Highschool: 4-09 Kilkenny C.B.S.: 1-00
First Year Hurling Team
Challenge Match
1. Greg Carroll
2. Luke Moore
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Glen Nugent
5. Brendan Dempsey
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Padraig Hickey
10. Daniel Harvey
11. Sean Carey
12. Lorcan Ryan
13. Donnacha Lonergan
14. Jonathon O’Mahoney (C.)
15. John Gallagher
Subs: Paul Denn, Ross Morrissey, Darren Guiry, Conor Walsh, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan, Karl Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Scorers:
Donnacha Lonergan:…….2-00
Sean Carey:……….1-01
Jonathon O’Mahoney……0-04
Lorcan Ryan:……….1-00
Ciaran Lorigan……..0-01
Padraig Hickey……..0-01
Daniel Harvey………0-01
John Gallagher……..0-01
Man-of-the-match: Brendan Dempsey
Top scorers of the season (five games):
Jonathon O’Mahoney:…..4-10 (22)
Donnacha Lonergan:…..6-02 (20)
Lorcan Ryan:……..4-02 (14)
Sean Carey:……….1-09 (12)
John Gallagher:…….2-04 (10)
Highschool: 1-15 Killenaule V.S.: 0-03
Co. Tipperary First Year Hurling ‘A’ Championship
Round 1
It was an impressive start for the High School’s First Year hurlers who are competing in the ‘A’ division of this competition for the first time following last year’s victory in the ‘B’ final. It took a while for the Clonmel boys to settle but they soon found their rhythm and were six points ahead at half time. High School were dominant all through the second half and Killenaule had no answer for their superior skill and strength.
1. Greg Carroll
2. Luke Moore
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Glen Nugent
5. Jonathon O’Mahoney
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Sean Carey
10. Brendan Dempsey
11. Padraig Hickey
12. Lorcan Ryan
13. Darren Guiry
14. John Gallagher
15. Ross Morrissey
Subs: Paul Denn, Conor Walsh, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Daniel Harvey, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Donnacha Lonergan, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall.
Man-of-the-match: Sean Carey
Scorers:
John Gallagher……..1-02
Sean Carey……..0-04
Ross Morrissey……..0-03
Brendan Dempsey……0-02
Padraig Hickey……..0-02
Paul Denn……….0-02
Highschool: 7-06 Thurles C.B.S.: 0-00
Co. Tipperary First Year Hurling ‘A’ Championship
Round 2
The High School continued their great run in the First Year Hurling County Championship with an emphatic victory over Thurles C.B.S. The heavy rain that fell for the duration of the game in no way hindered the drive of the Clonmel boys who used their physical strength and great hurling skill to earn their second victory in the championship.
The High School dominated the first half but found it difficult to take their scores. John Lonergan broke the deadlock with a fine first half goal. Ross Morrissey added a point and Jonathon O’Mahoney, who had been switched to full-forward, grabbed another goal to give the Clonmel side a seven point advantage at half time.
In the second half the High School never looked back and a magnificent performance by Jonathon O’Mahoney ensured victory. It was a great team effort. Greg Carroll made no mistake in the goal. The full-back line was solid throughout and Shane Lawlor deserves special mention. The half-back line made many great clearances and were the launching pad for most of the scores. Ciaran Larrigan was a contender for man-of-the-match. The two midfielders worked tirelessly while the forwards did very well to get their scores in the tough conditions.
1. Greg Carroll
2. Luke Moore
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Glen Nugent
5. Jonathon O’Mahoney
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Sean Carey
10. Brendan Dempsey
11. Padraig Hickey
12. Daniel Harvey
13. Paul Denn
14. John Gallagher
15. Ross Morrissey
Subs: Darren Guiry, Conor Walsh, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Lorcan Ryan, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Donnacha Lonergan, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan.
