JHC final: Confey make no mistake this time against Clane

UPMC Junior Hurling Championship final

Confey 1-15

Clane 0-10

After the disappointment of last years defeat to Wolfe Tones, Confey were back to put matters right at the second time of asking.

They made no mistake this time as they enjoyed an eight point win over Clane to be crowned UPMC Kildare Junior Hurling Championship for 2024.

A Conor Murphy goal just before half-time was due reward for some constant Confey pressure and only for the performance of Clane keeper Lorcan Harney, who saved on at least three occasions, Confey could have been out of sight at the break.

Confey had the experience of the likes of Michael and Kieran Divilly to help see them over the line as they made better use of their possession.

The opening exchanges were tight as the sides were level on no fewer than four occasions.

Clane who had the advantage of a stiff breeze in the opening half raced into an early two point lead courtesy of Ethan Smith and Shane Ryan.

Clane were going down the centre with their possession and Confey were comfortable in dealing with it.It laid the platform for some renewed pressure on the Clane goal.

Robin Breslin and Brian Keane levelled matters on eight.Confeys first goal chance arrived on 8 through Robin Breslin but it was a great save from Lorcan Harney to keep the sides on level terms.

Shane Ryan and a Mark Fennelly free ensured their was nothing between thebsides at the end of the opening quarter.

Daire Doherty and another Fennelly free continued the routine of back to as back scores as the sides couldn't be separated.

When Shane Ryan and David Gibbons moved Clane two ahead for the first time you expected them to stretch the advantage before the break but despite playing against the elements it was Confey who finished the half in the ascendancy.

Mark Fennelly and Paul Keegan added points before Conor Murphy got the opening goal.

A Robin Breslin shot was again saved by Harney but Murphy was on hand to fire home the rebound.

Confey would go to the dressing rooms 1-8 to 0-7 ahead.

On the resumption two David Gibbons points from a free and a 65 helped reduce the gap to 2 but over the closing 27 minutes

Clane could only manage another David Gibbons free.It was the constant pressure from Confey that yielded seven closing points as the Clane effort petered out.

Mark Fennelly brought his personal tally to 0-7 as he converted two frees from distance and the loudest cheer was reserved for veteran Michael Divilly who fired over two late points to seal a 1-15 to 0-10 victory

In a game that started off so good and with the teams sharing point after point it turned out to be a disappointing end as Confey didn't get any major opposition over the closing 30 minutes.

Confey won't complain as they sealed their place in next year's Intermediate grade and after lat years loss to Wolfe Tones this was a sweet victory.

Clane will be disappointed but with a young and largely inexperienced outfit they will be back next year to try put the record straight. Confey have showed them the way.

MAIN MAN

LORCAN HARNEY

Lorcan Harney was outstanding between the posts for Clane while the Confey defence as a unit were excellent throughout.The man of the match award goes to Confey captain and chief score getter Mark Fennelly.He lead from the front chipped in with seven points and his workrate was exemplary throughout.

TURNING POINT

After the sides were level on four seperate occasions during the opening twenty minutes the game needed a spark and It came in the shape of a Conor Murphy goal.He was on hand after Lorcan Harney made a great save from Robin Breslin to fire home. It pushed Confey 4 ahead and into a lead they never lost.

TALKING POINT

The first half saves from Lorcan Harney, the perfect free taking and leadership from Mark Fennelly coupled with the likes of Michael and Kieran Divilly turning back the clock with their experience and guidance that steered Confey to a county title were all highlights of an entertaining county final.

CONFEY: Robert Connolly; Conor O'Neill 0-1, Michael Mularkey, Michael Divilly 0-2; Robin Breslin 0-1 Ruairi Lynch 0-1, Eamon McQuillan; Brian Keane 0-1, Mark Fennelly 0-7 (6 frees); Kieran Divilly, Paul Keegan 0-1, Padraic Keegan; Martin Devaney, Fiachra Keegan, Conor Murphy 1-0. Subs: Ronan McNamara 0-1 for Paul Keegan 47; Adrian Kinsella for Mark Devaney 50; Liam Monks for Conor O Neill 54; Oisin Reade for Robin Breslin 63; Aaron Challoner for Michael Divilly 63.

CLANE: Lorcan Harney; Culann Healy, Declan Kavanagh, Finn Moore; Eamon Little, Sean O'Rourke, Ben O'Dea; Neil Mooney, Daire Doherty 0-1; David Gibbons 0-4 (3 frees, 65), Shane Ryan 0-3, David O Neill; Ethan Smith 0-1, Conor Ward, Patrick Jordan 0-1. Subs: TJ Dillon for David O Neill H/T; Aaron Connolly for Finn Moore 41; Robert Hyland for Ethan Smith 46; Conor Martin for Neil Mooney 52; Ciaran Kavanagh for David Gibbons 59.

REFEREE: Niall Colgan.