Kilkenny MHC- Roinn B glory for John Lockes in extra-time win over Danesfort

A goal from substitute Richard Power in the dying embers of extra-time finally put an end to Danesfort’s resistance as John Lockes claimed victory in the Minor Roinn B final on Saturday afternoon.

For a large period of a thoroughly enjoyable contest, it appeared as if Danesfort would make up for defeat in last year’s final to Glenmore but a stoppage time Ollie O’Donovan score forced the game into an extra period that the Callan side dominated as they outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-0 in the final 20 minutes.

A second half goal from Aiden Cowley and vital contributions from Sauel Hayes and Fionn Mahony had put Danesfort in a winning position but John Lockes were much the better team for a lot of the second half and all of extra-time so they were more than deserving winners in the end.

The ‘Fort raced out of the traps and they were three points to the good within four minutes courtesy of scores from Jonathan Kennedy, Samuel Hayes and Charlie Sheehan.

John Lockes quickly extinguished that early deficit through points from free taker Robbie Jackman ad Ollie O’Donovan who was as elusive as ever over the course of the contest.

Midfielder Zak O’Halloran then edged the winners noses in front before a free from Darragh Coverdale had the sides deadlocked at 0-4 apiece at the halfway mark of the opening period.

Both teams then missed a number of scorebale chances in what was a scrappy first 30 minutes overall but Danesfort hit three of the four points in the second quarter to lead by two at the break albeit they were playing with a strong enough breeze at their back.

It remained nip and tuck at the beginning of the second half with three Robbie Jackman frees for the Lockes cancelled out by efforts from Fionn Mahony, Darragh Coverdale and Samuel Hayes for Danesfort.

The stalemate nature soon ended however with Robbie Jackman’s John Lockes side getting the next six points on the bounce with Patrick Kerwick, Paddy O’Brien, Harry Madigan and Glen O’Sullivan all getting in on the act.

Danesfort needed a rersponse and they git it when Aiden Cowley goaled in the 51st minute and they looked like they might snatch the game back in their favour through successive scores from Fionn Mahony.

Robbie Jackman may have missed a late free for John Lockes but county minor star Ollie O’Donovan still had the last say as the game went to extra-time.

The victorious side then used all the momentum from getting that equaliser as they controlled the final 20 minutes of action.

Points from Jackman and Zak O’Halloran quickly helped the Lockes retake the lead as they went three clear at the break and there was to be no more late drama as the Callan club scored another 1-3 without reply in the second half with sub Richard Power’s goal proving the icing on the cake for the jubilant and sizeable John Lockes as they ran out 1-21 to 1-13 winners.

Teams and Scorers

John Lockes: Robbie Jackman (0-11, 0-10 frees); Richard Power (1-0); Ollie O’Donovan (0-3); Zak O’Halloran (0-2); Patrick Kerwick, Paddy O’Brien, Ryan Donovan-Cooke, Harry Madigan, Glen O’Sullivan (0-1 each)

Danesfort: Samuel Hayes (0-4, 0-4 frees); Aiden Cowley (1-1); Fionn Mahony (0-3, 0-2 frees); Darragh Coverdale (0-2, 0-2 frees); Jonathan Kennedy (0-2); Charlie Sheehan (0-1)

John Lockes: Patrick Gibbs; Ben McGuire, Danny Carey, David Peppard; Patrick Kerwick, Michael Lynch, Paddy Grace; Paddy O’Brien, Zak O’Halloran; Alfie Lynch, Robbie Jackman, Ryan Donovan-Cooke; Joseph Butler, Harry Madigan, Ollie O’Donovan.

Subs: Glen O’Sullivan for Lynch, 35 mins; Sean Morrissey for Butler, 44 mins; Richard Power for Madigan, 66 mins.

Danesfort: Patrick Sinnott; Coleman Dunne, Mark Reddy, Paddy Kelly; Louis Lawlor, Calum Murphy, David Travers; Darragh Coverdale, Samuel Hayes; Timmy Corr, Bill Clune, Jonathan Kennedy; Fionn Mahony, Charlie Sheehan, Aiden Cowley.

Subs: Ruairi O’Casaide for Corr, 45 mins; Conor Dillon for Clune, 57 mins; Daniel Smith for Lawlor, 60 mins.

Referee; Brian Fox (O’Loughlin Gaels)