GOALS ei ther side of half time set up St Patrick’s (Balyragget) for victory over Slieverue in the All County junior hurling league at Ballyragget on Sunday.
The first half that was evenly contested. Then a goal by St Pat’s full-forward Brian ‘Tom
’ Phelan just before the break and a similar score from Alan Ruth on the resumption paved the way for victory.
St Patrick’s were on top in the early stages and ran up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 10 minutes. Their scores came from Maurice Walshe (2), Michael Brennan, Brian Phelan and Seoirse Kenny. Slieverue’s only reply was a point from Michael Hoyne.
The losers gradually battled their way back into contention. The shot five unanswered points per Alan Atkins (three, two frees), Paul Rockett and Adrian Rockett to go into the lead for the first time.
The visitors were still hanging on to a single point lead (0-10 to 0-9) as half time approached. Then a long range Maurice Walshe free was caught by Brian ‘Tom’ Phelan on the edge of the square and he gave Slieverue ’keeper Jimmy O’Brien no chance with a fierce shot from close range. This put his side in front at the break, St Patrick’s 1-9, Slieverue 0-10.
A minute into the new half corner-forward Alan Ruth fired home Ballyragget’s second goal. The Southerners were struggling thereafter.
St Patrick’s advantage was now five points and confidence was growing. However, despite intense pressure and strong driving from Seoirse Kenny in particular at midfield and Geoff Brennan the Slieverue defence held firm until a string of points from lively substitute Conor Delaney (4), Geoff Brennan, Maurice Walshe and Joe Brennan late on gave St Patrick’s an easier than expected victory.
Scorers: St Patrick’s – Maurice Walshe (0-6, four frees); Brian Phelan (1-2); Conor Delaney (0-4); Joe Brennan (0-3); Michael Brennan (0-3); Ruth (1-0); Seoirse Kenny, Geoffrey Brennan (0-1 each). Slieverue – Alan Atkinson (0-7, three frees); Adrian Rockett (0-2); Paul Walsh, Michael Hoyne, Paul Rockett (0-1 each).
St Patrick’s – Michael Gannon, Robert Healy, Geoff Morrissey, John Mooney, Paddy Cahill, Kieran Delaney, Brian Mulhall, Seoirse Kenny, Geoffrey Brennan, Sean Mooney, Maurice Walsh, Joe Brennan, Michael Brennan, Brian ‘Tom’ Phelan, Alan Ruth. Subs - Conor Delaney, Conor Foley.
Slieverue – Jimmy O’Brien, David O’Brien, Sean Roche, Michael Forristal, Jamie Murphy, Mark Haberlin, Niall Walsh, Paul Walsh, Michael Hoyne, Martin Dowling, Adrian Rockett, Craig Doyle, Alan Atkins, Paul Knox, Paul Rockett. Subs - Martin Knox, Paddy Murphy, Ross Kelly.
Referee – P. Neary (James Stephens).