Man-of-the-match: Jonathon O’Mahoney
Scorers:
Jonathon O’Mahoney …..4-03
John Gallagher ……1-00
Donnacha Lonergan……1-00
Lorcan Ryan………1-00
Ross Morrissey……..0-01
Brendan Dempsey……0-01
Daniel Harvey………0-01
Highschool: 2-08 The Abbey C.B.S.: 2-00
Co. Tipperary First Year Hurling ‘A’ Championship
Round 3
The High School first year hurlers maintained their unbeaten record with a fine win over the Abbey C.B.S. The game was played in excellent weather conditions on Friday but the Clonmel boys hurled up a storm in the last ten minutes of the second half to earn an eight point victory over their Tipperary Town rivals. The High School were dominant in the first half but failed to take their scores. The Abbey ‘keeper deserves great praise for a brilliant display of goalkeeping which kept his team in touch in the first half. At half time the High School had a slender two-point lead. The Clonmel side got the first score of the second half but the Abbey equalised with a goal. It was when the High School started to aim for points that they really began to hurl well. A succession of points from Harvey , Hickey, Landers and Carey won were the winning of the game. Donnacha Lonergan then got a brilliant opportunist’s goal to seal the victory. Brendan Dempsey, Ciaran Larrigan and Diarmuid O’Sullivan were excellent on the half-back line while Sean Carey had a great game at midfield. Padraig Hickey, Daniel Harvey and Donnacha Lonergan were the best of the forwards while Keith Landers was very deserving of the man-of-the-match award for his best performance to date in the red and black.
1. Greg Carroll
2. Luke Moore
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Conor Walshe
5. Brendan Dempsey
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Sean Carey
10. Paul Denn
11. Padraig Hickey
12. Daniel Harvey
13. Donnacha Lonergan
14. John Gallagher
15. Lorcan Ryan
Subs: Ross Morrissey, Darren Guiry, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan, Karl Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Man-of-the-match: Keith Landers
Scorers:
Donnacha Lonergan…….2-01
Daniel Harvey……….0-02
Keith Landers……..0-01
Sean Carey……….0-01
Paul Denn………..0-01
Padraig Hickey………0-01
John Gallagher………0-01
Top scorers of the championship : (three games)
Jonathon O’Mahoney…..4-03 (15)
Donacha Lonergan……3-01 (10)
John Gallagher………2-03 (9)
Sean Carey………0-05
Ross Morrissey……..0-04
Highschool: 3-12 Cashel C.S.: 2-04
Co. Tipperary First Year Hurling ‘A’ Championship
Round 4
The High School first year hurlers qualified the final of the first year hurling championship with a hard fought win over Cashel C.S. on Tuesday. Cashel got the better start and had scored a goal and a point before the High School registered a score. The Clonmel boys took some time to find their form and only for great work by Lorcan Ryan in the forwards they would have been in trouble at half time. Cashel must have been disappointed to have found themselves two points down at the break despite a spirited performance.
The High School upped the tempo considerably in the second half and gradually took control of the game. By the end it was an eleven point victory but this score line did not reflect the toughness of the game. Lawlor, Larrigan, Landers, Carey and O’Mahoney were best for the winners while the man-of-the-match award goes to Lorcan Ryan for his crucial scores and consistency throughout.
The final will be played after the break. Panel members are asked to practice the skills of the game during the holidays.
1. Greg Carroll
2. Luke Moore
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Glen Nugent
5. Brendan Dempsey
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Sean Carey
10. Padraig Hickey
11. Jonathon O’Mahoney (C.)
12. Daniel Harvey
13. Donnacha Lonergan
14. John Gallagher
15. Lorcan Ryan
Subs: Ross Morrissey, Darren Guiry, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan, Karl Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Man-of-the-match: Lorcan Ryan
Scorers:
Lorcan Ryan…….2-02
Donnacha Lonergan…..1-01
Sean Carey…….0-03
Jonathon O’Mahoney…0-03
Ciaran Larrigan…….0-01
Keith Landers……0-01
Daniel Harvey……0-01
Top scorers of the championship : (four games)
Jonathon O’Mahoney…..4-06 (18)
Donacha Lonergan……4-02 (14)
Lorcan Ryan……….3-02 (11)
John Gallagher………2-03 (9)
Sean Carey………0-08
Highschool: 7-08 Borrisokane C.C.: 2-06
County ‘A’ Hurling Champions
Front (left to right):Kevin Twohig, Darren Guiry, Karl Ryan, Luke Moore, James Meehan, Jonathan O’ Mahoney, Séan Carey, Naoise Ó Cuinneagáin, Ewan Moir, Conor Walsh.
