KNOCK RETAIN KIRK CUP
OUR LADY AND SAINT PATRICK’S COLLEGE, KNOCK RETAIN KIRK CUP
29 APRIL, 2016
DUB, Q.U.B.
REFEREE AIDAN KELLY (NAOMH EOIN, BEÁL FEIRSTE)
An Cnoc hurlers retained the Kirk Cup after yet another tough battle with Rathmore G.S. These teams know each other inside out and the standard of their play during this game suggests that both would challenge well at any level in Ulster.
Rathmore had the better of the first half with very impressive hurling from Callum Derby, Odhrán Mc.Elhatton and Oisín Donnelly and the rock-solid Conall Bohill in goals. They were a deserved 2-4 to 0-7 in front at the break and the Knock boys knew they would have to raise their game if they wanted to retain the trophy.
From the beginning of the second half, Knock seemed to gain momentum and the midfield pairing of Joe Mc.Kee (An Bhréadach) and Rory Brown (Baile Crann) began to gain the upper hand. Cathal Coulter at centre-back and Ryan Coulter (both Baile Mhig Uileagóid) were superb and An Cnoc began to score points as Rathmore began to tire a little.
Conall Bohill in goals for Rathmore made several excellent saves, while at the other end Odhrán Davis (An Bhréadach) who had come on for the injured Conor Mc.Lornan (Ceathrú Aodha Dhuibh), could do nothing with three piledriver goals for the light blues of Rathmore.
It was too little, too late for Rathmore, however, and the Kirk Cup was taken back to the Gilnahirk Road for the second year in a row.
Final score: Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s College, Knock 1-23 Rathmore Grammar School 5-4
Knock Team: Conor Mc.Lornan, Odhrán Davis, Oran O’Connor, John Hughes, Aaron Patterson, Oliver Monaghan, Cathal Coulter, Murdoch Mc.Kibbin, John Dorrian, Rory Brown, Joe Mc.Kee (Captain), Joe Blaney, Ryan Coulter, Liam Hogan, P.J.Lavery, Seán Hughes, Conor Sullivan, James Hughes, Daniel Mulholland, Colm Mc.Guigan.
