermines made a game-changing move when they moved Ronan Cunneen to top of the left and his lightning speed to the first ball that came his way led to his second point two minutes into the half. Noel Gleeson replied with a free, but Cathal Treacy and Sean Nolan (free) kept the ‘Mines in touch.

Noel Gleeson’s free in the 42nd minute restored Kiladangan’s six-point lead but little did they think that they would not score again for another eighteen minutes. Meanwhile, Silvermines continued to press forward as Sean Nolan pointed another free after Danny Quinn was fouled.

Silvermines were growing in stature and Luke O’Brien’s commanding performance at centre back epitomised what was happening as very little got past him, and his link-up play was good as he found Cunneen once again with the latter putting substitute Michael Young through for a point.

More good link-up play continued as Silvermines powered their way with the ever-present Sean McGrath scoring from half-way before Sean Nolan’s next successful free left the ‘Mines two adrift with seven minutes remaining.

More Silvermines pressure followed as Kiladangan had their defence cut in two when Darragh Treacy powered through before his one-handed flick gave Evan Sherlock no chance and his side were in front, 2-9 to 0-14.

It was all Silvermines now as Donal Treacy followed up with a long range free, before another Cunneen score gave his team a three-point advantage with four minutes remaining. Noel Gleeson’s ninth point kept Kiladangan in the picture, but Sean Nolan replied in kind to move the ‘Mines three in front once more.

With the game entering additional time, Kiladangan had one last kick and they had the Silvermines goalmouth under pressure, but they held firm and cleared the danger. With defence turned into attack, they made sure of victory when Sean Nolan scored their third goal in the 62nd minute.

Luke O’Brien was Silvermines best player with Sean McGrath a close second. Sean Murphy, Darragh Treacy, Ronan Cunneen, Sean Nolan, Cathal Treacy and Danny Quinn had their moments.

Kiladangan who came through to the final by way of victories over Lorrha/Shannon Rovers and Kilruane MacDonaghs will be very disappointed after they were well on top in the first half. Gavin McGrath, Dara O’Dwyer, Jack Minehan, Jos Slattery, Noel Gleeson and Diarmuid Fogarty were best.

TEAMS - Silvermines: Luke O’Connor (7); William Murphy (7), Sean Ryan Prenderville (7), Ben Claffey (7); Sean Murphy (7), Luke O’Brien (8), Sean McGrath (8); Cynan Bailey (7), Darragh Treacy (7); Ronan Cunneen (8), David Ryan (6), Danny Quinn (7); Sean Nolan (7), John Ryan (7), Cathal Treacy (7).

Subs: Michael Young (7) for D Ryan (14 inj).

Kiladangan: Evan Sherlock (7); Ryan Gillick (6), Sean Ryan (7), Gavin McGrath (7); Callum O’Shea (7), Jack McGrath (6), Dara McGrath (7); James O’Meara (6), Jack Minehan (6); Chullian McGrath (7), Ciaran Taplin (6), Jos Slattery (6); Noel Gleeson (8), Jack Connolly (6), Diarmuid Fogarty (7).

Subs: Oisin Sheahan (6) for Connolly (44); Cillian Ryan (6) for Minehan (54).

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan (Burgess).