Iomáint Faoi 21

Kilruane MacDonaghs qualified for the North Tipp Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Final following a well-merited, comfortable victory over Newport on Sunday in Cloughjordan. Newport got off to the better start and held a four points to one lead after 10 minutes, through the efforts of Cillian Collins from frees and Charlie Tobin. However at the quarter hour mark the scores were level when Brian O’Meara rattled the net. Newport quickly replied with a James Moloney goal following some good build-up play and they seemed to be in a good position with a 4-point lead with 25 minutes gone. But the game was one and lost in the period before and after half time. Kilruane went from 4 points down to 3 points up at the interval when the score stood at 2-7 to 1-7, their second goal coming when Jack Mulcahy tapped home from close range. MacDonaghs again outscored Newport six points to one in the 10 minute period after the resumption and went on to control the remainder of the game. Newport had no answer to Brian O’Meara who scored 1-3 and Michael Cleary who accounted for 0-8 (4f). Charlie Kennedy was also a threat up front, while Shane Cleary was a dominant presence in defence.

Newport will be disappointed that their challenge fell away after a bright start. They lacked real penetration in the forward line. Cillian Collins registered 6 points from placed balls.They did not lack effort, but found their opponents physically stronger and more skillful. Charlie Tobin and Callum Poole were most prominent, while substitute Conor McLoughlin also caught the eye.

Final Score:  Kilruane MacDonaghs 2-16  Newport 1-11.