2024 Junior B Hurling Semi-Final
Cappawhite 0-18
Newport 0-15
By Michael McCarthy
Cappawhite came out on top in a hard-fought county semi-final in a bright but cool Kilcommon on Saturday. The West men return to the county final for the 2nd year in a row and will be hoping to go one better this time around.
Newport started quick and Brian Tobin opened the scoring with a good run and finished inside the opening 30 seconds. Anthony Barry had Cappa’s level with a free on two minutes and then Paddy Julian and Stephen Coffey exchanged points in a lively opening five minutes.
Anthony Barry’s point from play on seven minutes gave Cappawhite their first lead and they never relinquished it. On 20 minutes they led by 0-7 to 0-3. Newport made some switches and came into the game a bit more with Tobin and Stephen Coffey getting on the score sheet. Three quickfire points on a reply from Pakie Barry, Fionn Brady, and Anthony Barry(F) had the Westerners leading by double scores as we approached half-time. Two injury-time points from Newport sent the teams in at the break with Cappa’ three points to the fore and the game finely poised.
Ciarán Doody was introduced for Cappawhite at Half time and Pakie Barry scored his second of the game after a minute of the second half to extend the lead. James Moloney was coming more into it and over the next 14 minutes Newport outscored their opponents by 0-4 to 0-1 to leave the minimum in it with 15 to play. The impressive Cian O’Carroll steadied the ship for Cappawhite and then two points from Fionna Brady and Paddy Julian had Cappa back in front by four. Moloney again reduced the deficit before James Quinlan found his range with two long frees. Three Newport points in 90 seconds had the gap back to two and they went in search of a goal. The Cappawhite backs held firm and Pakie Barry landed a late free before the final whistle.
Cappawhite were the better team over the hour but missed goal chances kept Newport in the game. Brian Tobin was excellent all through while James Moloney had a stellar second half. Martin Carey tried hard around the middle of the field while Keith Hogan had a good innings. Keeper Michael Flannery made some vital saves that kept Newport afloat.
For the Winners go the spoils and Cian O’Carroll was the standout performer for them at wing-back. Noel Ryan and Thomas Costello were cool and sturdy in the full-back line. Paddy Julian was as industrious as ever in midfield and chipped in with two points. The Cappawhite attack only scored six points from play and will need to improve for the next day although Fionn Brady and Pakie Barry had moments during the game.
Cappawhite now meet Silvermines, who overcame Cahir in their semi-final, in the final most likely on the October Bank Holiday weekend.
Cappawhite: Darragh Barry; Noel Ryan (0-1), Thomas Costello, Cathal McCarthy; James Quinlan (0-3f), Ciarán Ryan, Cian O’Carroll (0-1); Paddy Julian (0-2), Neil Clancy; Fionn Brady (0-3), Michael O’Neill, Eoghan Ryan (0-1); Brian Buckley, Anthony Barry (0-5, 0-4f), Pakie Barry (0-3, 0-1f).
Subs used: Ciarán Doody; Tommy Coughlan; Ger Ryan (P); Michael P Buckley.
Newport: Michael Flannery; Keith Hogan, John Lee, Niall Duffy; Dara Meaney, Damien O’Brien, David Whelton; Martin Carey (0-1), James Tobin; Callum Poole, Brian Tobin (0-4), Darragh Gavin; James Moloney (0-4), Dan Ryan (0-3, 0-1f), Stephen Coffey (0-2, 0-1f).
Subs used: Andrew Power; Eoghan Flynn (0-1); Michael Coffey.
Referee: Gerry Treacy (Borris-Ileigh)
