North Tipperary teams dominated at Templemore as Toomevara and Kilruane MacDonagh rule the roost

Jimmy Coppinger Feile na nGael ‘A’ Final
Durlas Óg 2.09
Moycarkey Borris 1.09 AET
Ref: Martin Ryan
Durlas Óg withstood a rousing comeback surrendering an eight point lead in the final minutes of normal time. It was Evan Callanan’s thirty metre run and shot to the bottom corner that seperated the teams at the final whistle in a heart stopping final encounter.
There will be better days weather wise we hope will there be matches as good we certainly hope so too. Three points either side of half-time Durlas Óg were comfortable. Moycarkey hit the final six scores in normal time two more five minute halves needed. Extra-time the wind assisted team hit two points to keep it level and with a replay looking like the only outcome Evan hit the winner. That said there was one last chance when Bill Flanagan caught the ball as he turned the ball fell to ground only to be cleared.
Moycarkey probably dominated the territory but found it hard to shoot points into a strong wind and when the ball dropped inside the ‘21’ Durlas Óg’s back line were quick to clear. It took twelve minutes before any movement on the score board. The first clear chances fell to Durlas Óg who found Sean Graham in fine form making two excellent saves. The second wasn’t fully cleared Evan Callanan sent a ball back across Michael McCormack first time overhead hit the net. That was followed by a Daniel Rossiter point before Moycarkey got something to show for their efforts. Two Joe Egan frees gave plenty of encouragement. However another Joe, Joe Cornally was getting a lot of possesion and troubling the Borris backs. He hit the first of three Óg points that gave his team a five point gap at the break. Daniel Rossiter hit a free plus one from play, 1.04 - .02.
The second half was not without drama as Durlas Óg were reduced to fouteen after four minutes for an off the ball incident. Joe Cornally collected a free sending it over. Moments later a Durlas Óg wide was quickly forgotten as Daniel Rossiter caught the puck out sending it back over. Next up Mikey Lawlor sent a high point over. The lead was now eight with eight minutes gone in the second half. The tide was about to turn and in a five minute barrage Moycarkey pulled themselves level. Joe’s free got the ball rolling. The vital score Tom Ryan somehow dug out a ball Callum Twomey in the right place hit the goal. Cillian Doran, Liam Corcoran and the excellent Jack Hayes all pointed before another Joe Egan free tied up the teams. It was on to extra-time and neither team was allowing forwards the room to break away. Daniel Rossiter hit a free before Kieran Purcell capped a fine display with a point from play. The second half saw Moycarkey match that haul. That man Joe hit a final free before adding a point from play. Time was running out and with the wind Moycarkey were drawn up field a Durlas Óg clearence was collected by Evan Callanan he ran on unopposed side stepping the defender before firing home.

The final whistle brought to an end a highly entertaining match Chairman Michael Delaney pondered what the year ahead may hold given what we had just wittnessed. Along with sponsor Jimmy Coppinger & Secretary Catherine Dunne presented the trophy to cpatains Kieran Purcell & Daniel Rossiter.

Durlas Óg Panel: James Woodlock, Dan Carroll, Emmet Ralph, Conor Gleeson, Paul Noonan, Kieran Purcell (J/C ), Michael Keogh, Michael Lawlor, Aaron Moore, Daniel Rossiter (J/C), Joe Cornally, Keith Loughnane, Eoin Carew, Evan Callnan, Michael Mc Cormack. Tristan Kelly, Stephen Dwan
Moycarkey Borris Panel: Sean Graham, Daniel Hayes, Sean Hayes, Killian Cantwell, Louis Coughlan, David Costigan, Darragh O’Dwyer, Joe Egan, Liam Corcoran, Calum Twomey, Bill Flanagan, Mikey Carroll, Rhys McCarthy, Jack Hayes, Tom Ryan. Cillian Doran, Eamonn Ryan, Daniel Whelan, Odhran Lanphier, Mark Drohan, Micheal Treacy, Ciaran Stapleton, Patrick O’Donnell, Patrick Dowling, Frankie Butler.