Middle (left to right): Colm Keher (Coach), Pat Power (Principal), Daniel Harvey, Diarmuid O’ Sullivan, David Hoyne, Shane Lawlor, David McGrath, Alan Lonergan, Lorcan Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Back (left to right): Padraig Hickey, Kieran Wall, Ciaran Lorigan, Donnacha Lonergan, Greg Carroll, Keith Landers, John Gallagher, Andrew Heffernan, Liam Rice (Coach), Gerry Shanahan (Deputy Principal).
Missing from Photo: Glen Nugent, Brendan Dempsey, Paul Denn, Ross Morrissey, James McGrath.
The High School won the Corn Ui Chathain, County Tipperary First Year ‘A’ Hurling Championship, for the first time at Dr. Morris Park on Monday. It was an historic victory for the Clonmel side who were just promoted from the ‘B’ division having won the final last year. The High School went into the final with wins over Killenaule, Thurles C.B.S., The Abbey, and Cashel and were confident that they were serious contenders for the title.
The game opened brightly for Borrisokane who scored the game’s first two points. It seemed to take the High School some time to settle and they found the going tough against a stiff breeze. John Gallagher kept them in touch with an excellently taken goal. Borrisokane responded with three unanswered points helping themselves to a two-point lead. Jonathon O’Mahoney got the High School back on track with a point from a free which he followed with another from play. Sean Carey completed the High School rally with a fine goal. Borrisokane goaled on the stroke of half time to level the game at 1-05 apiece.
With the wind in their backs for the second half the High School needed to stamp their authority on proceedings at an early stage. No better man than the team’s inspirational captain, Jonathon O’Mahoney, who scored a goal that severely tested the strength of the net. Donnacha Lonergan added a brilliantly struck ground shot which gave the Borrisokane ‘keeper no chance. When O’Mahoney scored his first second-half point the High School looked to be well on their way to victory. This gallant Borrisokane team were not going to go down without a fight. They scored a goal and a point to bring them within three points of the eventual winners. Amazingly they were not to score for the remainder of the game. Unsurprisingly it was Jonathon O’Mahoney who started the match winning scoring spree with a well taken point. Lorcan Ryan and Donnacha Lonergan added a goal apiece which were followed by three consecutive points from O’Mahoney. Sean Carey then scored the game’s best point despite the close attentions of the Borrisokane backs. Donnacha Lonergan got the last score of the game with an opportunistic goal.
Jonathon O’Mahoney received the cup on behalf of the High School much to the delight of their supporters. This was a fantastic team performance. Greg Carroll, who had a brilliant season, was excellent in the goal. Glen Nugent had an fine game at corner-back and made many vital interceptions. Shane Lawlor was ever-dependable and was notable for his long clearances in the second half especially. Luke Moore was a contender for man-of-the-match and broke the hearts of the opposition with his confident play. Brendan Dempsey was a vital member of a strong half-back line. He made very intelligent use of the ball and at all times seemed to take the right option. Ciaran Lorigan was outstanding at centre-back and took on the task of marking one of Borrisokane’s best players and came out the winner. At mid-field, Keith Landers and Padraig Hickey worked tirelessly for their team and gave great ball into the forwards. The High School had two hard working wing forwards in Daniel Harvey and Lorcan Ryan who seemed to create panic in the Borrisokane backs every time they got the ball. Sean Carey used his skills to great effect at centre-forward and was one of the best players on the pitch. Donnacha Lonergan strengthened his reputation as a goal scorer and can be proud of his three goals in a county final. In the other corner John Gallagher played very well and got the crucial first half goal.
