By Paddy Ryan

Doneraile 3-19 Castletownroche 2-8

Doneraile are Avondhu Div 2 Hurling League kingpins for 2013. On Friday evening in Killavullen before a very large attendance they overcame a fancied Castletownroche side by double scores. These sides had not met in a final since the 50s era. Entering this contest Castletown’ were awaiting Churchtown in the Premier JHC semi-final while Doneraile are due to face Charleville in the lower grade Shreelawn Oil JAHC semi-final. Castletown, firm favourites, were short key defender Richard Relihan. However, on the evening it is unlikely to have changed the outcome as Doneraile, minus Keith Sweeney, were rampant once they got going. They dominated the key sectors throughout the field and took some marvelous scores.

The sides were level 0-1 each after 2 minutes. Cillian Good (2) and Garry Sweeney (2) helped Doneraile lead 0-5 to 0-1 after 6 minutes. Castletown struck for the first goal when a good cross by Jonathan O’Callaghan found Mark O’Callaghan who billowed the net from close range. Gavin O’Keeffe pointed for Doneraile with Dave Relihan replying from a long range free. In the 15th minute good play by Donal Relihan led to a foul on Adrian O’Callaghan with a 21 metre free being awarded. Jonathan O’Callaghan had his powerful effort saved by Kevin Cotter but the rebound went over the line and Castletown were in front 2-2 to 0-6. Doneraile struck a purple patch and a series of points by Cillian Good, Garry Sweeney and James O’Callaghan were followed by a Michael O’Rourke goal. Castletown had a mere two points (frees) in this period by Dave Relihan and Jonathan O’Callaghan that had them trailing at the break 1-11 to 2- 4.

The second half was very one sided. Doneraile gained control in the halfback-line and midfield sectors that saw their forwards in regular supply. Ian O’Brien and Pat Enright were very impressive at midfield and Garry Sweeney and Cillian Good were in great form up front. The winners had goals in quick succession by Cillian Good and Garry Sweeney (free) that saw them open up an 11 point lead, 3-15 to 2-7, entering the final quarter. Further pressure yielded points by Garry Sweeney, Patrick Enright 3-17 to 2-7 after 50 minutes.

Castletown’ made a good late battle against the odds. They tried very hard for goals to get back in the hunt. They were denied by solid defending by William Cronin, David Sheedy and Ross Hunter, while Kevin Cotter in goal was outstanding. Castletown’ had their final score a 53rd minute point by Mark O’Callaghan, while Pat Enright with two late points completed the scoring that saw Doneraile emerge winners by double scores in the end 3-19 to 2-8.

Finbarr O’Hanlon on behalf of Cavanagh’s Fermoy sponsors presented the Lyons Cup to the winning captain Brian O’Rourke in the presence of Avondhu GAA Board chairman John O’Donnell. Garry Sweeney was named ‘man of the match’. Both of the finalists will compete in Div 1 HL for next season.

Scorers for Doneraile: Garry Sweeney (1-10, 1-8f, 0-1 65), Cillian Good (1-4), Michael O’Rourke (1-1), Pat Enright (0-1), Ian O’Brien (0-2) and Gavin O’Keeffe (0-1).

Castletownroche: Jonathan O’Callaghan (1-2f), Mark O’Callaghan (1-1), David Relihan (0-3f), Donal Relihan and Muiris Browne (0-1) each.

TEAMS

Doneraile: Kevin Cotter, Padraigh Brennan, William Cronin, Mark Reid, Brian O’Rourke (Capt) David Sheedy, Ross Hunter, Ian O’Brien, Pat Enright, M O’Rourke, Garry Sweeney, James O’Callaghan, Jason O’Callaghan, Gavin O’Keeffe and Cillian Good. Subs: Kevin Sheehan for Michael O’Rourke, Kevin Stack for James O’Callaghan and Mark O’Keeffe for Mark Reid.

Castletownroche: David Butler, Wesley Walsh, John Batterberry, Thomas Barrett, Harry O’Farrell, Tom O’Shea, Tony Kett, Muiris Browne, David Relihan, Philip Murphy, Donal Relihan, Jonathan O’Callaghan, Mark O’Callaghan, Adrian O’Callaghan and Michael O’Farrell. Subs: Michael Browne for Thomas Barrett, Shay Mullane for Adrian O’Callaghan and Adrian Butler for Philip Murphy. Referee: Walter Cole (Buttevant).

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