Moyle Rovers stage remarkable comeback to clinch Under 17 B hurling title in south Tipperary

Moyle Rovers 3-16 Fethard 1-16

Moyle Rovers inflicted a heavy defeat on Fethard in the league stages of this competition. And while Fethard were closer on the scoreboard on this occasion, victory again went to the Powerstown/Lisronagh team in the final of the South Tipperary Under 17 B Hurling Championship played in Cahir.

The first quarter was very evenly contested, with Fethard scoring five points, including four frees from Danny Barry, with a point from play from his midfield partner Gavin Neville. For Moyle Rovers, John Cronin scored four points, all from frees.

Moyle Rovers were dealt a blow in the 16th minute when Brian Hurley received a red card, leaving them with an uphill struggle. After Fethard’s Sam Coen and Rovers’ John Cronin (from a free) exchanged points, Fethard scored 1-2 in the last five minutes of the first half. The goal was finished by Sam Coen, who was set up by Danny Barry and Charlie Walsh, with the two points from play coming from Danny Barry and Daniel Gleeson, leaving the half-time score Fethard 1-8 Moyle Rovers 0-5.

After the break Fethard took up where they had left off in the first half, scoring four points without reply in the first five minutes through Sam Coen (0-2), Noah O’Flynn and Charlie Walsh, leaving the score Fethard 1-12 Moyle Rovers 0-5.

However, Moyle Rovers then roared into the game from every position, scoring a goal through Conal Morrisson, two points from frees from John Cronin, a point from play from Aaron McAndrew and another goal from Darragh O’Gorman, all before the 45th minute, turning the game around with the scoreline now reading Moyle Rovers 2-8 Fethard 1-12.

In the 46th minute John Cronin brought the teams level with a great point from play before an exchange of points from John Cronin (Moyle Rovers) and Fethard’s Sam Coen from play.

Within two minutes Fethard had raced into a two-points lead with a pair of points from Danny Barry frees.
The sides were level again with ten minutes remaining, with Moyle Rovers’ Tadhg Buckley and Brian Morrisson scoring from play with excellent points.

In the next eight minutes Moyle Rovers added four points without reply from John Cronin, 0-3 (1 from play) and a Fred Perry point from play to put them a goal ahead.

After Fethard’s Charlie Walsh had received a red card, Moyle Rovers added a goal, which was set up by Aaron McAndrew, with Conall Egan finishing to the net in the 67th minute. Despite a late point from Fethard’s Danny Barry, that goal put the seal on their victory.

John Cronin was superb throughout for Rovers, scoring 12 points (including 10 frees) and he also contributed to their goals. Others who caught the eye were Mark O’Meara, Darragh O’Gorman, Fred Perry, Aaron McAndrew, Conor Hurley, Tadhg Buckley and Conal Morrisson.

For a gallant Fethard, Rory O’Mahony, Noah O’Flynn, Criostoir Sheehy, Gavin Neville, Danny Barry, Charlie Walsh and Sam Coen were best.

Larry Molan from Bord na nÓg presented the Tom Cahill Cup to Moyle Rovers joint captains John Cronin and Brian Morrisson, amid great celebrations.

Moyle Rovers: Matthew Downey, Darragh O’Gorman 1-0, Aidan White, Mark O’Meara, Louis Carroll, Fred Perry 0-1, Sean Mullins, John Cronin 0-12 (10 frees), Brian Morrisson 0-1, Aaron Mc Andrew 0-1, Brian Hurley, Conor Hurley, Conall Egan 1-0, Tadhg Buckley 0-1, Conal Morrisson 1-0.

Subs used: Darragh Butler, Jerome Phelan.

Fethard: Thomas O’Rahilly, Alec Knightly, Rory O’Mahony 0-1, Luke Lacy, Patrick Coffey, Noah O’Flynn 0-1, Criostoir Sheehy, Gavin Neville 0-1, Danny Barry 0-8 (7 frees), Daniel Gleeson 0-1, Charlie Walsh 0-1, Joseph Gaule, Sam Coen 1-3, Ben Allen, Billy Hayes.

Sub used: Jimmy Higgins.

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Ballylooby/Castlegrace).