1. Greg Carroll
2. Glen Nugent
3. Shane Lawlor
4. Luke Moore
5. Brendan Dempsey
6. Ciaran Lorigan
7. Diarmuid O’Sullivan
8. Keith Landers
9. Padraig Hickey
10. Daniel Harvey
11. Sean Carey
12. Lorcan Ryan
13. Donnacha Lonergan
14. Jonathon O’Mahoney (C.)
15. John Gallagher
Subs: Paul Denn, Ross Morrissey, Darren Guiry, Conor Walsh, Naoise O’Cuinneagain, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan, Karl Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Man-of-the-Match: Jonathon O’Mahoney
Scorers:
Jonathon O’Mahoney…….1-07
Donnacha Lonergan……….3-00
Sean Carey………….1-01
John Gallagher……….1-00
Lorcan Ryan………..1-00
Top scorers of the season (six games)
Jonathon O’Mahoney…….5-17
Donnacha Lonergan……9-02
Lorcan Ryan………5-02
Sean Carey………..2-10
John Gallagher……..3-04
Highschool: 7-06 Cahir C.S.: 1-04
Hennessy Cup – County under 15 hurling
Round 1
Man-of-the-match: David Lorrigan (Centre-back)
Scorers:
Michael Feeney:…..4-00
Richard Fenton:……1-02
Steven Melbourne:…..1-01
Brian McDonnell:……1-01
Stephen Browne:…..0-02
Highschool: 1-11 St. Joseph ‘s Borrisoleigh: 1-16
Munster Senior ‘B’ Hurling Final
The High School’s dream of an historic double came to an end in Boherlahan last Wednesday when they were overcome by Borrisoleigh in a magnificent Munster Colleges Senior ‘B’ hurling final. In the end it was the goal and two points that were scored by the north Tipp lads in the closing minutes that separated the two sides. The goal was fittingly scored by Daniel Shanahan who, in an immaculate display of free-taking, had already helped himself to nine points from placed balls. Early in the second half the High School seemed to be in danger of letting the game run away from them when two consecutive frees from Shanahan put his side six points ahead. The Clonmel boys dug deep however and were inspired by two fabulous points from mid-fielder Brian Carroll. Borrisoleigh responded with a point from Willie Ryan that was then followed by a quick response from the High School’s Michael McHugh. Sean Phelan, who had had a goal disallowed in the first half, grabbed an opportunist’s goal to put the minimum between the sides. The High School piled on the pressure and won a ’65’ that was duly scored by Liam Lawlor. Perhaps it was the huge effort required by the High School to level the game but in any case it was the Borrisleigh boys who finished the stronger to take their first title at this level.
The game had opened with a pointed free from Shanahan in the first minute. Niall Kelly responded with a brilliant point into the wind from his left side but Borrisoleigh were to get the next two from J. Hogan and D. Shanahan (free). Three points from the High School followed with Brian Carroll and Niall Kelly (two frees) the providers. This put the High School into a one-point lead having played against the stiff breeze. It was Borrisoleigh who took the initiative, however, with three points from Shanahan (frees) and a point each for corner forwards Ryan and Young. The in form Niall Kelly halted the Borrisoleigh run with another score from a placed ball but a point each for Willie Ryan and Daniel Shanahan (free) gave Borrisoleigh a five point advantage at the interval.
Niall Kelly opened the scoring in the second half with a point from play that was cancelled by Borrisoleigh centre forward A. Kinane. Martin Dunne pointed to bring his side within four points of the opposition but two more frees from Shanahan gave Borrisoleigh a six point lead.
In the end the High School boys have to be commended for their spirited fight back. They played with tremendous heart and determination. Perhaps playing their third championship game in seven days had taken its toll. It was a magnificent effort in the school’s first ever appearance in a final at this level. Best for the High School were Ian Browne (whose magnificent saves in the first half kept his side in touch), Liam Lawlor, Brian Carroll, Niall Kelly, Declan Power and Tony Ryan.
High School: Ian Browne, Danny Lyne, Declan Power, Eoin Ryan, Tony Ryan, Liam Lawlor (0-1, 65), Aidan Rouse, Brian Carroll (0-3), Seamus Lawlor, Michael McHugh (0-1), Peter Hally (capt.), Niall Kelly (0-5, 0-3 frees), Sean Phelan (1-0), Shane Kearney, Martin Dunne (0-1)
Borrisoleigh: P Bourke, E. Woodlock, D, Kearns, M. Butler, D. Kennedy, P. Stapleton, B. Graydon, B. O’Sullivan, J. Woodlock(0-1), D. Shanahan (1-9, 0-9frees), A. Kinnane, J. Hogan(0-1), W. Ryan (0-3), E. Costelloe, D. Young (0-2)
High School: 2-12 Callan C.B.S.: 2-09
U-18½ Hurling Challenge
The season got off to a great start with a win over Callan. The following was the team that started:
1. Ian Barnes
2. David Hanrahan
3. Sean Phelan
4. Eoin Ryan
5. Tony Ryan
6. Peter Hally
7. Aidan Rouse
8. Brian Carroll
9. Seamus Lawlor
10. Shane Kearney
11. Aidan Barry
12. Niall Kelly
13. Michael McHugh
14. Paul Ryan
15. Ian Browne
Subs: Brian Mulvihill, Marc Tobin, Kevin Tobin, James Houlihan, Senan O’Halloran, Seamus Shannon, Michael O’Gorman, Danny Lyne, Gerard Mullane, Paddy Flynn, Paraic Kelly.
