Kelly outstanding as Mullinahone crowned South Tipperary Junior Hurling 'B' champions

A greater capacity to make the most of a very strong breeze in O’Sullivan Park last Sunday afternoon, and a clinical display of free taking from midfielder Darragh Kelly gave Mullinahone the edge in this game as they deservedly captured the South Junior B Hurling title, 1-11 to 0-7.

The opening quarter was one of stark contrast. St. Patricks with a gale at their backs set about lead building but were far too wasteful.  So much so that free takers were even changed early on. 

Kickhams' first three efforts from placed balls sailed over with precision from Darragh Kelly, before Robbie McCormack had ‘Pats’ on the board with a free in the twelfth minute.

Their lead was stretched moments later, when Michael Hicks bundled the ball to the net. A long Diarmuid O’Halloran ball into the square caused confusion in the St. Patrick's defence, and when they failed to clear with several attempts it fell to Hicks, who scraped it home. 

It was to be the significant score of the game, as Mullinahone took charge on the scoreboard, with the breeze to come after halftime.

 Darragh Kelly then raced through for a great individual score, but was met with a very meaty challenge from William O’Brien, which resulted in a yellow card for the St. Patrick's defender.

   St. Pat's rallied after the goal, however, and points from Mark Slattery and Robbie McCormack (65) had them right back in the game. 

The remaining minutes of the opening half were the best of the entire game, with scores at either end, and the general play showing very little between the teams. 

Gerard Horan swivelled and pointed beautifully for Mullinahone, which was followed by two in a row from ‘Pats’ top performer Mark Slattery, bringing the half to a close. (halftime Mullinahone 1-5 St Patrick's 0-5).

     The opening exchanges of the second half turned out to be a carbon copy of the first, with Darragh Kelly pointing three frees without reply, while St. Patricks had a wide and a couple dropping short to goalkeeper Brendan Kearney during the same period. 

Kearney was particularly impressive throughout, commanding his square, and  strong under the highball. 

A six point lead at this juncture was looking good for Mullinahone, and when the vastly experienced Ky Vaughan fired over from an acute angle there seemed to be an air of inevitability about the result. 

    Robbie McCormack had a point from play as the half wore on, who by now appeared to be carrying an injury. 

Kelly, flawless all afternoon had two more frees for Mullinahone, with victory now in sight for the Kickhams men. 

Substitute Keelan O’Neill had a consolation score late on but it was goals his side needed. The nearest they came was via a Marcus O’Halloran effort, which was blocked by Kearney and subsequently cleared up field. 

A second yellow dismissal for Darren Meagher, with time almost up seemed to sum up St Pats afternoon. 

     St. Pats will be disappointed, but ultimately can have no complaints.

 A mere two points in the second half betrayed their efforts. They had decent displays from William O’Brien, Robbie McCormack and Mark Slattery, and but for wayward shooting could well have won this game.

     It was to be Mullinahone’s day. They took their chances when they arrived, and once they got a grip on proceedings they never relented. 

David Walzer, Gary Cronin,Ky Vaughan and substitute Eoghan Brett were very prominent, but none more so than Darragh Kelly whose pace, incisive attacking and free taking were of the highest standard.

     West champions Cashel King Cormacks are next up in the County semifinal for Mullinahone, with a fixture to be confirmed.

CJK Mullinahone: B.Kearney, P.Luttrell, C.O’Shea, N.Cronin, M.Cody, G.Cronin, K.Mullally(capt), D.Kelly(0-9 7f), D.Walzer, D.O’Halloran,K.Vaughan(0-1), G.Horan(0-1), R.Neary, J.O’Meara, M.Hicks(1-0)

Subs: S.Fitzgerald for R.Neary Ht, E.Brett for M.Hicks Ht, C.Horan for J.O’Meara 54 mins.

St.Patricks: D.Ryan, PJ Burke, T.Hayes, K.Clancy(capt), W.O’Brien, E.Ryan, Darren Meagher, J.Hayes, C.Conor, M Boland, M.O’Halloran, M. Slattery(0-3), J.Broderick, .Moynihan, R.McCornack (0-3 1f 1 65)

Subs:  K.O’Neill(0-1) for C.Moynihan 42mins, S.Ryan for R.McCormack 60mins.

Ref: P.Ivors (Ballingarry)