Threecastles 1-25 (28); Glenmore 2-18(24).
By John Power at Danesfort GAA Grounds.
Three castles created a piece of club history on Sunday afternoon when they captured their first ever JJ Kavanagh Kilkenny Junior A Hurling League title, overcoming Glenmore by four points in an entertaining and hard-fought final at Danesfort. Played in ideal summer conditions, the decider produced plenty of quality hurling, excellent scores and a spirited fightback from Glenmore before Threecastles eventually secured a deserved 2-18 to 1-25 victory.
The triumph marks a significant milestone for the northern Kilkenny club, who have shown steady progress in recent seasons and now have silverware to reward their efforts. Having received a walkover from Shamrocks Ballyhale in the semi-final, Threecastles entered the final fresh and eager to make the most of the opportunity. Glenmore, meanwhile, had earned their place in the decider in impressive fashion, producing a convincing victory over Dunnamaggin in their semi-final encounter and arriving in Danesfort full of confidence.
From the throw-in, Threecastles settled into the game quickly and established an early rhythm. Their work rate around the middle third was impressive, while their forwards looked dangerous every time possession was delivered into the attacking area. Glenmore worked hard to stay in touch during the opening quarter, but Threecastles gradually began to take control, helped by the accuracy of their forwards and some excellent link play throughout the team.
The defining moment of the first half arrived when Threecastles struck for a crucial goal. A long and accurate delivery from Jack Cleere caused problems for the Glenmore defence and found its way into the danger area. Eoin Dalton reacted quickest, finishing decisively to the net and giving his side a major boost. The goal came at a vital stage and helped Threecastles establish real momentum heading towards the interval.
With confidence flowing, the northern side continued to pick off scores and stretch their advantage. Their movement and support play were particularly impressive, while they also defended resolutely whenever Glenmore threatened. By the time the referee sounded for half-time, Threecastles held a commanding 1-14 to 0-09 lead. Although the eight-point margin reflected their strong opening-half display, many expected Glenmore to respond after the break, and that is exactly what happened.
Glenmore emerged for the second half with renewed determination and immediately increased the intensity of their play. Their forwards began to find more space and they carried a greater attacking threat. The game was brought firmly back to life in the 40th minute when Jason Cody found the net for Glenmore. The goal injected belief into the southern side and suddenly the deficit was reduced to five points at 1-16 to 1-11.
Cody, who would go on to deliver an outstanding individual scoring performance, continued to lead the Glenmore challenge. Scores began to arrive more regularly, and the momentum appeared to be shifting. A well-taken Jason Cody point from a placed “65” further reduced the gap, leaving only two points between the teams at 1-17 to 1-15 midway through the second half.
At that stage, the contest was very much in the balance. Glenmore sensed an opportunity to complete the comeback and pressed forward at every opportunity. Dean Croke came agonisingly close to finding a second goal after some clever and inventive approach play involving Oisin Mullally. Had that chance been converted, the outcome could have been very different.
However, championship-winning teams often find another gear when required, and Threecastles did exactly that. Having weathered Glenmore’s best spell, they regained control during the closing stages and once again began to dictate proceedings. Their work rate increased noticeably, and they won a series of important battles around the field.
A major factor in their strong finish was the contribution of Eamon Hennessy. The Threecastles attacker produced a superb final quarter, punishing Glenmore with a mixture of expertly struck placed balls and impressive scores from open play. His accuracy helped restore breathing space between the sides and ensured that Glenmore’s comeback efforts would ultimately fall short.
As the game entered the final ten minutes, Threecastles stretched their lead and looked increasingly comfortable. They moved 1-23 to 1-17 clear and appeared to have one hand firmly on the trophy. Glenmore refused to give up and continued to battle until the end. Jason Cody added a second goal to his personal tally with a well-struck free from approximately 30 metres, giving his side one final glimmer of hope.
Nevertheless, Threecastles had built enough of a cushion and managed the closing moments effectively. Having led throughout the contest, they deservedly held on to secure a memorable victory and spark celebrations among players, management and supporters alike on what was a beautiful afternoon for hurling.
Both teams could point to excellent individual performances. Jason Cody was outstanding for Glenmore, finishing with a remarkable tally of 2-10 and carrying much of his side’s attacking threat. For Threecastles, full-forward Eoin Hennessy was equally influential, contributing an impressive 0-13 and proving a constant danger to the Glenmore defence throughout the match.
The spotlight belongs to Threecastles. Congratulations are due to the players, manager Alan Guilfoyle and selectors Derek Deegan, Robbie Webster, Tom Kelly and Nicky Dreeling, whose hard work and dedication have helped deliver a notable and historic achievement for the club. Their first JJ Kavanagh Kilkenny Junior A Hurling League title is a success that will be remembered for many years to come.
SCORERS
Threecastles:
Eamon Hennessy (0-13, 0-6 frees), Eoin Dalton (1-4), Nick Doheny 0-3), Kyle Maher (0-2), Cian Russell (0-1), Jack Cleere (0-1), Frankie Keoghan (0-1).
Glenmore:
Jason Cody (2-10, 1-8 frees, 0-1 “65”), Colm Roche (0-2), Dean Croke (0-2), Oisin Mullally (0-2), Tommy Dunne (0-2),
TEAMS
Threecastles:
Conrad Cooper, Joe Lacey, Cian Lyng, David Cleere, Darragh Walsh, Jack Cleere, Frankie Keoghan, Darren Mullen, Joey Dalton, Cian Russell, Kyle Maher, Nick Doheny, Eoin Dalton, Eamon Hennessy, Mark Cleere.
Substitutes: -Cian Franey for Cian Russell (45 minutes), Eoin Dalton for Darragh Walsh (52 minutes).Rest of panel: -Eoin O’Donnell, Seamus McEvoy, Jack Boland, Vincent O’Donnell, Ciaran Dalton, Frank Campion, Bernard Mullen, Josh Quirke, Marcus Trait, MJ Maher, David Butler, Felix Mullen, Evan Comerford, Nigel Kenny, Pat Trait.
Glenmore:
Paul Brophy, Luke Vereker, Shane Duhig, Padraig Cody, Jack Ryan, Eoin Aylward, Colm Doherty, Colm Roche, Stephen Cody, Paul Murphy, Dean Croke, Evan Halligan, Tommy Dunne, Aaron O’Neill, Jason Cody.
Substitutes: -Oisin Mullally for Stephen Cody (28 minutes), Cathal Sheehan for Paul Murphy (half time). Rest of panel: Christopher Hennessy, P.J Roche, Patrick O’Connor, William Treacy, James Hendrick, Tommy Maher, Rory Atkins, Ruaidhri Heffernan, Richard Murphy, Robert Fitzgerald, Michael Phelan, Carin Vereker, Ben Maher.
Referee: Stephen Delaney.