Scorers:
Paul Ryan:….. 2-00
Brian Carroll: ……0-02
Niall Kelly:…..0-02
Aidan Barry:……0-02
Ian Browne:…….0-02
Brian Mulvihill:….0-02
Ml. McHugh:…..0-01
Shane Kearney:…..0-01
Highschool: 1-07 C.B.S. Kilkenny: 3-12
Senior Hurling Challenge – (Wed Jan 29)
Our senior hurlers suffered a setback in their preparations for the Munster semi-final yesterday (Wed.) at St. James’ Park. Having beaten the Kilkenny side early in the season this was a disappointing result for the High School who had been undefeated this season. The High School had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half but it was the Leinster team that got off to the better start with a goal. It took frees from Liam Lawlor and Niall Kelly to settle the visitors. Shane Kearney put the High School in front with an excellently taken goal that was set up by Paul Ryan. Liam Lawlor stretched the lead to three points. This good spell for the High School was negated by two points from Kilkenny. Brian Carroll responded with a brilliant point off his left side while Liam Lawlor added another free. Once again there seemed to be a lapse in the concentration of the Clonmel boys and Kilkenny got the most important scores of the game with a goal and a point which gave them a one-point lead at the interval.
The first ten minutes of the second half saw Kilkenny stamp their authority on the game with four unanswered points. Shane Kearney and Seamus Lawlor got the High School’s only scores in the second half. The High School did put a fair bit of pressure on their opponents in the last ten minutes but the scores didn’t come. The final score did exaggerate the Kilkenny side’s dominance somewhat but there was no doubting which was the better team on the day. The High School can definitely improve on this performance but a huge commitment in training is required.
Scorers:
Shane Kearney:…….1-1
Liam Lawlor………0-3
Niall Kelly………0-1
Brian Carroll………0-1
Seamus Lawlor……..0-1
Highschool: 3-17 Callan C.B.S.: 1-16
U-18½ Hurling Challenge – Feb 5 2003
Scorers:
Niall Kelly: 0-07
Sean Phelan: 1-01
Michael McHugh: 1-01
Peter Hally: 1-00
Seamus Lawlor: 0-03
Shane Kearney: 0-03
Liam Lawlor: 0-01
Brian Mulvihill: 0-01
Highschool Clonmel: 1-15 Rice College, Ennis: 1-03
Corn Phadraig – U-18½ Munster Hurling Championship
The High School got their Munster campaign off to a great start with a fine win over Rice College in Limerick on Thursday. Team captain, Peter Hally, elected to play against the breeze in the first half. Rice College got off to flying start when the Clonmel defence were caught napping and conceded a goal after 30 seconds. The High School were under sever pressure in the opening stages and were it not for the brilliance of Ian Browne in the goal and indeed the wasteful shooting of the Ennis forwards would have been in trouble. The High School’s first score came from Shane Kearney after some good work by Niall Kelly. Peter Hally was providing the leadership in the forwards and burst through the Ennis defence to score another point for the High School. Peter Hally was also involved in the next score when he gave a great pass to Niall Kelly who finished expertly to level the sides. Rice College responded with a pointed free. Shane Kearney responded well with his second point but Rice College resumed the lead with another pointed free. High School levelled with a Seamus Lawlor point; this time Brian Carroll was the provider. The High School snatched the lead just before half time when Niall Kelly got one of the best scores of the game: a free close to the sideline, fifty metres out with a strong wind blowing towards the right-hand post.
The High School can consider themselves lucky to have been a point to the good at the interval despite living dangerously in the first half. The third quarter was always going to be vital in this match and fortunately it was the High School who got the early scores with a succession of five points by, Dunne, Kearney , Liam Lawlor, Seamus Lawlor and Brian Mulvihill. Liam Lawlor’s point was a spectacular solo effort. Having won the ball in the centre-back position he ran 30 metres and having no catch struck the ball of the hurley on his left side. The six point advantage seemed to have a negative effect on the High School for they allowed their opponents back into the game and once again found themselves under pressure. Rice College pointed another free to reduce their deficit to five points. Ian Browne was forced to make yet another save and was fouled while trying to clear the ball. Unfortunately he had to leave the field of play while the Rice College corner forward was rightly red-carded for his indiscretion. Paul Ryan got the High Scool’s only goal immediately after the incident and gave his side an eight point lead. With an extra man the Clonmel side looked very comfortable for the remainder and by the end had stretched their lead by a further four points. The High School are set to meet Charleville side Rath Luirc in the quarter final.
