Strong first half showing lays foundation for Brackens win in Mid quarter-final

Centenary Agri Mid Senior Hurling Quarter-Final

JK Brackens 0-26

Holycross Ballycahill 0-22

By Michael Dundon

JK Brackens secured their place in the Centenary Agri Mid senior hurling semi-final with two late points to oust Holycross Ballycahill in an entertaining quarter-final at The Ragg on Friday last. They meet Moycarkey Borris in the semi-final next week-end

Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance and both spurned goal chances in a game that went down to the wire, but Brackens’ greater attacking options tipped the scales in their favour with the Ormond brothers, Andrew (4) and James (6) leading the Holycross defence a merry dance to amass ten points between them.

Holycross in contrast relied heavily on the accuracy of free-taker Darragh Woods for their scores but the introduction in the second half of some of their younger talent who have enjoyed considerable success at the underage level improved matters considerably and will give them great encouragement as they ready themselves for the start of the county championship at the end of the month.

Holycross had Cathal Barrett at number eleven but pitted against county colleague Paddy Cadell got little scope to exert influence on proceedings. Yet the abbeysiders opened well to go 0-6 to 0-3 clear after 13 minutes. 

However, JK Brackens then struck a rich vein to hit eight points without reply for a 0-11 to 0-6 lead by the 22nd minute, Lyndon Fairbrother notching four of them from frees, and James Ormond two from play. Back came Holycross for a brace of points from Darragh Woods (2) and Jim Ryan, but JK Brackens finished with a flourish, Andrew Ormond hitting three points and Jamie another as they established a 0-16 to 0-9 lead at the halfway stage.

It was an impressive showing by Brackens who won this title for the first time two years ago and who also defeated Holycross in the county league and they continued to hold the seven-point advantage through the opening ten minutes of the second half as the sides traded four scores each.

Holycross’ reaction to the first-half showing was the introduction of youngsters Robbie Ryan and Liam Doyle at half-time followed shortly afterwards by the arrival of Tadhg Gould and it paid dividends as they reeled off six points without reply to be just two adrift (0-19 to 0-21) with 10 minutes plus to play. Be Hennessy hit two from play for them, Darragh Woods five, and Robbie Ryan the other.

At this stage, the momentum looked to be with Holycross but Brackens held their nerve. Lyndon Fairbrother checked the Holycross flow with a point to which Joe Caesare replied. Jamie Ormond and Robbie Ryan swapped scores then before Shane Doyle’s point in the 55th minute gave the eventual winners a three-point lead (0-24 to 0-21).

In a game of such fluctuating fortunes, the semi-final spot was still up for grabs. Both sides missed chances of points before Darragh Woods narrowed the deficit for Holycross. However, it was Brackens who had the final say, Shane Doyle and Lyndon Fairbrother whipping over the points that saw them safely through to the last four.

Brackens’ first-half showing was impressive but their performance dipped in the second half as Holycross rejigged their side to close down the Templemore threats. The quality of their first-half play and how they coped with the Holycross resurgence in the second half, will give coach Shane Keegan and his backroom staff encouragement for the intense programme of games that lie ahead.

JK Brackens’ key men delivered for them on the night with Paddy Cadell and Andrew Ormond leading by example but the star of the show was Jamie Ormond whose six points from play were crucial to their win. Lyndon Fairbrother was as reliable as ever from placed balls while Shane Doyle, Eanna McBride and Shane Scully, in the unusual role of fullback, were others to make a big impact.

Holycross-Ballycahill will learn from this outing with many of their younger set putting their hands up for a starting place next time out. They were left to rue a couple of goal chances squandered and their downfall was the spell in the first half when they conceded nine points without reply.

Bryan O’Mara settled a troubled inside backline when he switched there while Darragh Woods's free-taking was vital to their cause. Ben Hennessy, David Fogarty and subs Tadhg Gould and Robbie Ryan were others to catch the eye.

JK Brackens: Jack Kennedy; Martin Delaney, Cathal Scully, Luke Ormond; Ned Delaney, Paddy Cadell, Tom Murphy; Eanna McBride, Dean McEnroe; Conor Cadell (0-2), Shane Doyle (0-3), Lyndon Fairbrother (0-10, 0-9f); Michael Cahill (0-1), Andrew Ormond (0-4), James Ormond (0-6).

Subs used: Jordan Moloney for Delaney (51); James Corcoran for McEnroe (57).

Holycross Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke; Evan Morris, Conor Ryan, Jimmy Ryan (H); Bryan O’Mara, Jim Ryan (0-1), Mickey Joe Doyle; Joe Caesar (0-1), Jack Dwan; Ben Hennessy (0-3), Cathal Barrett (0-1), Eoin Craddock; Darragh Woods (0-11, 0-10f), David Fogarty (0-2), Jimmy Lahart (0-1).

Subs used: Robbie Ryan (0-2) for Dwan (HT); Liam Doyle for C Ryan (HT); Tadhg Gould for Lahart (40); Jack Ryan for Doyle (44).

Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)