Match Report: Clane v Celbridge - Féile A Hurling - Qtr Final

Result: Clane 8-08; Celbridge 3-06

Clane met Celbridge in a defacto quarter final of the 2019 Féile A Hurling championship on Monday evening 2nd April at Conneff Park, having shipped a heavy defeat in the previous round against Naas. If there was any lingering hangover from that previous match it was not apparent in the players, as they emerged victorious after a rip-roaring tussle against a fine Celbridge outfit, whose performance was not reflected in the final score.

Ethan Smith in goals gave an assured display between the sticks, whilst the fullback line was superbly marshaled all evening by Diarmuid Finn, Culann Healy & Riann O’Neill. The half back line was led heroically by Daniel Malone from the centre, and he was ably assisted on either flank by Adam Fitzpatrick & Daire O’Beirne. The midfield pairing of Daniel Colbert & Sean Tighe worked like trojans whilst displaying their vast repertoire of hurling skills right throughout, whilst the half forward trio of Shane Henry, Hugh Muldoon & Tadhg O’Donoghue delivered an ocean of ball into the goal hungry full forward line of Paddy Connolly, Daragh Mullahy and James O’Donoghue. Subs Andrew Hyland & Thomas Kilbride both contributed handsomely, on a night when this young team stood up manfully to a big test from Celbridge. The effort was helped in no small way by the presence of the non playing subs, who roared on their colleagues from the sidelines in a wonderful display of solidarity. Parents and other supporters also played a major part, as the efforts of the “sixteenth man” on the line helped to make it a a night to remember for hurling in Clane GAA.

An early Hugh Muldoon point for Clane was answered by a fortuitous goal for Celbridge, but if anything this galvanised the Clane lads, and they soon settled down after a terrific Paddy Connolly goal. Further majors followed from Sean Tighe, Daragh Mullahy & James O’Donoghue, along with 2 more minors from Shane Henry and James O'Donoghue, which saw Clane lead by 4-3 to 2-2 at half time. This 7 point lead was secured not only by the scores, but by some rock solid defending right across the defence. Celbridge thundered into the game early in the 2nd half, and by the midpoint had reduced the deficit to 3 points with some fine points and an excellent goal, which was matched by a solitary point by Shane Henry. Indeed they may have drawn level, but another goal attempt whistled just wide of the post. This was the wake up call Clane needed and they quickly responded with another goal by James O'Donoghue shortly after the introduction of the galvanising effect of Andrew Hyland into the forwards. Andrew helped himself to 2-1, with another goal coming from Daragh Mullahy (his second), whilst more points were added by Sean Tighe, Riann O'Neill and Daniel Colbert at the end to close out the scoring. Truth be told the final score was harsh on Celbridge, as they contributed hugely to a terrific match.

Clane now progress to a semi final against Éire Óg Corra Choill next week, and whilst no doubt the challenge will be tougher, we are very confident that these lads will rise to the occasion.

The sky is the limit for these fine young men.

ClaonadhAbú