Cloneen 2-17; Graigue Ballycallan 1-15.
By John Power at Ballyragget GAA Grounds.
Cloneen captured a historic first title in the club’s history when they claimed the Junior Hurling A-F League crown with a deserved five-point victory over Graigue-Ballycallan in Ballyragget on Saturday afternoon. The triumph marked a landmark day for the Skeogh-based club, which was only established in 1984 and remains the youngest hurling club in Kilkenny. Over four decades after its formation, Cloneen finally had silverware to celebrate at adult level, and they did so with a performance full of determination, skill and resilience against a spirited Graigue-Ballycallan side.
Played in warm and humid conditions, the final produced plenty of entertainment, quality scores and no shortage of drama before Cloneen eventually emerged worthy winners. The eventual champions made the perfect start and were ahead almost immediately. Just two minutes had elapsed when full-forward Michael O’Keeffe announced his presence in emphatic fashion. Winning possession close to goal, he turned sharply, created a yard of space and unleashed an unstoppable shot to the net, giving Cloneen an early cushion and settling any nerves among their supporters.
Graigue-Ballycallan responded positively. Eoin Egan opened their account with a well-struck free before Padraic “Podge” Dunphy added another point to reduce the deficit. However, Cloneen quickly regained control through the influential Cathal Barry. Barry struck two excellent points from play, either side of a Michael O’Leary effort, helping his side move into a 1-3 to 0-2 lead and setting the tone for an impressive opening quarter. Graigue-Ballycallan refused to allow their opponents pull away. Midway through the half they drew level in dramatic fashion. A free dropped short into a crowded danger area and Jimmy Murphy reacted quickest, finishing to the net from close range. Eoin Egan followed up with another pointed free and suddenly the sides were back on level terms.
Cloneen, however, responded like a team determined to make history. Their scoring threat came from several areas of the field, with free-taker Ciaran Cooney proving particularly effective. Cooney converted a series of placed balls while his brother Padraig also chipped in with an important point. Another score from the lively Cathal Barry helped Cloneen establish momentum once more. Their dominance during this spell was rewarded in the 25th minute when Barry struck for a crucial goal. After a well-worked attack, the dangerous forward found space and finished clinically to the net, extending Cloneen’s advantage to six points at 2-8 to 1-5.
To their credit, Graigue-Ballycallan rallied strongly before the break. Podge Dunphy, Adam O’Brien and Eoin Egan all found the target during an encouraging four-minute spell that reduced the deficit considerably and ensured the contest remained finely balanced. Nevertheless, Cloneen finished the half strongly and carried a 2-10 to 1-8 lead into the interval.
The second half never quite matched the scoring pace of the opening period. The humid conditions took their toll on both teams, while a number of injury stoppages disrupted the flow of the game. In one unusual incident, even the referee required treatment after suffering a blood injury following an accidental collision, adding another delay to proceedings. Graigue-Ballycallan began the second half brightly and threatened to mount a comeback. Points from brothers Eoin and Paidi Egan narrowed the gap to just three points and left their side within touching distance. At that stage the momentum appeared to be swinging their way.
However, Cloneen responded impressively when it mattered most. Over the next fifteen minutes they produced arguably their best spell of the game, outscoring Graigue-Ballycallan by 0-6 to 0-1. Their defence remained solid under pressure while their forwards continued to find scores at crucial moments, ensuring their opponents were unable to close the gap any further. As the final whistle approached, Cloneen maintained control and managed the closing stages effectively. Their supporters could finally sense that history was within reach. When the whistle eventually sounded, celebrations erupted among players, management and supporters alike as the club secured a memorable and thoroughly deserved victory.
The occasion was made even more special during the presentation ceremony. In a fitting conclusion to a memorable afternoon, Junior Board Chairperson Paddy Cooney had the honour of presenting the trophy to his son, Cloneen captain Padraig Cooney, a moment that perfectly captured the community spirit and family connections at the heart of the club.
For Cloneen, this success represents a significant milestone in the club’s development and a reward for years of dedication from players, mentors and supporters. Their blend of attacking flair, teamwork and determination proved decisive throughout the final, while Graigue-Ballycallan can take pride in a wholehearted performance despite falling short.
Ultimately, Cloneen were deserving winners after an entertaining and competitive Junior League Final, and their first-ever title is one that will be remembered for many years to come.
SCORERS
CLONEEN
Ciarán Cooney (0-5, 0-4 frees), Cathal Barry (1-2), Kieran Whelan (0-3), Michael O’Keeffe (1-0), Chris Phelan (0-2), Francie Ward (0-2), Michael O’Leary, Padraig Cooney, James Love (0-1 each).
GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN
Eoin Egan (0-5, 0-4 Padraic Dunphy (0-3), Paidi Egan (0-3, 0-1 frees), Jimmy Murphy (1-0), Dermot Heafey (0-2), Adam O’Brien, James Ryall (0-1 each).
TEAMS
CLONEEN
Sean Moffatt, Gearoid O’Neill, Malachy Flaherty, John Kelly, Breanainn Buggy
Brian McDonald, Chris Phelan, Francie Ward, Ronan Lynch, Ciarán Cooney Padraig Cooney (C) Kieran Whelan, Cathal Barry, Michael O’Keeffe, Michael O’Leary.
Substitutes: Used – Michael Doyle, Adam Buggy, James Love. Rest of Panel – Padraic Delaney, Jamie Hurley. Fionn Kavanagh, Cian Young, Eoin Phillips. Injured – Aidan Barry, Ashley Kerr, Harry Lawlor.
GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN
Michel Hoyne, Brian Sheridan, Peter Boland (C) Aidan Comerford, David Hoyne
Tom Brennan, George Murphy, Paidi Egan, Peter Murphy, Padraic Dunphy, Adam O’Brien, Eoin Egan, Jimmy Murphy, James Ryall, Dermot Heafey. Substitutes: Used – Philip Heafey for Eoin Egan, Frank McCluskey for James Ryall, Eoin Burke for Jimmy Murphy.
Rest of Panel – Eoin Delahunty, Luke 0’Brien, Shane Comerford, Keith Coffey, Aidan Cahill, Pat Purcell, Brendan Dunne, JJ Ryan, Dermot Ryall, Daniel Cahill, Micheal Harrison, Dylan Teehan. Injured – Joey Corcoran, Ger Teehan, Ger Doheny.
Referee: Gay Rafter.
