Clearcut win for Cashel King Cormacs in Crosco Cup final in west Tipperary

Cashel King Cormacs 1-22 Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams 0-11

Cashel King Cormacs claimed a second Berties Bar Crosco Cup West Tipperary hurling title in four seasons following a comfortable victory over Knockavilla/Donaskeigh Kickhams in Golden on Wednesday evening.

It was their second title in four days, having captured the County Hurling League Division 2 title at Littleton the previous Saturday when defeating Clonakenny.

In a game played in ideal conditions on a fine surface, Cashel King Cormacs laid the foundation for victory in a dominating first half. Their superior physicality, first touch and accuracy, aided by a tenth minute Devon Ryan goal, had them twelve points up at the break. The second half proved a more even affair, with the winners hitting nine wides to Kickhams' two. However, Cashel’s victory never looked in doubt.

The opening exchanges were fairly even. Cashel King Cormacs led three points to two after nine minutes with Cashel’s points all coming from play through Dan Moloney, Adrian Cummins and Ger Browne. Kickhams points both came from Jack Breen and Davy Butler placed balls.

Kickhams were guilty of dropping a number of efforts short and with Cashel menacing and dangerous-looking when in possession, this didn't help their cause.

The game's only goal arrived in the tenth minute when Paddy Fahey won an ariel battle with his marker and, cutting inwards towards goal, his strength took him past a number of defenders before passing to Devon Ryan, who completed the job.

Devon Ryan could have had a second goal moments later, but with the goal at his mercy he kicked the ball wide.

Cashel’s touch all over the field was superior and their overall strength forced Kickhams into numerous errors. Devon Ryan continued his accuracy from placed balls and play while Dan Moloney had a second point before the end of the opening quarter, as Cashel led 1-6 to 0-3.

They pulled further clear in the early stages of the second quarter when wing and centre backs James Cummins and Ronan Connolly surged powerfully forward to add points. Ger Browne too was adding to his tally, as he played a very wide role at times, and his speed caused problems. Devon Ryan kept the scoreboard moving as Cashel led 1-13 to 0-4 at the break, Lorcan Carr adding Kickhams' only point from play.

The second half proved to be a somewhat closer affair. Cashel moved further ahead with two Devon Ryan frees, while Ger Browne hit his third from play.

Davy Butler added another pointed free for Kickhams, who now started to come more into the game and brought the deficit down. Jack Breen added another two points from long range frees, along with another Davy Butler free. Elliott Thompson was battling hard for Kickhams and providing a presence.

However, Cashel kept the scoreboard ticking over and when Aaron Moloney pointed at the start of the final quarter the lead was back out to fourteen. The game petered out as the last quarter progressed, with both sides sharing three points each. Pa Ryan added what was only Kickhams' second from play while Oisin O’Donoghue rounded off the Cashel scoring with a well- taken point.

Following the game, West Board Chairman Tommy Hayes presented the Crosco Cup to Cashel King Cormacs captain James Cummins, along with sponsor Bertie Callinan.

Scorers: Cashel King Cormacs: Devon Ryan (1-9, 0-7f), Ger Browne (0-3), Dan Moloney (0-2), Ronan Connolly (0-2), Adrian Cummins (0-1), James Cummins (0-1), Cathal Quinn (0-1), Aaron Moloney (0-1), Paddy Fahey (0-1), Oisin O’Donoghue (0-1).

Kickhams: Davy Butler (0-6f), Jack Breen (0-3f), Lorcan Carr (0-1), Pa Ryan (0-1).

Cashel King Cormacs: Johnny Walsh, Conn Bonnar, Nathan Ryan, Kieran O’Dwyer, James Cummins, Ronan Connolly, Andrew Irwin, Paddy Fahy, Cathal Quinn, Adrian Cummins, Devon Ryan, Dan Moloney, Ger Browne, Simon Delaney, Aaron Moloney
Subs used: Eoghan Connolly, Oisin O’Donoghue, Colm Ryan, Alan Cummins, Robbie Anglim.

Kickhams: Jack Breen, Barry McCarthy, Paudie O’Carroll, Diarmuid Kinane, Shane Farrell, Walter O’Carroll, Lorcan Carr, Conor Farrell, Eddie Daly, Dan Lonergan, Paudie Slattery, Elliott Thompson, Davy Butler, Cormac Carr, Pa Ryan.
Subs used: Aidan Duggan, Sean Cannon, Stephen Browne, Tom O’Driscoll.

Referee: Donie Horan (Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill).