Sam Rowan hits 20 points as Mullinahone defeat Holycross in Tipperary U17A Hurling League Final

COUNTY UNDER 17A HURLING LEAGUE FINAL

CJ KICKHAMS MULLINAHONE  1-26 HOLYCROSS/BALLYCAHILL 2-21

(after extra-time)

CJ Kickhams Mullinahone captured the County under 17A league title for the first time after an epic battle with Holycross Ballycahill in Mullinahone on Friday evening last.
In a tremendous contest, which ebbed and flowed throughout, they finished slightly the stronger after a marvellous game, played in a highly sporting manner.
Playing with the elements, Holycross led quickly through Robbie Ryan, but Mullinahone with Dara Linnane anchoring their defence and Sam Rowan, Dylan Hennessy, Matthew and Cillian Direen lively and efficient in attack, took the initiative to lead by five points after 15 minutes, 1-5 to 0-3, with Matthew Direen’s goal a real tonic, as was an outstanding point from a line ball by Dylan Hennessy, especially against the strong wind.
A switch of Jack Lahart and Cathal O’Reilly energised Holycross, with both powering into the game and they reeled off six consecutive points by Robbie Ryan to lead, before Sam Rowan levelled it at 1-9 to 0-12 by the half-time whistle
With the breeze in the second half, the South Tipperary side took the lead again, Sam Rowan and Robbie Ryan trading scores,before Mullinahone opened a four points gap with 10 minutes to go, and looked set to take the title
At this stage Holycross needed goals and got them. Firstly, a quick free found Conor O’Sullivan, who fired low and hard to the net, and minutes later, a superb run and shot by Zach O’Keeffe gave the Mid men back the advantage.
Not to be out done, Sam Rowan showed a cool head to level the game in the 59th minute as the excitement grew. Then came an extraordinary ending to normal time.
Holycross / Ballycahill’s Robbie Ryan on receiving a short puck-out was then blown for an illegal handpass - the 12th such free for that offence on the night (equally balanced between both sides). Sam Rowan duly pointed Mullinahone in front, but Robbie Ryan grabbed the subsequent puck-out to level again at the other end.
Extra time followed. Holycross initially led in the first period, huge effort and ball winning from Evan Morris and Tony Maher leading the way, but the Kickhams dug in again, guided by Dara Linnane and Adam Doyle, to reel them in and lead by three in the home straight. A superb Jack Lahart score gave Holycross hope, but time was to run out and Mullinahone deservedly took the title after a superb contest, which was a credit to each of the 35 players involved.
Team captain accepted the trophy from County bord na nOg chairman Tommy Landers, to generous applause from all who witnessed a most worthy final.

SCORERS AND TEAMS
Mullinahone: Sam Rowan 0-20 (0-14f, 0-3 x 65s), Matthew Direen 1-2, Dylan Hennessy 0-2 (0-1 sideline) Cillian Direen 0-2.
Holycross / Ballycahill: Robbie Ryan 0-20 (0-15f), Conor O’Sullivan, Zach O’Keeffe 1-0 each, Jack Lahart 0-1.
Holycross: Harry Bourke, Jack O’Dwyer, Evan Morris, Daire Ryan, Cathal Ryan, Cathal O’Reilly, Tadgh Ryan, Zack O’Keeffe, Jack Lahart, Tony Maher, Robbie Ryan, Conor O’Sullivan, Sean Ryan, Tadgh Naliy, Eoghan Hickey.
Subs: Jack Galvin, Alex Maher, Enda Wickham, Ger Duggan, Cian McGrath, Liam Costello, Jack O’Gara, Tadgh Bourke, Will Quinn, Leo Ryan, Sam Ryan, Sam Doyle, Tiernan Ryan, Seamie Dwan, Cian Ryan.
Mullinahone: Liam Hogan, Pierce Vaughan, Liam Doyle, Finn Morrissey, Alex Britton, Darragh Linnane, Eoin Treacy, Adam Doyle, Cillian O’Halloran, Brian O’Dwyer Sam Rowan, Cillian Direen, Dylan Hennessey, Matthew Direen, Ned O’Meara.
Subs: Shane McGrath, Jack Dunne, Colin O’Brien, Cian Ivors, Luke Maher, Luke Duggan, Phillip Lynch, Adam Houlihan, John O’Meara, Oisin O’Meara.
Referee: Tom Dawson (Annacarty).