Sixmilebridge Clinch Clare U-14A Title In Dramatic Fashion

Clare U-14A Hurling Final: Sixmilebridge 4-10 Inagh-Kilnamona 2-14 (AET)

Sixmilebridge edged a dramatic contest with Inagh-Kilnamona on a day when both sides served up hurling of an exception standard.

It was clear throughout this contest that there was little to seperate the sides with just one between them at the half-time interval.

Inagh-Kilnamona looked to have stolen a march when a strong third quarter saw them open up a six point lead by the final water break but the ‘Bridge battled bravely with Eamon Breen’s goal helping to force the added period.

Finn Murphy’s early goal, created by Niall Liddane, helped Sixmilebridge to lead 1-2 to 0-3 at the opening water break with Inagh-Kilnamona playing against the wind.

Liddane was influential throughout and forced Inagh-Kilnamona goalkeeper Frankie Roughan into a brilliant save early in the second quarter. The sides traded points before a big moment arrived as Fred Hegarty found the net with a clever finish to put the Combo into a 1-4 to 1-3 half-time lead.

That momentum carried through to the third quarter as Inagh-Kilnamona used the wind to good effect. Gearoid Barry and Fred Hegarty helped keep the scoreboard ticking over while resolute defending kept the ‘Bridge scoreless and saw Inagh-Kilnamona 1-10 to 1-4 clear with the final quarter looming.

Sixmilebridge needed leaders and they were not found wanting as some brilliant play saw them reel in that gap in dramatic fashion. Liddane was a constant threat at full-forward as he drew both possession and frees. Eamonn Breen was the man who came up with the big score that was needed as he hammered home a goal that turned the tide in an epic game. Matthew O’Halloran fired over a brilliant score from distance to level the game before Breen was on hand to notch what looked like the winning point. There was still time for drama as Inagh-Kilnamona converted a free to send the game to extra-time.

Sixmilebridge had the ideal start as Finn Murphy goaled again in the first half of the new period, and that helped them lead 3-9 to 1-13 at the break. Dylan Keogh showed great composure to rifle home another goal after the restart which would prove a crucial one as his side held out for the win.

Sixmilebridge: Mark Sheedy, Will Chaplin, Jack Phelan, Harry Chaplin, Will Gilligan, Matthew O’Halloran, Callum Toomey, Cillian Murphy Jack O’Halloran, Finn Murphy, Niall Liddane, Calum Phelan, Michael Morey, Eamonn Breen, Ben O’Connell.

Subs: Dylan Keogh for O’Connell.

Inagh Kilnamona: Frank Roughan, Alex Leyden, Conor Rynne, Rian Cummins, Luke McGuane, Jack Cullinan, Michael Cotter, James Hegarty, Neil Hegarty, Fred Hegarty, Gearoid Barry, Ralph Whelahan, Thomas O’Halloran, Jack Mescall, Luke Kelly.