Minor Hurlers Pick Up First Win

Our minor hurlers picked up their first win of this championship campaign on Wednesday evening in a dry Pairc Ui Dromguil. This result follows our opening round draw with Monaleen in Peafield a fortnight ago.

Wednesday’s game saw the welcome return of Darragh Jordan to the starting 15, although not in his usual spot between the sticks. Marcus Murphy was retained at number 1 while Darragh partnered up with Ronan Benson at midfield. Darragh took the spot of David O’Keefe, him having fractured his arm a number of weeks previously. As it turns out, David gave a warrior like display for the full 60 minutes in round 1, completely oblivious to the seriousness of his injury. We wish David all the best in his recovery over the coming weeks.

Louis Murphy breaks from a tackle.

Alex Kearns opened our account within the first 2 mins, converting from a free. This quickly followed with a well taken point from full forward Paul McDonagh, after we intercepted a Bruff puck out. We were to score 5 more points without reply, Alex slotting 2 from play along with a free, and a point each from Mark Hogan and Tadhg Mullane. Mark Hogan ended the game with 5 points from play in what was a stylish performance at centre forward. Not alone getting on the scoreboard, he made some crucial tackles in the middle of the field in addition to a handful of assists.

Having gone 9 points to 2 ahead after 21 minutes, Bruff started to edge their way back into the game. The next 5 minutes saw our opponents outscore us by 5 points to 3. Brosie and Shane Waters added their names to the scoresheet in this period along with another from Mark Hogan. With the scores at 12 points to 7, and Bruff having fought their way back into the game, up stepped Alex with a long range free. Closer to his own 65, with a slight breeze at his back, the man with the white and blue Nike socks(we don’t sell these in the club shop), landed the placed ball comfortably over the bar. Ronan Benson followed with a lovely score from close to the sideline. Bruff hit back with a point just before the half time whistle. Half time score: Na Piarsaigh 0-14 Bruff 0-08

Mike Duggan gets the hand pass away.

The second half began with another lovely score from the stick of Mark Hogan, with Bruff adding 2 more of their own. Then followed the first goal chance of the game with Louis Murphy gathering just outside the 21, carrying it forward and blasting off the crossbar. In what looked to be a rasper of a goal, the Munster Fleadh winner had to settle for a point. Alex was to score our next 5 points, 3 frees and 2 from play. We were pulling away from opponents at this stage with their scoring opportunities having dried up, thanks in no small part to the excellent defending by our back 6. Led by John O’Keefe at 3, centre back Danny Sheehan complimented his strong performance against Monaleen 2 weeks prior with another stellar display. He popped up with a score of his own on 58 minutes.

Danny Sheehan on the attack.

With the game looking to be all but sealed, Conor Bermingham, having come on just after half time, gathered possession close to the sideline. He put the head down, and made a dart for goal. It’s fair to say there wasn’t anything stopping Bermo burying this one. Back of the net. Shane Waters, Brosie and Mark Hogan added a point each to close out the game.

To note, Tommy Grimes didn’t get in the way of any stray line balls this week, so progress there certainly. Round 3 of the minor hurling championship sees us at home to the Bouncers on the 7th of August.

Final score: Na Piarsaigh 1-26 Bruff 0-14

Team: Marcus Murphy, Sean Harrington, John O'Keeffe, Adam Fitzsimons, Michael Duggan, Danny Sheehan(0-01), Tadgh Mullane(0-02), Ronan Benson(0-01), Darragh Jordan, Louis Murphy(0-01), Mark Hogan(0-05), Alex Kerins(0-11,7f), Shane Waters(0-02), Paul McDonagh(0-01), Eoin Brosnan(0-02)

Subs used: Conor Bermingham(1-00), Harry McGann, Ben O'Regan, Leon Power, Brian Connolly. Subs not used: Joseph Corcoran, Thomas Fitzgerald, Alex Halpin, Joe Patton, Jamie Quigley.

Minor squad that lined out against Bruff in round 2 of the championship.