St. Colmcille’s captured only their second ever U13 Roinn A County Title with an impressive win against Cashel BNS in the Tipperary Cumann na mBunscol final in Semple Stadium on Wednesday last.
In truth the result never looked to be in doubt as the boys from Templemore capped off a truly magnificent hurling season. Throughout this campaign St.Colmcille’s have been dominant, notching up wins against Scoil Ailbhe, Ballina, Gaelscoil Thurles and defending champions St. Mary’s Clonmel.
Eoin Kelly worked hard to win a free in the early minutes which was converted by Ned Walsh, who was clinical from placed balls all day. By half time the boys in green had put distance between themselves and Cashel, scoring three goals and three points while only conceding a solitary point to a free. The goals came from three different scores and in very different manners. The first, created by a piercing run through the middle by Michael Cahill, was finished in style by Jamie Ormond, who only minutes earlier had scored a classy point that did justice to the splendour that is Semple Stadium. The second goal was fortunate as Primary Game star Ned Walsh’s long range free deceived the goalkeeper to drop into the net. The third goal was tapped in from close range, following a great team move, by corner forward Jack Marnell. The concession of one mere point in that devastating opening half was testament to the workrate and tenacity of the six backs. Eddie Corcoran plucked a number of balls out of the sky while Josh Quinlan, Cian Sheedy and Cormac Foy hooked, blocked, chased and harried at every opportunity. Behind them stood the calmest man on the field, goalkeeper David Kinnane, who along with making some vital saves, cleared a number of loose balls from around the danger area.
One very exciting feature of this team is the fact that three fourth class boys started the game with a fourth coming on shortly after half time. Billy Collier and Dayle Hogan both impressed on the wing while Jack Marnell and Seán Walsh proved tricky to manage up front. Considering these four boys have two more years at this level, their performances on the day must be admired.
Cashel were much better in the second half. A well taken goal and five points ensured this contest remained interesting to the large and vocal crowd in the Old Stand. However, when Player of the Match Daniel McAllister slammed home a fourth goal for Templemore the title seemed destined to return to Carden’s Demesne after a two year absence. Captain Ned Delaney added a superb point from a tight angle having received a pin-point pass from Tom Corcoran, who played arguably his best ever game in the green jersey.
With a massive panel of 31 players, all itching to be part of the action, substitutes were all eager to be part of this historic day and each one that entered played their part. Having such numbers training each day and wanting to play hurling for their school is testament to the quality and nature of coaching the boys receive from their teachers Conor Doyle and Denis Kelly. Much credit for this win must go to these gentlemen who give so much to the cause.
Joy and relief exploded around the ground as referee Willie Barrett blew the final whistle. St. Colmcille’s had captured the title they had wanted so badly since that first training session in February. More accurately, these boys have probably been preparing for this day since the started hurling training with Aidan Doyle on Friday afternoons when they were in first class! The final score, St. Colmcille’s PS 4-7 Cashel BNS 1-6.
Cumman na mBunscol Chairman Paddy Kelly presented the trophy to captain Ned Delaney, surrounded by half the parish of Templemore and the sense of pride, community and team spirit could be felt in the hearts of everyone present.
Semple Stadium, the Field of Dreams, it certainly is that!
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