Thomas Russells 5-08 Charleville 3-06

Thomas Russells U 14 hurlers were crowned North Cork A champions on Wednesday last ,following a great victory over Charleville. Played in Milford, the damp conditions made handling difficult, but the pitch was in immaculate condition and full marks to the Milford club.

Charleville were first to score with a goal and a point .Our lads were slow to settle but a first timed shot to the net from Michael Cogan kept us in touch. Two Charleville points followed and with the aid of a stiff breeze , appeared to be taking control of proceedings. However, a goal from Bill Curtin on his return to action after a long lay off was quickly followed by a great shot to the net by David Guinee. At this stage, we squandered a few handy chances from frees ,while Charleville piled on the pressure .Thankfully our defence remained on top with Denis Taylor and Cathal o Sullivan saving us on several occasions. Shane Lyons with a pointed free pushed us ahead 3-01 to 1-03. Charleville then hit us for a goal and 2 points just before the break to take the lead.

The second half saw great performances from both sides who gave their all for every ball. Kieran Twomey, Eanna o Hanlon and Jamie Landy covered a lot of ground around the middle while Adam Sheehan, Colm o Shea and Brian Curtin were at all times tenacious. Shane Lyons fired over two frees to push us ahead. A charleville equaliser followed but four points on the trot ,Shane -2 and one a piece from Kieran and Conor Mc pushed us ahead 3-07 to 2-06. Charleville were by no means finished and had our defence under pressure on several occasions. Dave Kearney was sound in goal, his long clearances relieving the pressure, and a great interception by Brian Curtin cut out a dangerous attack. However, when their no 9 soloed through our defence to billow the net, we had a game on our hands.

It was up for grabs at this stage, but it was our boys who rose to the challenge. Conor Mc got on the end of a through ball to finish to the net and when Barry o Shea rounded the full back to fire over a point, we were home and dry. A massive free from all of seventy yards from Kieran Twomey deceived all in the crowded goalmouth, ending up in the net to seal a fantastic victory.

Following the game , Runai Stephen Lynch congratulated both teams on a splendid game and Milford for their excellent pitch. Martin Condon of sponsors Cavanaghs Car Sales then presented the cup to our captain, Kieran Twomey to the delight of our supporters. Well done to all our players and to the backroom team of Joe Lyons, Dan Guinee, Tony O Shea and John Cleary.

Team – D Kearney, B Curtin, C O Sullivan, D Taylor, J Landy, C O Shea, A Sheehan, K Twomey (1-01 ),E O Hanlon, D Guinee (1-0), C McMahon(1-01), S Lyons( 0-05), M Cogan(1-0), B O Shea (0-01), B Curtin(1-0), subs- TJ Willis, A McSweeney, C O Sullivan D O Sullivan, C O Brien.