J.H. Craobh Rúa Cup Final

Sun. July 19th

Blackrock 2 – 17 V 2 – 18 St. Vincents @ Ballinlough

Report By Roger Ryan:

Our Junior Hurlers had victory snatched from their grasp at Ballinlough on Sunday morning. Leading by 2 points with time almost up St. Vincents were awarded a close-in free and their chief marksman Luke Callanan breached our defence to score a goal. The Ref blew full time immediately so we didn't get an opportunity to get a levelling score. This was indeed a heartbreaking end for our gallant boys who put up a great showing and led for most of the game. Played in ideal conditions on a perfectly prepared pitch, the game was played at a fast pace despite the warmth.

St. Vincents made an early start and had 2 points on the board before Caomhin Perrott reolied with a point for us. Luke Fogarty then pointed a free to bring us level. Vincents with a goal and 2 points pushed by 5 points. Our boys then responded with a point each from Lorcán De Búrca, Peter Cotter and James Walsh. On the 16th minute things got decidedly better when James Walsh, who was causing all sorts of problems for the Vincents defence, scored our first goal to put us in the lead , 1 – 05 to 1 – 04. Vincents levelled but a point each from James Walsh and Luke Fogarty soon had us 2 up again. James Walsh traded a point with Vincents to retain our 2 points lead. Vincents next point was answered by a similar score from Luke Fogarty and Peter Leneghan. St. Vincents closed out the first half with a point to leave the score at Rockies 1 – 10, Vincents 1 – 08.

The second half began brightly with Peter Cotter trading points with Vincents. Two points on the trot had Vincents back on level terms again at 1 – 11 each. We were on lebel terms again when Luke Fogarty swapped point's. Luke then put us 2 points up with the next scores. Vincents then levelled again with 2 points/ Paddy Lynch's point was also equalled by Vincents Vincents next point was followe3d by our second goal scored by Peter Leneghan to pust us 2 ahead again. Vincents next point was answered by a pointed 65 from Luke Fogarty. Vincents had it back to a point but Paddy Lynch brought it back to a 2 point lead with time running out. St.Vincents were then awarded a close-in free and despite the best efforts of our defence, Luke Callanan crashed home a goal to gain victory for Vincent’s. This indeed a cruel blow to our boys after such a brave and tremendous effort. We now look forward to seeing these boys in action again in the Championship.

Scorers: Luke Fogarty 0 – 07(03 65) , James Walsh 1-03, Peter Lenegahn 1 – 01, Paddy Lynch 0 – 02, Peter Cotter 0 – 02, Lorcán De Búrca 0 – 01, Caoimhín Perrott 0 – 01.

Team: Kevin Foley, Conor Long, Tom Harrington, Aidan O'Brien, Caoimhin Perrott, Sean Cormack, Kevin Morgan, Robert Cregan, Lorcán De Búrca, Peter Leneghan, Luke Fogarty (C), James Walsh, Peter Cotter, Paddy Lynch, Cormac Casey.

Subs Used: Jerry O'Donovan, Brian O'Leary, Colin O'Leary.

Referee: John Horgan, Gleann Na Laoi.