Monaghan’s strength paves the way for fine Clonkill victory
On a beautiful summer evening in Clonkill GAA grounds last Friday, the under 15 hurlers of Clonkill and Raharney served up a terrific contest in the Division 1 League final, with the home side prevailing by eight points in the end.
Clonkill’s goal scoring ability was the difference on the evening and impressive full forward Padraig Monaghan led the way in this regard with four majors. His strength in the air and pace on the ball were just too much for the Raharney defence to cope with at different stages.
At half-time, Clonkill led by 5-2 to 0-10 and the old adage, ‘goals win games’, was certainly borne out. Raharney had looked the better side and were leading by 0-3 to 0-1 after eight minutes when Donnacha Briody converted a free, but Monaghan forced a save from opposing ‘keeper Orán Smith and in the follow-up, MJ Long finished to the net. Clonkill were in front for the first time and it was a lead they never relinquished.
It was fascinating as Monaghan’s 12th minute goal (from a long ball in by Conor Cleary) pushed Clonkill four points clear before Raharney replied per Luke Kiernan, Donnacha Briody (free) and Tom Shaw, who showed good hands to fire over a score that made it 2-1 to 0-6 in the 20th minute.
Then a third Clonkill goal came from Monaghan - who else: his shot found the net despite a partial block by the opposing goalie. Again, Raharney responded and Donnacha Briody took a pass from Tom Shaw and pointed to narrow the gap to five points. A super strike by centre back Aaron Connaire hopped over the crossbar and Conor Maleady’s delivery found Eoin Daly, who netted for the home side, giving them a seven-point cushion at the interval.
LONG BALL
The Loughegar boys increased that lead immediately after the restart as Eoin Daly slotted over, but a quickfire 1-2 from Raharney brought this game to life: Jack Duignan grabbed the goal, finishing to the top corner, while Donnacha Briody hit two minors, the second a free, leaving it 5-4 to 1-13, a three-point game with 20 minutes remaining.
Clonkill then notched 1-2 in response - the goal coming in the 54th minute when Padraig Monaghan latched on to a long ball and finished low to the net. He also booted over a score and Conor Maleady converted a free, ensuring Clonkill led by eight points (6-6 to 1-13).
Raharney refused to bow out tamely and their spirited attitude was admirable as Donnacha Briody slotted over two nice scores (one free). But an excellent strike from a free by Conor Maleady resulted in a point as the ball again hopped over the crossbar.
Fittingly it was left to Padraig Monaghan to have the final say - his great point from play putting the seal on a wonderful victory.
Afterwards, Barry Kelly, Chairman of Coiste na nÓg, presented the trophy to Padraig Monaghan, a worthy recipient and Clonkill could celebrate their deserved victory. Both sides deserve great credit for a wonderfully entertaining final as the two committed clubs continue to produce promising young hurlers.
Scorers: Clonkill: P Monaghan 4-3, E Daly 1-1, C Maleady 0-4 (4f), MJ Long 1-0, A Connaire 0-1. Raharney: D Briody 0-8 (5f), J Duignan 1-2, T Shaw 0-3, L Kiernan 0-2, C Fleming 0-1.
Clonkill: Ben Loughlin; Jake Raeside, Niall Brady, Peter Raleigh; Billy Dunne, Aaron Connaire, MJ Long; Conor Cleary, Cormac Murphy; Eoin Daly, Conor Maleady, Sean Maleady; Ciaran McGrath, Padraig Monaghan, James McHugh. Subs: Adam Kiernan for J Raeside (40), Conor Raleigh for C McGrath (inj., 60+3), Eli Greene for S Maleady (60+3).
Raharney: Orán Smith; Kyle Aughey, Thomas Smith, Callum McHugh; Ronan Smith, Cian Fleming, Cian McGee; Cian McKeogh, Ronan Lawlor; Jack Duignan, Luke Kiernan, Frank Kiernan; Páidí Darby Weir, Donnacha Briody, Tom Shaw. Subs: Dara Fitzsimons for P Darby Weir (34), Eoin Flanagan for F Kiernan (50).
Ref: Barry Kelly (St Oliver Plunkett’s).