First half goals prove vital as Scoil Ruáin hurlers defeat Mount Sion of Waterford

U17 D Munster Hurling Championship

Scoil Ruáin Killenaule 4-9 Mount Sion Waterford 1-12

On a wet and windy day on the 4G in Fethard Town Park on the Thursday before Christmas, Scoil Ruáin secured a momentous victory against a strong Mount Sion CBS side from Waterford city.

Playing against a gale force breeze in the first half, scoring chances were hard to come by for the Killenaule team. Mount Sion built up and early lead and led by 0-8 to 0-2 making full use of the elements.

However, Scoil Ruáin were to prove clinical in their attacking play from that point on. Andy Williams made a lung bursting run and found the back of the net.

Full forward Micáel Kelly caused havoc on the edge of the square and showed great strength and skill in scoring Scoil Ruain’s second goal.

Though Mount Sion were able to score points from long range, Scoil Ruain managed to score a crucial third goal when a Danny Shelly delivery was flicked to the back of the net by Owen O’Dwyer.

The Waterford side did manage to get a goal of their own. However, Scoil Ruain showed resilience in the final minutes of the half with Charlie Barrett saving a 21-yard free. At half-time Mount Sion led by three points, 1-11 to 3-2.

With the wind on their backs, Scoil Ruain dominated the second half but struggled to capitalise on their opportunities.
Initially, their attackers struggled to navigate the stormy conditions and they hit a number of wides.

The breakthrough came midway through the half, with a Danny Shelly goal which put Scoil Ruáin in the lead.

With Mount Sion now forced to attack, scoring opportunities became more frequent for Scoil Ruáin. Points from captain Charlie Barrett and Cillian Direen put Scoil Ruain further ahead before the industrious Igor Miguel sealed the victory with an inspirational point from near the sideline.

For the Killenaule school Danny Cashin was rock solid in the goals while scoring opportunities for Mount Sion were kept to a minimum by a solid full-back line of Owen Fanning, Fred Perry and Pierce Vaughan.

Shane Ryan gave a commanding performance at centre-back while Darragh O’Gorman worked tirelessly in the middle of the field.

Darragh Heffernan and Rory Shelly battled hard throughout while Cathal Lawrence never stopped running following his introduction.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle and Charlie Barrett accepted the cup on behalf of the Scoil Ruain team.