Newport class defies fantastic display from Moyle Rovers in County U15A hurling semi-final

FBD Insurance County U15A Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Newport 4-10

Moyle Rovers 1-15

By Michael Dundon

Three goals by Ollie Roche in the closing ten minutes swept Newport to victory over Moyle Rovers in a thrilling Coiste na nOg County U15 A hurling semi-final at Holycross on Saturday.

In what was a marvelous contest, with some exceptional individual displays on both sides, Newport “came from the dead” to get over the line and, in keeping with the tenor of this game, the Newport boys applauded their rivals off the pitch at the finish, an exemplary sporting gesture.

For so long Moyle Rovers looked most likely winners. In team captain Conal Morrison, they had a young player who will surely be heard at the highest level in years to come. He scored all but one of their points and oozed class in all he did, and for a long time, he was the difference between the sides.

Newport got the ideal start with a Darragh Healy goal after two minutes, but Rovers, with Morrison showing the way, were ahead after the first quarter, 0-5 to 1-1. Points from Ollie Roche and Oisin Kennedy got Newport in front again but Morrison finished the half with two points for an interval lead of 0-7 to 1-3 for the Clonmel boys.

Rovers really took control on resuming and after Morrison had shot three points, a long-range free from him went all the way to the Newport net for a 1-10 to 1-3 lead. Coming to the 50-minute mark Moyle were still ahead 1-13 to 1-7, and though they were not as dominant as previously, they looked to be comfortably on course for a final appearance.

Ollie Roche’s first goal after 50 minutes ignited the Newport challenge and when he added another four minutes later the sides were level(3-8 to 1-14). The momentum was with Newport playing “out of their skins”. 

Ronan Gaffrey put them ahead with two minutes to go but Fergal Bradshaw levelled for Rovers. On the hour mark James Ryan nudged Newport ahead again and in injury time Ollie Roche swooped for his third goal and Newport’s fourth, to seal a memorable win for the North Tipp champions.

The hectic stuff sent the Newport supporters into ecstasy at the finish. Full marks to them for their persistence when all seemed lost but one had to feel sympathy for a gutsy Moyle Rovers side who got swamped by a Newport tide at the finish when they looked to have done enough to win.

Newport are chasing a first County title at this level and this performance will give them great encouragement for the final. 

No one can question their heart and commitment. They stuck to their guns when many would have conceded and their bravery was duly rewarded. Ollie Roche takes top billing for his hat-trick of goals that won the game, but Stephen O Brien, Aaron Lane, Colm Ryan, James Ryan and Ollie Kennedy also contributed handsomely to the win.

Moyle Rovers’ Conal Morrison was the best player on the field. He scored all but one point of his side’s tally, a marvelous performance. 

Conor Hurley, Conor Williams, Fergal Bradshaw, Ryan Hetier and Cillian Morrissey also did their utmost to tip the scales in their side’s favour.

Newport: Cian Donohue; James Egan, Stephen O’Brien, Tom Mc Cabe; Sean Carrig, Aaron Lane, Rhys Guiney; Ronan Gaffrey (0-1), Colm Ryan (0-1); Darragh Healy (1-0), Oisin Kennedy (0-4, 0-3f), James Ryan (0-2); Jack Landers, Ollie Roche (3-2, 0-2f), Ronan O’Mahoney.

Subs used: Andrew Coffey.

Moyle Rovers: Liam Kelly; Ryan Hetier, Jerome Phelan, Conor Walsh; Joe Donovan, Conor Hurley, Sean Kelly; Conor Williams, Fergal Bradshaw (0-1); Alex Kelleher, Conal Morrison (1-14, 1-9f), Cillian Morrissey; Dara Egan, Hugh Carolan, Michael Maher.

Subs used: Jason Cronin.

Referee: Sean Everard (Moyne Templetuohy)