James Stephens 2-17; Danesfort 1-13.
John Power at Danesfort GAA Grounds.
James Stephens captured the JJ Kavanagh Junior B Hurling League title with a deserved seven-point victory over home side Danesfort on Wednesday evening, producing an impressive all-round display to secure the silverware.
The success marked the city club’s second Junior B League triumph in four seasons, having previously lifted the title in 2023. It was a fitting reward for a disciplined and determined performance in difficult conditions, with soaring temperatures leading to scheduled water breaks during each half.
James Stephens recovered from an early deficit to lead 1-11 to 1-8 at the interval before extending their advantage to six points by the final water break. From there, they controlled the closing stages with composure, limiting Danesfort’s opportunities while adding the insurance scores needed to seal a memorable victory.
The visitors made the ideal start when Ronan Delahunty opened the scoring with a well-taken point. Danesfort responded impressively, however, with Jonathon Kennedy, Mark Fitzpatrick and Ciaran Mullen all finding the target to move the hosts into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead.
David Walton opened his account with the first of an outstanding personal tally of nine points, all from placed balls, but Danesfort struck for the opening goal in the ninth minute. A blistering run by Eanna O’Casaide carved open the James Stephens defence before Coleman Dunne applied the finishing touch to the net, giving the home side a 1-3 to 0-2 advantage.
Danesfort continued to hold the upper hand during the opening quarter and were three points in front at the first water break, leading 1-5 to 0-5.
James Stephens emerged from the break with renewed purpose and quickly turned the game in their favour. Allen Corr Larkin rattled the net with a superb ground shot before points from Conor Millea and Walton levelled matters. Danesfort replied through a Matthews Cowley free and another score from the influential O’Casaide to leave the sides deadlocked at 1-7 apiece.
The Village finished the half strongly, however, with Walton continuing to punish any indiscretions from placed balls as they edged clear to establish a deserved three-point advantage at the interval, 1-11 to 1-8.
They made another flying start after the restart. Walton converted an early free before Zac Scanlon struck a crucial second goal to stretch the visitors’ lead to seven points at 2-12 to 1-8. Although Danesfort battled hard to stay in contention, James Stephens maintained their grip on proceedings, entering the final quarter with a healthy 2-14 to 1-11 cushion.
The home side made one final push as O’Casaide converted a free before Jonathon Kennedy added another point to reduce the gap. However, James Stephens never looked rattled. Walton added two more expertly struck frees, with a fine point from Conor Millea sandwiched in between, ensuring the Village closed out the contest in convincing fashion.
The two clubs will not have to wait long for another meeting. They are scheduled to renew acquaintances at the same Danesfort venue next month in the opening round of the Junior B Championship, where Danesfort will be eager to gain revenge, while James Stephens will look to build on this impressive league-winning performance.
SCORERS: JAMES STEPHENS David Walton (0-9 frees), Allen Corr Larkin (1-1), Zac Scanlon (1-1), Conor Millea (0-3). Ronan Delahunty, Bill Whelan, Daniel Ring (0-1 each). DANESFORT Eanna O’Casaide (0-6, 0-3 frees), Coleman Dunne (1-0), Jonathon Kennedy (0-2), Mark Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Mullen, Peter Donoghue, Matthew Cowley (free), Stephen McKenna (0-1 each).
TEAMS
JAMES STEPHENS Padraig Joyce, James Tyrell, Luke Hickey, Billy Wall Young, Bill Whelan, Adam Butler, Stephen Power- Keller, Conor Millea, Daniel Ring, Ronan Delahunty, David Walton, Zac Scanlon, Liam Rafter, Allen Corr Larkin. Rest of Panel – James Walton, Darragh Power, Paul Ryan, Rory Glynn, Cathal Mulhall, Matthew McWey, James Bergin, Ross Whelan, Larry Whelan, Ronan Leahy, Jamie Peters.
DANESFORT Patrick Sinnott, Cathal Norton, Steven Doheny, Mark Reddy, Cillian Norton, Conal Doyle, Callum Murphy, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Mullen, Jonathon Kennedy, Matthew Cowley, Padraic Mullen, Eanna O’Casaide, Peter Donohue, Coleman Dunne. Rest of Panel – Joe Cowhig, Bill Smith, Jack Doyle, Padraic Barragry, Philip Cooney, Tom Sheehan, Stephen McKenna, James Cunningham, Timmy Corr, Conor Dillon, Ronan O’Mahony, Fergal Brennan, Aidan McGree.
