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'Fort give new boss Phelan something to smile about
Danesfort 1-17
Rower-Inistioge0-12
DANESFORT were slow out of the blocks, but they turned in a very strong second half to score a good win over a fancied Rower-Inisitoge team in the opening round of the intermediate hurling league in Thomastown on Saturday.
The Rower opened full of promise, and during the early stages their form was so hot they looked set for an easy win. However, by the break they were hauled in and were behind (0-8 to 1-7) and after that they went backwards at a rate of knots.
The winners thundered into action in the new half and shot unanswered points from a flying Richie Hogan, Cathal O’Neill and the same Hogan again to extend the difference to 1-10 to 0-8. From there on the Rower never looked capable of saving the day.
Things were so different at the start. The Rower raced into a 0-4 to no score lead after a mere six minutes thanks to points from Tom Murphy, a great effort from near the right sideline, Kieran Joyce, James Cashin and Joyce again.
On top of that, Danesfort goalie Frank Manogue had to be alert to keep out a stinging shot from Paul Sheehan. The winners just weren't’t at the races, but they hung in gamely.
Began to change
However, things began to change in the seventh minute. In a rare raid into the Rower half, the winners won a 20-metres free. While most expected Richie Hogan to take a point that would settle the team, he went for the big option and bagged a goal.
Suddenly the mood of the winners changed. They found the pace of the game and got stuck in. Michael Grace landed a magnificent point for the Rower from a sideline ball before Richie Hogan converted a very difficult free into the wind from the right touchline and 70 metres distance (0-5 to 1-1).
Although James Cashin had a point for the Rower at the start of the second quarter, it was the opposition who proceeded to dominate things. Richie Hogan set the tone when he clipped over a pair of points from frees to earn his side parity (0-6 to 1-3).
Twice subsequently the scores were level, but points in the 30th and 32nd minutes from James Cunningham and Richie Hogan respectively left Danesfort leaders by 1-7 to 0-8 at the interval.
When backed by the elements, Danesfort simply let rip. By the 37th minute they had added a hat-trick of minors through the deadly Hogan, Cathal O’Neill and Hogan again to jump five points clear. They had hold of the game now, and they didn’t loosen their grip from here to the finish.
James Cashin hit back for a point from the Rower. Hogan replied. Then Darren Booth and Cassin traded scores before Hogan and Cashin did likewise (1-13 to 0-11).
Four scores together
The winners put four scores together after that as the Rower faded badly, and were totally dependant on James Cashin for scores. The latter might have cut the difference at the finish, but a well struck effort for a goal was turned over the bar by goalie Manogue.
New Danesfort manager, Michael Phelan can be pleased with this effort by his troops. While Richie Hogan was in blinding form, he received massive support from his brother, Paddy, Frank Manogue and Paul Murphy.
Scorers: Danesfort - Richie Hogan (1-9, 1-5 frees); David Forristal, Paul Murphy (0-2 each); James Cuinningham, Cathal O’Neill, Darren Booth, Robbie Walsh (0-1 each). Rower-Inistioge - James Cashin (0-7, five frees); Kieran Joyce (0-2, frees); Tom Murphy, Sean Lyster, Michael Grace (0-1 each).
Danesfort - Frank Manogue, Gavin O’Keeffe, Liam Forristal, Ben O’Connor, Michael Cunningham, Paddy Hogan, Darren Booth, Padraig Forristal, Paul Murphy, Oisin Daly, David Forristal, James Cunningham, Robbie Walsh, Richie Hogan, Cathal O’Neill. Subs - Marty McMahon, Tom Ryan, Jim Phelan.
Rower-Inistioge - Liam Tierney, James Doyle, Kieran Joyce, Eoin Doyle, David Tennyson, Sean Cummins, David Lyng, Joe Lyng, Thomas Grace, Sean Lyster, Ruairi Galavan, Tom Murphy, Paul Sheehan, James Cashin, Michael Grace. Subs - Padraig Grace, Padraig Tierney.
Referee - John Bennett (Tullogher/Rosbercon).
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Weather for Kilkenny
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 11 C
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