Camross claim league glory over Ballinakill Ballypickas

Midlands Park Hotel U/15 Hurling League Division 1 Final 

 Camross 3-10 

Ballinakill Ballypickas 1-8 

CAMROSS added another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet on Wednesday evening at the LOETB Centre of Excellence, as they clinched the Midlands Park Hotel U/15 Hurling League Division 1 title. This latest triumph comes just weeks after they were crowned Féile champions.

Delivering a composed and efficient performance, Camross saw off the challenge of Ballinakill Ballypickas, with the standout contribution coming from Daragh Mortimer. Mortimer stole the show with an impressive personal haul of 3-2. He was well supported by Ryan Guilfoyle, who chipped in with six points, including four from placed balls.

The match got off to a flying start, with Camross seizing early control. Within three minutes, they had surged ahead 1-2 to no score. Guilfoyle opened their account with a well-taken free, and Mortimer followed up with a goal and a point in quick succession.

Ballinakill Ballypickas got on the scoreboard through a 65’ from James O’Mara, but any hopes of settling into the game were quickly dashed. Camross hit back hard, with Guilfoyle converting two 65s before Mortimer struck again, netting his second goal to extend their lead.

The sides traded points, Aaron O’Brien scoring for Ballinakill Ballypickas and Guilfoyle answering at the other end. O’Mara added two more points before the break, one from a free, but Camross were firmly in charge at halftime, leading 2-5 to 0-4.

Camross picked up where they left off after the interval, with Guilfoyle adding two more points from frees. It took Ballinakill Ballypickas 14 minutes to respond, once again through the ever-reliable O’Mara. Meanwhile, Camross midfielder Charlie Peavoy, who had been industrious all game, scored a fine point from play to add to his side’s tally.

Jack Carter made a crucial save for Ballinakill Ballypickas midway through the second half, denying Jack Higgins a certain goal and briefly keeping his team in the contest. Despite their efforts, Ballinakill Ballypickas couldn’t bridge the gap. O’Mara continued to shine, contributing two more points, but Camross remained firmly in control.

Mortimer added another point before completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish, effectively sealing the outcome. Ballinakill Ballypickas did register a superb goal late on, O’Mara plucked a free from Jake Keating out of the sky and rifled it into the net for a moment of personal brilliance.

Camross had the final word, as Peavoy added his second point to wrap up a comprehensive team performance.

While the forwards grabbed the headlines, the foundation for this victory was laid across the pitch. Leo Guilfoyle delivered a rock-solid performance at full-back, breaking up attacks and leading the defence with authority. In midfield, Darragh Cuddy partnered Peavoy to great effect, helping Camross dominate possession and territory throughout.

SCORERS:

Camross: Daragh Mortimer 3-2, Ryan Guilfoyle 0-6 (0-3fs, 0-2 65s), Charlie Peavoy 0-2.

Ballinakill Ballypickas: James O’Mara 1-6 (0-3fs, 0-1 65), Jake Keating (f) and Aaron O’Brien 0-1 each.

CAMROSS: Noah Jones; Oisín Guilfoyle, Leo Guilfoyle, Conol Keenan; Daniel Sheeran, Aaron Bredin, Daniel McSpadden: Darragh Cuddy, Charlie Pevoy; Cayden Dowling, Daragh Mortimer, Lee Bredin; Jack Higgins, Ryan Guilfoyle, Tiernan Danne.

Subs: Rian Nolan for Dowling (43m), Harry Shore for Danne (46m), Diarmuid Scott for Higgins (59m).

BALLINAKILL BALLYPICKAS: Jack Carter; Joe O’Connor, Daniel Walsh, Mickey Brennan; Eoin Lynam, Jack Delaney, Oran Fenlon; Darragh Brennan, Jake Keating; Tristan O’Shaughnessy, James O’Mara, Darragh Kennedy; Aaron O’Brien, Sean Carroll, Noah Carter.

Subs: Sean Óg Cummins for N Carter (36m), Connor Delaney for Kennedy (39m), Dillion O’Donovan for Lynam (39m).

Referee: Alan Doheny (Castletown)