Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League
Carrickshock 0-26; Young Irelands, Gowran 1-14 (17).
John Power at Thomastown GAA Grounds
Carrickshock deservedly came out on top in this round five Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League clash against Young Irelands at Thomastown on Saturday afternoon last. From the opening exchanges, the ‘Shocks looked the more assured side and, although Young Irelands produced a much improved performance after the interval, the Gowran outfit were never able to bridge the gap created during a dominant first half by their opponents.
Carrickshock controlled proceedings for long periods and displayed a high level of work rate throughout the field. Their ability to win possession in the middle third and turn defence into attack was particularly impressive, while their hooking and blocking was a feature of their performance.
There was plenty of evidence too that this is a Carrickshock side developing nicely. They possess a useful blend of youth and experience, with several players who were part of last year’s successful Minor B Championship campaign now making their mark at intermediate level. The outstanding performer on the day was Conor Farrell, who finished with a remarkable personal tally of 0-15. His accuracy from placed balls was exceptional, while he also contributed from play and was a constant threat whenever Carrickshock moved forward.
Young Irelands opened the scoring with a point from Seamus Farrell, but that was to be the only occasion on which they held the lead. Carrickshock immediately settled into their rhythm, with Conor Farrell converting three frees before adding a point from play. Those early scores gave the ‘Shocks a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage by the fifth minute and provided an early indication of what was to follow.
Killian Carey responded with a Young Irelands free, but Carrickshock continued to find openings and points from Brian Donovan and Adam Franks stretched their advantage. Ted Drea got Young Irelands back on the scoreboard in the tenth minute, but the following four scores all went the way of Carrickshock. Conor Farrell converted three frees, while Jake O’Dwyer also raised a white flag as the Thomastown scoreboard began to show a sizeable difference between the sides.
Young Irelands were finding it difficult to gain any sustained possession in the attacking third, while Carrickshock were proving extremely difficult to break down. The Carrickshock defenders were quick to close down space and were not afraid to put their bodies on the line, producing a number of well-timed hooks and blocks. The winners continued to add to their tally before the break and went into the interval holding a commanding 0-15 to 0-7 lead.
Young Irelands needed a strong opening to the second half and, to their credit, they did improve considerably. Paddy Farrell opened their second-half account before Mikey Rohan replied for Carrickshock. Kealan Barcoe then pointed for Young Irelands, but once again Conor Farrell was on target from a free at the other end. A further Killian Carey free reduced the deficit, but Carrickshock were able to respond with an Eoghan O’Neill point, leaving the score 0-18 to 0-10 in favour of the ‘Shocks after 38 minutes.
Young Irelands refused to throw in the towel and points from Seamus Farrell and Thomas Langton briefly reduced the gap to six points. There was now a greater sense of urgency about the Gowran side, who were moving the ball with more purpose and putting greater pressure on the Carrickshock defence. However, the Carrickshock rearguard stood firm when tested. Young Irelands struggled to hold possession for long enough in the forward area and too many promising attacks broke down before they could develop into genuine scoring opportunities.
Carrickshock continued to work tirelessly and were able to keep their opponents at arm’s length. Their discipline and organisation were evident as the game entered its closing stages.
Young Irelands eventually got the goal they badly needed in the 55th minute when Aidan Keating found the net, reducing the deficit to 1-14 to 0-23 and giving the Gowran side renewed hope.
For a brief period, the possibility of a dramatic finish appeared to be on the cards. Carrickshock, however, showed good composure and refused to panic. They continued to play the game on their terms and finished strongly. Conor Farrell added two more points to bring his personal tally to an impressive 0-15, while Eanna Martin produced one of the scores of the afternoon with a spectacular effort from around 100 metres. That score effectively ended any remaining hopes Young Irelands had of staging a late comeback and Carrickshock saw out the contest comfortably.
Along with the outstanding Conor Farrell, Mikey Rohan, Matthew Murphy and Adam Franks were among those to catch the eye for Carrickshock. There were strong contributions right across the field, with their collective work rate and defensive effort ultimately proving decisive.
For Young Irelands, there will be a recognition that a much better second-half display was not enough to compensate for a difficult opening 30 minutes. They have not yet reproduced the form that saw them impress so much 12 months ago and will know that a significant improvement will be required when the knockout stages of the championship arrive.
Carrickshock, meanwhile, can take plenty of encouragement from a convincing performance. They showed determination, discipline and no shortage of hurling ability, while the emergence of several of last year’s successful minor players provides further grounds for optimism. With Conor Farrell in such fine scoring form and a strong work ethic evident throughout the team, the ‘Shocks will be hoping this round five victory can provide further momentum as the intermediate campaign moves towards the business end of the season.
SCORERS
CARRICKSHOCK: Conor Farrell (0-15, 0-12 frees), Brian Donovan (0-2), Jake O’Dwyer (0-2), Eoghan O’Neill (0-2), Adam Franks, Eoin Crowley, Mikey Rohan, Jamie Power, Eanna Martin (0-1 each)
YOUNG IRELANDS: Killian Carey (0-4 frees), Auden Keating (1-0), Seamus Farrell (0-3), Ted Drea, Paddy Langton, Jim Colman, Mick Walsh, Pat Farrell, Kerman Barcoe, Thomas Langton (0-1 each)
TEAMS
CARRICKSHOCK
Jamie Power, Eddie Dunphy, Padraig Lennon, John Cahill, Sean Moore, Mikey Rohan, Matthew Murphy, Mikey Murphy, Jake O’Dwyer, Conor Farrell, Barry Lennon, Brian Donavan, Eoghan O’Neill, Adam Franks, Eoin Crowley. Substitutes, John Power for Eoin Crowley, Michael Rice for Barry Lennon, Eanna Martin for John Cahill, Edward Dwyer for Adam Franks.
YOUNG IRELANDS
Sean Kehoe, Sam Brennan, Geoff Brennan, Bobbie Brennan, Mick Walsh, Mikey Carey, Paddy Langton, Tommy Phelan, Jim Conlon, Padraic O’Neill, Seamus Farrell, Thomas Langton, Dylan Carey, Ted Drea, Killian Carey. Substitutes, Tommy Phelan for Kealan Barcoe.
Referee: Jack Miller (Piltown).
