Ryan double act keeps Holycross Ballycahill on the Mid U21 hurling throne

Revel at the Ragg Mid U21A Hurling Championship Final

Holycross Ballycahill 0-22

JK Brackens 1-15

Mid and county champions Holycross Ballycahill retained their divisional title in the face of a huge JK Brackens effort in a pulsating Revel at the Ragg Mid U21A hurling final at The Ragg on Sunday morning.

The winners, who have dominated their grade right through from juvenile days, were always the ones making the pace, but a spirited JK Brackens combination were relentless in their pursuit, closing to two points behind and pressing at the hour mark. However, Holycross’ composure under pressure and their experience of winning carried them through a most difficult assignment.

The holders were firm favourites before the start, but JK Brackens, who had turned over a fancied Sarsfields side in their semi-final, felt they had a great chance of a first title at this level. The big difference between the sides was the scoring potential in the Holycross attack, and in this regard, Robbie Ryan and Tiarnan Ryan were “on fire” and key figures in their retention of the trophy.

With seniors James Doyle and Liam Doyle ruled out through injury, Holycross were delighted to have Jim Ryan back in defence, and he too played a big part in their win. Holycross’ sharpness was evident from the start as they raced into a 0-6 to 0-3 lead after the opening quarter. Eoghan Hickey hit two and Robbie Ryan four of the points, the reply coming from Jamie Ormond (2) and Sean Burke.

Ormond, who almost single-handedly dismantled Sarsfields in their semi-final, did not get the same scope here, but he was still JK Brackens’ “go-to man”. Holycross were 0-8 to 0-4 ahead and pulling steadily away when, after twenty-five minutes, Ormond set up Sean Burke for a JK Brackens goal which kept them right in the game, though at half-time Holycross led 0-13 to 1-4 and were looking the part of victors.

JK Brackens put in a great third quarter. Three points without reply from Jack Marnell, Sean Walsh and Jamie Ormond set the tone, and though Robbie Ryan countered for Holycross, Brackens came again for four on the bounce, two each from Ormond and Ciaran O’Shea, who was beginning to have a huge influence.

Leading 0-15 to 1-10 at the start of the last quarter, Holycross stifled the JK Brackens surge with points from Robbie Ryan and Tiarnan Ryan, and by fifty-two minutes they were again going clear at 0-20 to 1-12. But Brackens were not done yet. Jamie Ormond and a Ciaran O’Shea brace had them breathing down Holycross’ necks (0-20 to 1-15) on the hour mark, with anything possible.

However, Holycross showed their great character when once again meeting the challenge head-on, points from James Doyle and Tiarnan Ryan in injury time ensuring that the honours stayed abbeyside for another year.

While Holycross Ballycahill are deserving champions, JK Brackens’ contribution to a superb contest cannot be overstated. Though chasing the game throughout, they never wilted, but the quality of the Holycross leadership was crucial, and on the evidence of this showing, they will be hot favourites to make it an U21 county double also.

Robbie Ryan and Tiarnan Ryan were outstanding for them, the former hitting twelve points and having a hand in a number of other scores, while the latter landed five points from play in a huge game. Holycross were well served in all departments, Cathal O’Reilly and Evan Morris standing out in defence, with Jim Ryan and James Doyle, when introduced, also having key roles.

While defeat was their lot, the promise shown by this group of JK Brackens players augurs well for the club’s future senior aspirations. Granted, they did not match the slickness of their opponents, particularly in attack, but it is clear that they have a promising group of young players coming through.

Though well policed, Jamie Ormond was their dangerman in attack, but Ciaran O’Shea had a great second half, with Jack Marnell also to the fore. Ned Delaney, operating in defence, was imperious early on, with Sean Walsh, Tom Corcoran and goalie Cormac Bourke also turning in eye-catching performances.

Scorers: Holycross Ballycahill: Robbie Ryan (0-12, 0-3f), Tiarnan Ryan 0-5, James Doyle, Eoghan Hickey 0-2 each, Jake Galvin 0-1.

JK Brackens: Jamie Ormond (0-6, 0-2f), Ciaran O’Shea 0-5, Sean Burke 1-1, Padraig O’Shea, Jack Marnell, Sean Walsh all 0-1 each.

Holycross Ballycahill: James O’Dwyer; Cathal O’Reilly, Seanie McGrath, Cian Ryan; Evan Morris, Tony Maher, Jim Ryan; Jake Galvin, Jack Lahart; Tadhg Ryan, Tiarnan Ryan, Jimmy Lahart; Eoghan Hickey, Robbie Ryan, Sean Ryan.

Subs used: Cathal Ryan for C Ryan; Audie Lohan for T Ryan; James Doyle for J Galvin; Zach O’Keeffe for S Ryan.

JK Brackens: Cormac Bourke; Tommy Bourke, Jamie Bergin, Jack Burke; Niall Delaney, Sean Walsh, Tom Corcoran; Ned Delaney, Michael Cahill; Padraig O’Shea, Jamie Ormond, Jack Marnell; Sean Burke, Ciaran O’Shea, Cian Broderick.

No subs used

Referee: John Dooley (Thurles Gaels)