In the end it was a great result. While there is plenty of room for improvement all the forwards played well with Peter Hally, Shane Kearney and Niall Kelly particularly impressive. Brian Carroll had a great game at midfield, striking a huge amount of ball. More tight marking will be needed in the backs but all six defenders hurled well on the day.
1. Ian Browne
2. Sean Phelan
3. Declan Power
4. Eoin Ryan
5. Tony Ryan
6. Liam Lawlor
7. Aidan Rouse
8. Seamus Lawlor
9. Brian Carroll
10. Shane Kearney
11. Peter Hally (c.)
12. Brian Mulvihill
13. Martin Dunne
14. Paul Ryan
15. Niall Kelly
Sub used: Ian Barnes for Ian Browne (injured)
Man-of-the-match: Ian Browne
Scorers:
Shane Kearney………0-03
Niall Kelly………..0-03
Paul Ryan……………1-00
Seamus Lawlor……….0-02
Martin Dunne…………0-02
Liam Lawlor………….0-02
Brian Mulvihill………0-02
Peter Hally………….0-02
Highschool: 1-6 Charleville C.B.S: 0-8
Corn Phadraig – U-18½ Munster Hurling Championship
Quarter Final
It is hard to imagine a game more exciting than this one. The High School found themselves two points down as the game moved into injury time. A string of High School attacks had yielded nothing and just when it looked like the dream was over a ball hopped in front of Seamus Lawlor. Somehow the mid-fielder found himself in front of goal with a chance to save his team from heartbreak. So many times have we seen a chance like this spurned-but not on this occasion. Lawlor pulled on the ball first time and a perfect connection unleashed an unstoppable shot from fifteen yards that went low and hard into the bottom corner of the net. Those who were there to see this goal will never forget it. The High School had to fight hard for the longest sixty seconds in history to maintain their one point lead but when the referee finally blew his whistle it was a strange mixture of elation and relief for the men from Clonmel.
Charleville had the better start to this low scoring game. They were probably disappointed with a return of two points for this early pressure. The High School side began to find their rhythm but like their Cork counterparts found scoring difficult against a teak tough defence. An excellent Niall Kelly free got scoring underway while a long-range point from one of the best players on view, Brian Carroll, levelled matters. Charleville introduced a sub at corner forward who scored a point with his first effort. Another superb free from Niall Kelly levelled matters once again but unfortunately this ended a bright period for the High School. Charleville added two more points before half time giving them a nice two point lead after a half that the High School dominated for twenty minutes.
Charleville started the second half as they had the first and before their opposition seemed to know it had stretched their lead to four points. This lead seemed ominous in a game in which scores could not be described as free flowing. With fifteen minutes remaining Liam Lawlor who was having the game of his life at centre-back was switched to centre forward. He took to the new position with style scoring two points that brought his team right back into contention. Meanwhile Peter Hally was more than ably filling his boots at centre back and deserves great credit for his performance. For the last five minutes of this game the High School put on a stunning show of resilience. Their opposition must have been shocked by their refusal to give up and by the ferocity of their efforts to get the winning score. Perhaps we should have seen it coming but the Charleville ‘keeper certainly didn’t, nor could he given the perfection of Seamus Lawlor’s shot.
