REPORTS: Kilruane win the U13 North hurling double for a second consecutive year

North Tipperary U13B Hurling Championship Final

Silvermines 6-7

Kiladangan 3-9

Four first-half goals in a blistering ten-minute spell midway through the half was the catalysts that helped Silvermines to victory over Kiladangan in a goal-scoring fest at sun-splashed Templederry last Sunday at noon. The four turned into six by hour's end with winning captain Fionn Shaughnessy helping himself to three as his team were that bit better.

While the number of goals was high both goalkeepers, Craig Kennedy (Silvermines) and Oisin O’Mahoney could walk away with their heads held high as both keepers made some fantastic saves with Craig Kennedy doing best. This was the fourth final of the weekend and as in the three the previous day both teams marched behind lone piper Ger Neville with the swelling crowd showing their appreciation.

After Jack Ryan opened the scoring for Kiladangan his namesake James had Mines opening goal in the seventh minute. Seconds later Tom Byrne had Kiladangan back in front when he found the net.

The goals were coming fast and furious as Fionn O’Shaughnessy’s first goal had Silvermines two in front after eleven minutes with and Mines third goal came in the 14th minute when Ben Platt’s forty metre free went all the way to the top corner of the net to give Mines a 3-2 to 1-1 lead.

Mines were like a dog with a bone and a minute later Aidan Steed had their fourth goal and by half time it was Mines 4-3 Kiladangan 1-3

The second half began with James O’Dwyer scoring from play for Kiladangan. Ben Platt replied with his third placed ball (second from a free) before his side had goal number five with Fionn O’Shaughnessy raising his second green flag.
Trailing by four goals, one would have felt that Kiladangan’s day was done but they commenced a comeback with James O’Dwyer scoring.

Two Aidan Steel frees kept Mines out of reach momentarily but Kiladangan began to steal a march in a twinkle they scored 1-4 on the run with Josh O’Shea scoring 1-1 inside a minute before Donagh Carmody added three quick points, including two frees with five from home.

Silvermines: Craig Kennedy; Conor Carey, Christopher Ryan, Tiernan Dillon; James Hanrahan, Harry Quinn, James Ryan (1-1); Sean Treacy, Ben Platt (1-3, 1-2 f, 0-1 ’65); Fionn Shaughnessy (3-0), Kian Kennedy; David Bourke, Aidan Steed (1-2, 0-2f).

Kiladangan: Oisin O’Mahony; Conor Girad, Tadgh O’Brien; Liam White, Josh O’Shea (1-1), Daniel Boland; Dan Connolly, Jack Ryan (0-1); Donagh Carmody (0-3, 0-2f), Tom Byrne (1-0), Mikey Ryan; James O’Dwyer (0-4, 0-1f), Hugo Stanley.

Subs used: Stephen Byrne for Stanley; Dylan O’Dwyer for M Ryan.

Referee: Gerry Treacy (Borris-Ileigh)