2023 West Intermediate Hurling Semi Final

Cappawhite 1.16 (19)

Golden/Kilfeacle 0.16 (16)

By John O’Shea at Annacarty.

Cappawhite are through to the Tipperary Credit Union West Intermediate Hurling Final following their three-point victory over Golden/Kilfeacle at Annacarty on Sunday evening. On an evening when heavy showers prevailed, Cappawhite just about shaded this contest, reversing the result of twelve months ago.

At the finish, what separated the sides was a converted penalty from Ryan Renehan, nineteen minutes into the game, awarded following a pull down on David Buckley. Cappawhite will now meet Arravale Rovers in next Sunday’s final at the same venue, hoping to add to their 2021 win at this grade.

The main difference between the sides, in this game of narrow margins, was the ability of Cappawhite to convert possession into scores. Dara McCarty was unerring from placed balls while midfielder Conor Martin hit four points from open play. On the other hand, Golden will rue missed chances both from placed balls and open play.

Willie Barry got the scoreboard ticking within the opening minute when he put over at the far end. Conor Martin doubled their advantage before points from Ben Currivan and Jack Leamy had the game all square for the first and only time with three minutes on the clock.

Dara McCarthy got the first of his five points and Conor Martin doubled his tally to go two up after seven minutes. Jack Leamy converted a placed ball, but Cappawhite replied through McCarthy and Pakie Barry. Around the quarter mark Andy Byrnes and Sam Carmody exchanged points as Cappa stretched their lead to three.

Cappa’s first real break came on eighteen minutes when David Buckley was pulled down in the area and Ryan Renehan dispatched the resulting penalty to the corner of Jack Currivan’s net.

For the remainder of the contest they retained this goal cushion. Golden shaded the scoring stakes for the remainder of the half with Leamy converting two frees and Jack Bergin putting over from open play. Dara McCarthy hit his third of the evening and Ryan Renehan hit a long range free to leave the half time score, Cappawhite 1.9, Golden Kilfeakle 0.7.

Golden started the better after the break and two converted frees from Jack Leamy inside the opening six minutes reduced the deficit to three. Dara McCarthy and Gearoid Ryan (B) put over points either side of a Jack Leamy free.

JJ Byrnes and Conor Martin traded points but the goal still separated the sides at the three quarter stage. Try as the might, Golden were unable to penetrate the Cappa defence for the goal to get them back in the game.

Jerry O’Neill pulled off a crucial save from Andy Byrnes at a time when a goal would have given Golden the momentum. This save kept Cappawhite two points to the good heading down the home straight as Cappa outscored their opponents 0.4 to 0.3 in the final eight minutes.

At the death Golden were awarded a twenty meter free, but Jack Leamy’s well struck shot was scrambled away to safety. Cappawhite held out and will head into next Sunday’s final where they will meet Arravale Rovers, who are appearing in their first final since overcoming Sean Treacys in 2013.

Cappawhite will be happy enough with their performance. Jerry O’Neill was comfortable throughout. The defence was built around Gearoid Ryan (B). Conor Martin chipped in with four points from midfield, while in attack Dara McCarthy was unerring from placed balls.

Golden will head into the County championship with a relatively young side, knowing what is required at this level, but overall should be happy enough with their start to the season.

Referee: Seanie Peters (Aherlow)

Cappawhite: Jerry O’Neill, Noel Ryan, Philip Gantley, Ben White, Ryan Renehan, Gearoid Ryan (B), Kevin Stapleton, Colm O’Dwyer, Conor Martin, Sam Carmody, David Buckley (Captain), Pakie Barry, Daire Duggan, Dara McCarthy, Willie Barry.

Subs used: Cian O’Carroll for Daire Duggan (54 mins.)

Dara McCarthy (0.5 frees), Conor Martin (0.4), Ryan Renehan (1.1 frees), Willie Barry (0.2), David Buckley (0.1), Gearoid Ryan (B) (0.1), Sam Carmody (0.1), Pakie Barry (0.1).

Golden/Kilfeacle: Jack Currivan, JJ Byrnes, Aidan O’Connell (Captain), Daitha Bargary, Eoghan Ryan, Shane O’Connell, Gavin Dalton, Eoin Murnane, Jack Leamy, Cian O’Connell, Ben Currivan, Jack Bergin, Andy Byrnes, Paidi Dalton

Subs used: Cian Ryan for Paidi Dalton (H.T.), Shane Stapleton for Gavin Dalton (51 mins.), Tom Byrnes for Jack Bergin (57 mins.)

Jack Leamy (0.9, 7 frees), Andy Byrnes (0.2, 1 free), Eoin Murnane (0.1), JJ Byrnes (0.1), Jack Bergin (0.1), Ben Currivan (0.1), Jack Lonergan (0.1)