Clonguish Og finish strong to claim minor hurling title

11.09.10 | MHC Final | By Longford Leader

Clonguish Og left it late to capture the Park House Hotel Cup on Saturday last when they defeated a gallant Wolfe Tones who were seeking to make it three-in-a-row of minor titles.

Played in wet conditions at Pearse Park the story of this final will be of two very contrasting 30 minute periods in which both sides displayed huge commitment and determination. The old saying that goals win games was appropriate in this game and Wolfe Tones will rue the concession of two late goals.

The early exchanges were frantic as both sides sought to gain the early advantage on greasy underfoot conditions. The Edgeworthstown side opened the scoring in the 4th minute when Luke Kelly supplied a high speculative ball into the square which was met in mid air by the hurl of Paudgie Farrell and finished to the net beautifully.

A fine save by Conor Shiels from the boot of Daniel Cassidy resulted in a '65 and this was pointed by Kevin Shine to open up an early 4 point lead for the Edgeworthstown side. The dream start for Wolfe Tones continued when 2 minutes later another high delivery was tapped down by Kevin Murphy and there was Farrell again to drive the ball to the net.

With only six minutes gone it looked as if Wolfe Tones were in line for an easy victory. It took Clonguish until the 14th minute to register on the scoreboard and similar to the earlier goals this came from a long ball which was calmly flicked to the net by full-forward Stephen McHale.

Clonguish narrowed the margin to just 3 points shortly after when Shane Whitney landed a long range point. Heavy rain threatened to ruin the game but both sides battled the elements and it did not hinder Shine on 22 minutes when he landed a lovely point from near the sideline to add to Glen Cassidy's earlier 21 yard free. The first half petered out with Gavin Kiernan adding a point for Clonguish and Wolfe Tones went into the break leading 2-3 to 1-2.

Whatever the Clonguish management said to their players during the interval had an immediate effect and just one minute of the second half had elapsed when Ciaran Devine took advantage of some sloppy defending in the Wolfe Tones defence to score a goal and leave just one point between the teams.

Wolfe Tones rallied and when a speculative 35 yard free from Kevin Shine found the roof of the Clonguish net it seemed as if it was going to be his side's day. Amazingly this would be the last score Wolfe Tones would register and the remaining 25 minutes were dominated by Clonguish despite the best efforts of Adrian McLoughlin in the Wolfe Tones defence.

On 41 minutes the Clonguish corner-forward Jason Nertney pointed from close range when a goal seemed easier and then referee Joe McDermott awarded the Newtownforbes side a penalty which was well saved by Wolfe Tones keeper Mark Dooley.

It was only a temporary let-off for Wolfe Tones and with 3 minutes remaining they still held a 3 point advantage. But with time ticking by Clonguish raised their game and were rewarded when McHale doubled on the ball to the net thereby levelling the game.

A draw appeared inevitable but Clonguish had other ideas and they continued to press forward.

With only seconds remaining, Wolfe Tones failed to clear the ball and Gavin Kiernan pounced to score his sides fourth goal, this gave Clonguish the lead for the first time in the game and it was to be the deciding score.

CLONGUISH OG: Conor Shiels; Brian Gordon, Dean Connolly, Gavin Kiernan; James Devine, Gerard Moore, Raymond O'Brien; Rory Breslin, Shane Whitney (0-1); Gavin Kiernan (1-1), Robert Howard, Peadar Cassidy; Jason Nertney (0-1), Stephen McHale (2-0), Ciaran Devine (1-0).

WOLFE TONES: Mark Dooley; Hayden Canning, Nathan Cassidy, James Kelly; James Donnelly, Adrian McLoughlin, Niall Sheridan; Kevin Shine (1-2), Paudgie Farrell (2-0); Daniel Cassidy, Stephen Kane, John Gaffney; Luke Kelly, Kevin Murphy, Glen Cassidy (0-1).

REFEREE: Joe McDermott (Longford Slashers).

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