Clonad produce thrilling finish to reach Leinster semi-final
Clonad who advanced to the AIB Leinster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final with their win over Kevin's HC on Saturday
CLONAD made a welcome return to the Leinster club hurling championship on Saturday last. They were recently crowned Laois champions beating Mountrath comprehensively in the final.
Before Saturday’s journey to O’Toole Park, it was felt the long wait might spoil their hunger, but not in the slightest.
On a cold but dry afternoon the Laois champions looked sharp. The home team hit a bad wide before PJ Daly fired over the opening score of the game. From the puck out the home team equalised, centre forward Brendan Considine from a long way out.
Full forward Adam Mitchell edged the hosts ahead in the fifth minute. Hurling was fast and furious and three minutes later Barry Cormack landed a long range point to level matters once more.
Jack Fenlon reclaimed the lead for his side and they edged two in front when Karl Walsh converted a free in a game that had few stoppages. At the other end PJ Daly pointed for Clonad who then went in front after good work between PJ Daly and Fionn Holland saw the visitors taking the lead.
Holland and free taker were keeping the visitors in front and after 18 minutes the Dublin team trailed 0-4 to 0-6 . At this stage Clonad were aided by a strong breeze.
The two sides were guilty of missed opportunities but Clonad were hanging on to a two point advantage with ten minutes remaining to the break. Points were traded between the deadly accurate John Onions and centre field player David Reid.
In the closing minutes points by Karl Walsh were offset by two long range frees from John Onions leaving Clonad ahead 0-12 to 0-9 at the half time whistle.
Clonad looked anxious departing for the dressing room leading by just three points having played with the aid of the wind.
No changes were made by either side on resumption and the wind seemed stronger and the hosts made good use of it.
Midfielder Dan O’Loughlin struck a long range point while Clonad were wide on their first attack. Karl Walsh reduced the margin to one single point after seven minutes of the new half. Clonad were under fierce pressure and nine minutes into the change of ends the teams were level and hurling was excellent.
Declan Power edged the hosts in front with a fine score from play and the large Clonad travelling attendance were looking nervous.
There was no more scoring until PJ Daly fired over a powerful equaliser and the clock was moving towards three-quarters mark and the wind seem to take a dip.
Karl Walsh regained the lead for the home team from a free. The two sides were guilty of poor shooting at this stage before Karl Walsh converted a free and the Laois champions trailed 0-13 to 0-15.
The clock had entered the closing ten minutes and the excitement mounted. Clonad found new energy. Barry Cormack, the former Lilywhite took up free taking and converted two placed balls roared on by the Sash following.
The Dublin champions almost had a goal from sub Dan O’Brien but, not for the first time, James Farrell led by example with a fine save.
Five minutes remained when Onions pointed from distance. From the puck out Dan O’Sullivan bore down on goal but was hauled down and Mark Onions converted the free.
At the other end Kevin’s were awarded a free intended for goal it sailed between the uprights.
Then the referee pointed for a Clonad free as a Kevin’s player was penalised for over carrying before the full time whistle brought relief to Clonad.
Clonad will be thrilled and next up are the Kildare champions Clane next week.
John Onions 0-6 (0-5fs), PJ Daly, Barry Cormack and Fionn Holland 0-3 each, Dan O’Sullivan 0-1.
Karl Walsh 0-6 (0-4fs), Adam Mitchell, David Reid, Declan Power and Dan O’Loughlin (f) 0-2 each, Brian Considine and Jack Fenlon 0-1 each.
James Farrell; Gareth O’Brien, Jack Ahern, Liam Whelan; Charlie Hand, David O’Brien, Cillian Duff; Barry Cormack, Patrick O’Callaghan; PJ Daly, Fionn Holland, Jimmy Norton; John Onions, Dan O’Sullivan, Ross Holmes.
Jim Holland for Holmes (45m), John Noonan for Norton (50m).
Brian Óg Flannery; James Cox, Shane Codd, Oisin Fitzpatrick; Cathal Minogue, Joey Mowlds, Joe McNamara; Dan Loughlin, David Reid; Jack Fenlon, Brian Considine, Conor Walsh; Karl Walsh, Adam Mitchell, Declan Power.
Dan O’Brien for Reid (45m), Chris Tuite for Mitchell (46m), John Hennessey for C Walsh (50m).
Ciaran Flynn (Meath)
