Minor Hurlers Triumph in Epic Extra-Time Battle to Secure County Final Spot

Claughaun was the location for our Minor county semi-final on Sunday morning with Murroe Boher being our fancied opposition. Conditions were ideal for hurling with a slight breeze blowing across the field. Our opponents came into this game on the back of 3 wins from 3 in their group. We had 2 wins and a draw, finishing as runners up to Monaleen on scoring difference. Our last meeting with this side saw us ship a heavy defeat at the U17 grade in 2023 but a lot can happen in 12 months and our lads certainly arrived to play in this county semi-final.

Mark Hogan was immense at centre forward.

Murroe Boher got off the mark early with a point from play but we responded well with scores from Mark Hogan and Shane Waters inside the opening 2 minutes. Alex added a free followed by Mark's second of the day on 7 minutes. Murroe Boher hit us for a goal straight from the puck out, the ball deflecting off John O'Keefe's leg to deceive Darragh between the sticks. Once again, our response to this early setback was top class with Brosie and Shane clipping over 2 more scores. David O'Keefe had only returned to full training in the days leading up to the game although you wouldn't think he had missed close to 6 weeks with the way he was moving around the field. Be it bursting into every tackle, diving for crucial blocks, or chipping in with an important score in the opening half, David certainly made his presence known from the throw-in to the final whistle. Alex Kearns rounded out a strong first half showing for Na Piarsaigh with a point from play of his own, adding to his 5 converted frees. Half time score: Na Piarsaigh 0-14 Murroe Boher 1-06

Just as with the first half, the second period commenced with a point for our opponents. We responded straight from Darragh's puck out with Alex catching the sliotar below his waist, moving into space and slotting between the posts. A lovely score. Murroe Boher struck their second goal on 37 minutes. Their forward closed down on goals pulling the trigger just outside the square. A masterful hook by Mike Duggan prevented the goal but the ball broke to an unmarked forward on the far side of the square for it to be whipped to the net. Mike and John were well assisted at the back from Adam Fitzsimons throughout, with Tadhg and Harry McGann holding firm on both wings. Knitting them all together was the performance of Danny at 6. All throughout he held solid at the centre back, carrying and fielding ball, all the while keeping his opposite number at bay.

Danny burst through a tackle.

Alex kept the scoreboard ticking over in the second half, not allowing the opposition gain a foothold. Paul McDonogh was introduced to cause a few more headaches for the Murroe Boher backs. The margin was down to 2 points on the 50 minute mark before Louis got a well worked score from out on the right. Our captain John O'Keefe was immense throughout, at one stage performing a chop like tackle on the Murroe Boher forward who was bearing down on goal. A tackle you're more likely to see in Thomond Park, but it had to be done and John was the man to do it. Our opponents were causing us more problems at this stage and it was Na Piarsaigh trying the stay in the game. Ronan Benson was getting through trojan work at midfield to help keep our heads above water.

The game was level on 57 minutes and it was to remain that way for another 6. A hectic enough period which all seemed to be played out close to the sideline. A few questionable calls from the linesman got the expected reaction from the Na Piarsaigh management. Ronan Lynch kept his cool this week. Jonathan Hayes finally had enough on 63 minutes and blew for full time. Extra time was to come. Final score after normal time: Na Piarsaigh 0-20 Murroe Boher 2-14

David O'Keefe winds up.

The first half of extra time was cagey enough. Murroe Boher scored a free and one from play before we finally popped up with a free on 79 minutes. Alex Kearns had to be withdrawn with cramp at this stage, Shane Waters stepping in to slot the free. Murroe Boher were a point to the good at the half time whistle. Sean Harrington was introduced for the extra time period and he duly provided another cool head. Shane added his second free early in the second half. Draw game. On 76 minutes, Brosie won possession at the sideline on the 65, the stand side of Claughaun. While under enormous pressure he got the shot away, the sliotar dropping onto the net above the Murroe Boher keeper. An incredible score at a moment that called for it. Shane converted another free, after our opponents had got one of their own. Up stepped Bermo on 80 minutes, him having started the game, taken off on 45 minutes and back on for extra time. Conor gained possession on the 21 close to the sideline. He struck the ball with confidence and the roar from the Na Piarsaigh management let everyone know where it was to land. We were 2 points up. Murroe Boher were to get one more chance. Or 2 even..

Danny gets the ball away under pressure.

We were doing everything we could to keep them out in the final moments but we were to concede one last goal chance. They converted a free with 82 minutes gone. You would have been forgiven to think the ref was to blow it up after the puck out, but he played on. Their wing forward, who looked dangerous all day made a burst for Darragh's goal. A point would have been the sensible option to bring the game to penalties, but a goal he wanted. Bring it on said Darragh. A wonderful save by our number 1, the ball landing at his feet and cleared away. Jonathan allowed a few more seconds before calling it a day. Final score(AET) Na Piarsaigh 0-25 Murroe Boher 2-18

Louis competes for a puck out.

I'm running out of words on how to describe this outstanding group of players. A squad that shipped some heavy defeats over the years, including U17 last year, but kept coming back. It's in no small part thanks to the exceptional work put in by the management team of Declan Benson, Podge Kennedy, Mike Brougham, John Hogan, Tommy Grimes and Denis Duggan. We can now look forward to the final against the winners of Doon and Monaleen. The fixture is set for Sunday the 25th but this is to be confirmed in the coming days. We wish Declan, his management team and all the players well in their preparation over the coming days. It's great to be looking forward to one final, but two is fantastic, and we wish John Hogan all the best as prepares for the minor football final fixed for the 28th of this month.

Team: Darragh Jordan, Mike Duggan, John O’Keefe(C), Adam Fitzsimons, Tadhg Mullane, Danny Sheehan, Harry McGann, David O’Keefe(0-01), Ronan Benson, Louis Murphy(0-01), Mark Hogan(0-03), Alex Kearns(0-11, 7f), Shane Waters(0-05, 3f), Conor Bermingham(0-01), Eoin Brosnan(0-03).

Subs used: Paul McDonogh for Bermo, Sean Harrington for Adam Fitzsimons, Bermo for Alex(ET), Adam Fitzsimons for Tadhg(ET), Leon Power for Louis(ET).

Subs not used: Marcus Murphy, Brian Connolly, Joseph Corcoran, Thomas Fitzgerald, Joe Patton, Leon Power, Ben O’Regan.

The Na Piarsaigh Minor squad that defeated Murroe Boher in the county semi-final on Sunday morning.