In many ways it was a strange game. It looked at times like being a case of two good teams cancelling each other out. It was always enthralling hurling nonetheless. Ian Browne, while not tested as often as he was against Rice College , was flawless in the goal. One of the game’s great spectacles was the duel between High School full back, Declan Power, and Charleville’s big number fourteen who was also their best player. While no K.O. the fullback would probably shade the contest on points. It was a great display of fullback play. Power held his discipline and on at least two occasions in the second half the referee harshly awarded frees against him. The two corner backs, Sean Phelan and Eoin Ryan also had great games and coped well with the tactics of their opponents. Liam Lawlor was magnificent at centre back and broke the hearts of the opposition with clearance after clearance. Aidan Rouse played his best game of the year while Tony Ryan didn’t give and inch. At midfield Seamus Lawlor worked tirelessly and still had the energy to score the winning goal. Brian Carroll struck a huge amount of ball during the hour and his reading of the game was impeccable throughout. Peter Hally can be more than happy with his contribution over the hour and was part of some excellent moves in the first half and managed to keep the defence steady when he was moved into the defence. The forward found the going tough against an excellent defence. The ball rarely seemed to find its way into the full forward line, though Michael McHugh did enough to win two vital frees in the first half. Niall Kelly was rock solid on the pressure frees and made a valuable contribution from general play. Martin Dunne and Paul Ryan worked very hard to get the crucial score in the second half but were feeding off scraps.
The High School can be happy with their win but will need to improve to go further in this competition but there is no doubting they have the spirit to do so.
Scorers:
Niall Kelly………0-3
Seamus Lawlor……..1-0
Liam Lawlor………0-2
Brian Carroll………0-1
Man-of-the-match: Liam Lawlor
Cameo-of-the-match: Aidan Barry’s hurley!
Green-flag-waver-of-the-match: Kevin Tobin.
1. Ian Browne
2. Sean Phelan
3. Declan Power
4. Eoin Ryan
5. Tony Ryan
6. Liam Lawlor
7. Aidan Rouse
8. Brian Carroll
9. Seamus Lawlor
10. Niall Kelly
11. Peter Hally (c.)
12. Brian Mulvihill
13. Martin Dunne
14. Paul Ryan
15. Michael McHugh
Subs: Marc Tobin, Ian Barnes, Shane Kearney, Aidan Barry, Kevin Tobin, James Houlihan, Senan O’Halloran, Seamus Shannon, Michael O’Gorman, Danny Lyne, Gerard Mullane, David Hanrahan, Barry Hanley, Michael Moore, David O’Gorman.
Highschool: 2-11 Douglas C.S. : 3-8 (AET)
Corn Phadraig – U-18½ Munster ‘B’ Hurling Championship
Semi-Final
A last gasp point by Shane Kearney in injury time of extra time gave the High School a second chance to reach a Munster final. In the end a draw was a fair result though both sides had their chances to win. The High School got off to the worst possible start with the concession of a soft goal from a miss-hit free. The Clonmel boys worked very hard to make amends and thanks to points from McHugh, Phelan and Niall Kelly slowly brought themselves back into the game. At half-time the score was High School: 0-5, Douglas : 1-3.
The second half saw only five scores, all points, and thankfully three of which were registered by the High School. The High School worked very hard for their one point lead towards the end but a pointed free from Douglas brought the game to extra time. If the first sixty minutes were tense and exciting then extra-time was almost unbearably so. Once again Douglas had the better start outscoring the High School 1-1 to 0-1. Incredibly the second half of extra time saw the lead change hands three times with Shane Kearney contributing 2-1 in this ten minute period. Shane was then operating at full-forward and got great supply from Michael McHugh. Shane’s equalising point was great shot from a tight angle on his left side.
All in all the High School will be happy to have that second chance though will be conscious of the fact that they will need to dominate the game for longer periods to ensure victory. On a number of occasions soft scores and frees were conceded. It was a tight game throughout and players were given very little time to dwell on the ball. A quick, direct ball was often the missing ingredient.
The replay will be tomorrow(Fri) at venue to be announced.
Man-of-the-match: (Dead heat) Shane Kearney and Liam Lawlor
Scorers:
Shane Kearney………2-1
Niall Kelly……….0-3
Liam Lawlor……….0-3
Sean Phelan………0-2
Michael McHugh………0-1
Peter Hally……….0-1
A tremendous year for High School hurling
It was a tremendous year for the High School hurling. Our victory in the First Year A County hurling championship was the highlight before Christmas while the tremendous Munster campaign of the Senior hurlers gave great enjoyment in particular in the latter half of the year. That team in particular deserves special credit for the commitment its players gave during their time in the High School. A word of thanks to Eamon Ryan who did a tremendous job in helping with the preparation of the teams. Credit is also due to Pat Power and Jerry Shanahan who gave great support during the year.
