Gortnahoe Glengoole crowned Mid Tipp champions with win over reigning champions

Premier Credit Union Mid Junior C Hurling Championship Final

Gortnahoe Glengoole 3-11

Loughmore Castleiney 1-12

By Mark Dunne

Gortnahoe Glengoole halted the drive for four Mid Junior C titles today with a five-point win over a gallant Loughmore Castleiney side. 

Played in blustery but relatively dry conditions, it was always going to be a game of two halves with the strong wind driving down to the road end. Loughmore chose to play with the elements but it would be Gortnahoe who would get off to a dream start. 

The eventual man of the match Conor Teehan had 1-3 on the scoreboard inside six minutes. Dara Nolan opened Loughmore’s account a minute later before Richie Power tagged on two quick scores to extend the lead to six. 

Loughmore Castleiney settled and got into their flow, John Scully, Anthony Ryan and Richie Maher (two frees) all on the scoreboard to tie proceedings. David Ryan put Gortnahoe in the lead once more on the 23rd minute but from there to the break Loughmore dominated. 

Scully was leading from the front with three more fine points while Richie Maher continued his good form on frees to extend their lead to four at the break. 

Indeed it could have been seven inly for a fine save from Liam Cleary in the Gortnahoe net to deny the Loughmore chance.

Gortnahoe emerged reenergised from the break and quickly put the game on its head, with two rapid goals, David Ryan and Conor Teehan the providers. 

With the weather conditions deteriorating scores were always going to be at a premium. Jamie Moriarty pointed from the wing back position to extend the lead to three. 

Scully was eager to lift his side and he saw a chance on 41st minute expertly saved. Loughmore did get the goal they desired moments later, a good finish from Anthony Ryan. This though was to be there only score of the half. 

Conditions and a determined Gortnahoe Glengoole took the lead once more on the 43rd minute and never looked back. David Ryan coming into great form and scoring the last four points of the game. 

Loughmore Castleiney to their credit kept at it and on the 58th minute had a penalty saved from Cleary. This save cemented Gortnahoe’s win, their first at this grade.

Joint Captains Liam Cleary and Eddie Stokes collected the trophy from board Secretary Catherine Dunne with Conor Teehan collecting the man of the match award presented by Damian Cullen of Premier Credit Union. 

Gortnahoe Glengoole: Liam Cleary; Mike Cleary, Eddie Stokes, Paddy Skehan; Shane McCarthy, Willie Brennan, Jamie Moriarty (0-1); Eamon Troy, Karl Collins; TJ Mockler, Conor Teehan (2-3), Niall Moore; Richie Power (0-2), Jim Stokes, David Ryan (1-5, 0-5f). 

Subs used: Tomas Brophy; Michael Heffernan.

Loughmore Castleiney: Michael Treacy; Stephen Ryan, David Kennedy, Martin Manton; Eamon McGrath, Tom King, Loughlin Campion; Noel O’Connell, Joey Hayden; Anthony Ryan (1-2), John Scilly (0-5), Michael O’Connell; Richy Maher (0-4f), Dara Nolan (0-1), Seamus Bohan. 

Subs used: Oisín Sweeney; Tommy Connolly.

Referee: Ailbe O’Dwyer (Boherlahan Dualla)