Tipperary Water County Minor A Hurling Final

Moycarkey Borris edge a cracker to claim major victory in the minor final

By Noel Dundon
Moycarkey Borris 2-12
Cappawhite Gaels 1-12

Twelve months after suffering the heartbreak of losing the Tipperary Water county minor A hurling final, famed Moycarkey Borris rekindled the spirit of legends past, to emerge victorious in the same competition a year later after a herculian battle at Clonoulty on Saturday afternoon against west champions Cappawhite Gaels.
When it came down to it, Moycarkey Borris just wanted it more and the level of desire they displayed throughout the field was incredible, especially in those frantic final moments as Cappawhite Gaels came in search of an equalising goal. Players found reserves of strength from somewhere and threw themselves in front of tackles to prevent the opposition from getting clean shots off – it was wonderful fare to watch, even if the conditions were not conducive to decent hurling. No, this was a day for digging out possession, fighting on the backs, and making the most of the chances which materialised. Moycarkey Borris did that and just had enough to get over the line with their noses in front.
Defeat was heartbreak for the Cappawhite Gaels lads who contributed so much to a titanic battle. From the moment Jack Fallon goalled in the 3rd minute for Moycarkey Borris, Cappawhite Gaels chased the game. But, they never gave up the chase and were to be admired for their tenacity in the tackle, their ability to get in blocks and hooks, and their determination to do whatever was required to win the game. In the end they came up just short, with the skill levels of the Shelly's in the Moycarkey Borris attack proving the big difference between the sides.
There was a huge attendance in Clonoulty for this eagerly awaited game and with the skies weeping for most of the hour, conditions were difficult for the players to master. But, their efforts at commandeering control of sliothar and hurley were admirable in a game which was very physical for a minor final. Egged on by the drenched supporters on the sidelines, the players raised their game to fever pitch level, thereby serving up a quality final, mindful of the conditions.
It was nip and tuck for the first few minutes of this game with the sides tied at 0-3 apiece after five minutes. But, Jack Fallons goal put some daylight between them and catapulted the mid champions into the driving seat.
Scores continued to be shared until half time with William Barry continuing to be the main flag raiser for Cappa' Gaels – he hit all bar one of their eight first half scores, with wing back Gearoid Ryan getting the other. But, Moycarkey Borris had been tagging on points of their own in the form of Rhys Shelly, the excellent Kyle Shelly (3) and Max Hackett to leave them with a 1-8 to 0-8 interval advantage.
It had been a fine first half contest with very little between the sides. And, it would continue in the same manner in the second half with the silverware very much in the melting pot until right till the very death. Even with four minutes of additional time played, nobody was leaving this game before the final whistle.
Cappa Gaels struck first blood after the break with another pointed free from William Barry – a score canceled by a great score from Rory Darmody almost immediately. Centre forward Ciaran Doody had another for Cappa Gaels, but a super exchange of passes between Kyle and Rhys Shelly in the 7th minute resulted in the former blasting a fine goal to extend the Moycarkey Borris lead to five points once more.
This was a real setback to the west champions but they were not about to sit on their hands and curse their misfortune. Instead they hit back with a William Barry free at the end of the third quarter. Moycarkey Borris had been threatening a second goal before Shelly's effort, and they could have had a third when Darren Flood was denied by keeper Anthony Barry. Two other goal chances led to pointed frees from Jack Fallon and Rhys Shelly, and with two goals in it, with seven minutes remaining, it seemed as though the Cappa Gaels race was run.
But, true to form, they found someting again and Ryan Renehan's goal from a free brought it back to a one score game. Colm O'Dwyer had the deficit down to two points – a dangerous lead, but Rhys Shelly bagged another pointed free to ensure that Moycarkey Borris would not be beaten, if their opponents managed to get a goal. They nearly did that too in the 32nd minute when a Renehan ground effort whipped past the upright, but at the wrong side.
Cappa Gaels threw everything into the final moments to try and snatch a draw, but Bill Maher won vital ball for Moycarkey Borris in the dying embers of this game, to quench the westerners resolve.
The Moycarkey Borris supporters were delerious with joy when the final whistle sounded. The pain of defeat from a year previously was forgotten as they celebrated with their heroes on the pitch afterwards. This fine team had answered all the questions asked of them during the course of the campaign and in the ultimate game, they had the composure and resolve to see out the contest with their noses in front.
While the Shelly's, Rhys and Kyle, were star performers all the way through for them, mention must be made of Max Hackett, Jack Fallon, Jack Morrissey, Bill Maher, Kevin Hayes. John Kirwin and Peter Melbourne who shone at different stages of the game. This well drilled side hurled with real purpose and the experience of last year was definitely a factor in their remaining cool, calm and collected when the flames were being fanned by the Cappa Gaels lads.
A tremendous victory, the parish of Moycarkey Borris will be hoping that this minor victory, which is really a major one for the club, can inspire their seniors to pursue further glory in the Seamus O'Riain Cup final on Sunday afternoon next in Semple Stadium.
There was not a lot more Cappa Gaels could have done to reverse the result of this game. They tried everything in their power, but they just had to give best in the final moments despite the efforts of William Barry, Ryan Renehan, Ciaran Doody, Philip Gantley and Brendan Murphy. Considering the make-up of their team, they would probably have preferred a dry sod for this final, but the same could be argued of Moycarkey Borris too. While they didn't manage to win the game, Cappawhite Gaels certainly won a lot of admirers for their efforts in this Tipperary Water minor A decider.

Teams and Scorers:
Moycarkey Borris: Ciaran Kirwin, Kyle Ryan, John Kirwin, Peter Melbourne, Tom Ryan, Kevin Hayes, Rory Darmody 0-1, Max Hackett 0-1, Jack Morrissey, Kyle Shelly 1-4, Bill Maher, Rhys Shelly 0-4, James Dillon, Darren Flood, Jack Fallon 1-1.
Cappawhite Gaels: Anthony Barry, Patrick Barry, Philip Gantley, Seamus Burns, Gearoid Ryan, Ryan Renehan 1-0, Mikey O'Brien, Cian Ryan, Colm O'Dwyer 0-1, William Barry 0-9, Ciaran Doody 0-1, Brendan Murphy, Dara McCarthy, Fionn Brady, Fraser Allen. Subs used: Aaron Ryan, Mikey Carmody, Daniel Clancy and Gearoid Lennon.
Referee: Peter Carroll.