St Canice’s Credit Union Byrne Cup. Dicksboro 2-23 (29) Mullinavat 3-18 (27)
By John Power at Palmerstown
Mullinavat suffered heartbreaking defeat in round five of the Byrne Cup senior hurling league when an injury-time goal handed Dicksboro a dramatic two-point victory at Palmerstown.
Despite the disappointment of losing at the death, there was plenty for the Vegas camp to take from what was unquestionably their most encouraging performance of the competition so far. Having already suffered defeats to Tullaroan, Graigue Ballycallan and Thomastown, Mullinavat arrived at Palmerstown seeking a response and, over the course of a highly entertaining contest, they showed far greater intensity, attacking threat and resilience.
Dicksboro, meanwhile, entered the game in strong form having won four of their previous five outings. Victories over Lisdowney, Graigue Ballycallan, Thomastown and Shamrocks Ballyhale had established the city side among the early pacesetters in the competition, with their sole reversal coming against neighbours O’Loughlin Gaels. That experience and confidence appeared evident during a dominant opening quarter.
The Boro settled quickly and controlled much of the early exchanges through a commanding half-back line that repeatedly cut out Mullinavat attacks before launching dangerous counter moves. Their sharpness in possession and accuracy from placed balls allowed them to build early momentum, and by the 25th minute they had opened up a five-point advantage, leading 0-12 to 0-7.
Mullinavat, however, continued to battle and gradually began to create openings closer to goal. Several promising attacks were denied by Dicksboro goalkeeper Brian Manogue, who produced a number of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay. The Vegas side refused to become discouraged, and their persistence was finally rewarded in the 28th minute when Brian Phelan broke through for a crucial goal that reignited the contest and lifted their support.
That score transformed the momentum of the game. Mullinavat finished the half strongly, tightening up defensively and carrying greater urgency in attack. Their improved work-rate around midfield also began to pay dividends as they matched Dicksboro score for score in the closing stages of the opening period.
By the time the half-time whistle sounded, the sides could not be separated, with Mullinavat’s late rally leaving the scoreboard reading 1-9 to 0-12.
The Vegas side carried that momentum into the second half and immediately struck the front. Brian Phelan converted a free before Conor Walsh added another point from play to put Mullinavat two clear and force Dicksboro onto the back foot for one of the few periods in the match. Dan Carroll responded with an important point for the visitors to steady their challenge, but Mullinavat continued to hurl with growing confidence. Patrick Walsh and Joe Sheehan traded points before Conor Walsh and Carroll again exchanged scores as the intensity of the contest continued to rise.
The game then swung decisively in Mullinavat’s favour entering the final quarter. Robin Davis split the posts with an excellent point before Liam Fennelly struck for a superb goal that pushed his side into a commanding 2-14 to 0-15 lead. At that stage Mullinavat appeared in control, with their attacking play carrying far greater purpose and energy than in previous outings.
Yet Dicksboro showed why they have been among the competition’s most consistent teams this season. Refusing to panic, they gradually chipped away at the deficit through the accuracy of Mark Nolan from placed balls. Each free narrowed the gap and restored belief within the city side ranks. The crucial moment in their comeback arrived following an excellent passing movement that carved open the Mullinavat defence. Dan Carroll finished the move emphatically to the net, turning the game on its head and giving Dicksboro a 1-20 to 2-14 lead entering the closing minutes.
Even then Mullinavat were not finished. Displaying tremendous character, they responded immediately when Ger Malone struck for another vital goal to level matters once more and ensure a tense finale. With both teams committing fully in search of victory, the closing stages were played at championship intensity.
As the game moved into injury time it appeared the sides might have to settle for a draw. However, Dicksboro produced one final attack and managed to force home a dramatic winning goal deep into added time, breaking Mullinavat hearts after one of their best displays of the campaign.
While defeat was difficult to take, there were many positives for Mullinavat manager and supporters alike. After several disappointing results earlier in the league, this performance showed signs that the team are beginning to find rhythm and cohesion. Their attacking play caused major problems for one of the form teams in the competition, while their work ethic and determination never wavered throughout the hour.
For Dicksboro, meanwhile, this was another valuable victory that maintained their strong league momentum. Their ability to recover from five points down in the second half and still find a winning score under pressure highlighted both their experience and composure.
In the end, it took the latest of goals to separate two sides who contributed fully to an exciting and competitive Byrne Cup encounter at Palmerstown.
MULLINAVAT TEAM: Sean Fitzpatrick, CJ Fitzpatrick, Tom Aylward, Eoin Dempsey, Donnacha Walsh, George O’Connor, Robin Davis, Adam Mansfield, Patrick Walshe, Conor Walsh, Ger Malone, Michael Malone, Brian Phelan, Simon Aylward, Liam Fennelly. Substitutes: – Jack Walsh for Simon Aylward, Fiachra Knox for Brian Phelan, Ian Mansfield for CJ Fitzpatrick.
DICKSBORO TEAM: Brian Manogue, Stephen Dermody, Niall Rowe, Bill O’Shea, Tom McPhillips, Eoghan Moylan, Evan Murphy, Ollie Walsh, Alan Phelan, Mark Nolan, James Carroll, Joe Sheehan, Edward Moylan, Matthew Carroll, Dan Carroll.
Referee: Johnny Dooley.
