JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior F Hurling League Semi Final
Mullinavat 1-15; Lisdowney 2-11.
By John Power.
Well done to the Mullinavat Junior F Hurling team, who secured their place in the league final after a hard-fought one-point victory over Lisdowney at the Mullinavat GAA Grounds. In a game that remained in the balance right until the closing moments, Mullinavat showed great determination and composure to emerge victorious and now look forward to a final against Carrickshock.
The contest proved to be an entertaining and competitive affair from the opening whistle, with both sides producing some excellent passages of play. Lisdowney deserve enormous credit for their spirited performance, refusing to give in despite facing a difficult challenge in the closing stages. The visitors played the entire final quarter with just 14 players after a dismissal but continued to battle for every ball and pushed Mullinavat all the way through nine minutes of added time.
It was Lisdowney who enjoyed the better of the opening half, taking their chances well and making life difficult for the home defence. Their attacking trio of Edward Connery, Joseph Bergin and Billy Grogan were particularly influential, combining effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Their movement, work rate and sharp finishing helped Lisdowney establish a narrow advantage, and they deservedly went into the interval leading by 2-6 to 1-8 after an impressive opening 30 minutes.
Mullinavat, however, remained firmly in the contest thanks to a crucial first-half goal from Jack Power. The score came after an excellent piece of play involving Pat Mulhearn, whose fine catch and intelligent lay-off created the perfect opportunity. Power made no mistake, finishing confidently to the net and ensuring his side stayed within touching distance heading into the second half.
After the restart, the home side gradually began to gain greater control around the middle third and worked tirelessly to close the gap. Every score was hard earned as Lisdowney defended bravely despite their numerical disadvantage. The visitors continued to threaten on the break and never allowed Mullinavat to feel comfortable, making for a tense and dramatic finish that kept supporters fully engaged until the final whistle.
As the game entered injury time, the tension around the ground grew with every attack. Nine minutes of additional time reflected the intensity and stoppages during a fiercely contested second half, and both teams continued to give everything in pursuit of victory.
With the sides level and extra time looming as a possibility, Mullinavat found the decisive moment. Deep into added time, Killian Dungan kept his composure to split the posts with a priceless point that ultimately secured the win and sparked celebrations among the home supporters.
It was a victory built on resilience, patience and determination, while Lisdowney can take great pride from a courageous display that almost earned them a place in the final despite the difficult circumstances.
Mullinavat now turn their attention to the league final, where they will face Carrickshock, confident that the character shown in this dramatic victory will stand to them as they aim to bring home the league title.
Mullinavat Team: Declan Duggan, Ciaran Holden, Tommy Lannigan, Jamie Dempsey, Louis Madigan, Daniel Walsh, Stephen O’Shea, Jake Morrissey, James Dalton, Luke Byrne Doyle, Stephen Law, Billy Delahunty, Jack Power, Pat Mulhearn, John Reade. Substitutes Used:- Jamie Walshe for Ciaran Holden, Jack Whelton for Billy Delahunty, Killian Dungan for Jamie Dempsey, Gavin Morrissey for Daniel Walsh, Ben Cantwell for Stephen Law. Rest of panel:- Jamie Dungan, Michael Johnston, Tadhg Knox, Cormac McEvoy, Kevin Roche, Conor Frisby.