Munster U-18 1/2 Senior ‘B’ Finalists 2003
Back Row (left to right): James Houlihan, Michael McHugh, Seamus Lawlor, Paul Ryan, Brian Carroll, Declan Power, Michael O’Gorman, Barry Hanley, David O’Gorman, Gerard Mullane.
Middle Row: Colm Keher (Coach), Marc Tobin, Eoin Ryan, Niall Kelly, Ian Browne, Séan Phelan, David Hanrahan, Aidan Rouse, Michael Moore, Liam Rice (Coach).
Front Row: Liam Lawlor, Brian Mulvihill, Kevin Tobin, Peter Hally (Captain), Danny Lyne, Tony Ryan, Paddy Moran, Martin Dunne.
Our under 18 1/2 hurlers made history by being the first ever High School side to reach the final of the Corn Phadraig (Munster Senior ‘B’Hurling). In the December edition of the newsletter we reported that the team had recorded a big win over Rice College Ennis in the first round of the competition. Little did we know then the drama that was to follow. The opponents in the next round were Charleville C.B.S. and after a poor performance the High School found themselves four points down with only minutes remaining. Liam Lawlor delivered two excellent points and his club-mate Seamus Lawlor hit a brilliant injury-time goal to steal victory by the narrowest margin. This team’s heart and never-say-die attitude would become the hallmark of their Munster campaign.
The High School were then drawn against Douglas C.S. in the semi-final and knew that a very good performance would be required to earn a place in the Munster Final. 140 minutes of hurling was required to separate two determined sides. The first game played in Ballygiblin was as good a game of colleges hurling ever played. It was played throughout at a ferocious pace. Both teams showed a physical toughness that the High School matched with an incredible mental strength. In the early minutes of the game the High School conceded a soft goal but managed to claw their way back into the game and found themselves a point ahead with the final whistle imminent. A Douglas pointed free brought the game to extra time which provided even more drama. Once again Douglas had the better start outscoring the High School 1-1 to 0-1. Incredibly the second half of extra time saw the lead change hands three times with Shane Kearney contributing 2-1 in this ten minute period. Shane was then operating at full-forward and got great supply from Michael McHugh. Shane’s equalising point was great shot from a tight angle on his left side. The replay was fixed for the same venue two days later. The replay was a tough encounter and the High School slowly got to grips with their opponents. With Liam Lawlor once again outstanding at centre-back and Brian Carroll brilliant at mid-field it was Sean Phelan who was the scoring hero in the forwards. He ended the game with 2-1 to his credit. The High School found themselves seven points up with 15 minutes to go but the Douglas boys made a great effort to reduce the lead to two points and fortunately the High School managed to hold on for an historic victory.
The Munster final was played the following week and St. Joseph’s Borrisoleigh were to be the opposition. The High School team did themselves proud on the day and made a huge effort to win the school’s first ever Munster hurling title. Impressive performances from Niall Kelly, Brian Carroll, Liam Lawlor, Sean Phelan and Declan Power were not enough on the day. However the game did provide great entertainment especially in the second half when the High School cancelled a six point deficit to level the game with minutes remaining. Unfortunately the Borrisoleigh boys responded in fine style by scoring 1-2 before the final whistle ended an amazing Munster campaign.
Gerry Chawke Sponsorship
Left to right: Ciaran Lorrigan, Pat Power (Principal) Padraic Hickey, Colm Keher, (Hurling Coach),
Gerry Chawke (Sponsor), Lorcan Ryan, Liam Rice (Hurling Coach), Shane Lawlor, Michael O’Donoghue(Teacher)
Rice Cup (Under 14 C.B.S. Hurling)
After the success of the first year hurlers in the county ‘A’ championship it was that the High School should enter the ‘A’ division of this competition. The High School were drawn against Thurles C.B.S. in the first game and suffered defeat by a large margin. The next was against Dungarvan C.B.S. whom the High School easily defeated. The deciding game in the group was against Charleville and unfortunately the High School were beaten and leaving them unable to reach the knock out stages. There is definitely plenty of talent in this panel and with plenty of work they could achieve more.
Fitzgerald Shield (Under 17 county ‘B’ Championship)
At the time of going to print the school’s under 17 team had qualified for the final of the Fitzgerald shield with big wins over Nenagh V. S. and Cahir C.S. The opposition for the final was Ballingarry. High School put up a brave performance but unfortunately lost by four points.