Our U13 hurlers enjoyed a fantastic campaign in the 13-a-side league, showing great resilience and determination throughout. After a tough opening defeat to Knockaderry, they bounced back impressively with victories over Caherline, Cappamore and Kildimo/Pallaskenry, securing a well deserved place in the county final where they would meet Knockaderry once again.
Having been beaten convincingly in the opening round (2-7 to 0-2), the challenge ahead was clear. To make matters more difficult, we were without two key players, Cian O’Kelly and Daniel Kelleher, through injury. Despite this setback, the team travelled to Raheenagh on Tuesday 19th May full of belief, ready for the battle in difficult, wet conditions.
Croagh/Kilfinny started brightly, showing real intent early on. However, Knockaderry struck first with a goal to take control. Our lads responded well, registering two points, but the opposition edged ahead again with further scores. A superb passage of play then saw a long ball delivered into the full forward line, resulting in a brilliantly taken goal to bring us right back into contention. At half time, just two points separated the sides, with Knockaderry leading 1-4 to 1-2.
With the aid of the breeze in the second half, Croagh/Kilfinny came out all guns blazing. Two well taken points drew the sides level, and from there, every ball was fiercely contested in a gripping encounter. Despite dominating for long spells, Knockaderry struck against the run of play with a second goal to regain the lead.
To their great credit, our players showed tremendous character. Their heads never dropped, and they continued to battle for every possession. This determination paid off as Croagh/Kilfinny hit back with a crucial goal and two excellent points without reply, turning the game on its head.
In the closing stages, the tension was palpable. Leading by two points, Croagh/Kilfinny were put under intense pressure as Knockaderry pushed forward in search of a match winning goal. However, our defence stood firm, and when the final whistle was blown by referee Kieran Guina, it sparked scenes of great joy among the players, management, and supporters alike.
County Bord na nÓg Chairperson Seamus Twomey presented the cup to Croagh/Kilfinny captain Sean Kennedy, who spoke proudly on behalf of his team before celebrations began in earnest.
This was a thoroughly deserved success for a dedicated and hardworking group who have shown enormous commitment over the past number of years. Their teamwork, resilience and spirit were evident throughout the campaign, and this victory is a fitting reward for their efforts.
Panel: Eoghlan FitzGerald, Darragh Looney, Mikey Nash, Leighton Harnett, Noah Lawlor, Dara Lenihan, Daniel O'Connor, Evan Reidy, Aidan Walsh, Hugh Hanley, Sean Kennedy, Daniel Mullane, Aidan Purcell, Cian O'Kelly (inj.), Tom Keating, Daniel Kelleher (inj.), Tiernan Doyle
Team Management: William FitzGerald, Stephen Reidy & Tomás O'Connor
