Nenagh CBS 2-16
Ardscoil Rís 0-21
ANDY HOOLAN’S STOPPAGE time goal meant he and Nenagh CBS have their place in Harty Cup history, as the Tipperary school secured the Dr. Harty Cup for the very first time, with Limerick’s Ardscoil Rís trumped by the late drama.
The U19 Schools hurling final had all the quality expected for this grade, and Ennis provided a suitable venue for the 3,014 spectators. There was little to separate the sides throughout, but Ardscoil had a hand on the silverware when Patrick Kearney put them two ahead with the two additional minutes elapsed.
However, Nenagh, as with their semi-final win, didn’t read the script and they eventually got the goal to take the title. Before the late dramatics, the sides regularly swapped the advantage, with Nenagh’s strong finish to the opening half repelling a quality Ardscoil start.
Fintan Fitzgerald was key to a 0-9 to 0-5 advantage, his fourth point the pick of the bunch as he tied the Tipperary defence in knots.
There were contributions too from Daniel Chaplin and Marc O’Brien, while in reply, Darragh McCarthy led for Nenagh.
McCarthy, captain of the side, was sharp from frees and play and he was joined by Eoghan Doughan, who helped them stay in touch. The half closed with the opening goal, substitute Austin Duff rattling the net for a quickfire 1-1 from the Toomevara man.
Neither side could break free during a tense second half, but Eoin Begley, O’Brien (free) and Kearney hit three on the trot to put Ardscoil clear. There was time for another chance, first a stunning Fionn O’Brien save to deny Brian O’Meara, then a Hoolan effort which nestled in the bottom corner.
History made, with a third new winner on the bounce; St. Joseph’s of Tulla (2022), Cashel Community School (2023) and now Nenagh CBS.
Scorers for Nenagh CBS: Darragh McCarthy 0-7 (0-4 frees); Austin Duff 1-1; Andy Hoolan 1-0; Eoghan Doughan 0-3; Mason Cawley 0-3; Ciaran Foley 0-2.
Scorers for Ardscoil Rís: Fintan Fitzgerald, Marc O’Brien (0-1 frees) 0-5 each; Danny Chaplin (0-2frees), Michael Collins 0-3 each; Eoin Begley 0-2; Darragh Gleeson, Daniel Scully, Patrick Kearney 0-1 each.
Nenagh CBS (all Tipperary):
Simon Grace (Ballina)
Conor Grace (Burgess), Cian Connolly (Nenagh Éire Óg), Gavin McGrath (Kiladangan)
Jack Doran (Toomevara), Jake Hackett (Toomevara), Andy Hoolan (Moneygall)
Ciaran Foley (Borrisokane), Mason Cawley (Nenagh Éire Óg)
Jack Mulcahy (Kilruane MacDonaghs), Darragh McCarthy (Toomevara, Capt), Zack Keller (Nenagh Éire Óg)
Aodhan O’Connor (Nenagh Éire Óg), Danny Quinn (Silvermines), Eoghan Doughan (Moneygall)
Subs:
Austin Duff (Toomevara) for Quinn (25)
Darragh Treacy (Silvermines) for Keller (48)
Joe O’Dwyer (Burgess) for Mulcahy (51)
Ardscoil Rís (Limerick unless stated):
Fionn O’Brien (Bruree)
John O’Keeffe (Na Piarsaigh), Sean McMahon (Smith O’Briens, Clare), Sean Morrissey (Dromin-Athlacca)
James Finn (Na Piarsaigh), Jamie Moylan (Cratloe, Clare), Diarmuid Scully (Dromin-Athlacca)
Riain McNamara (Cratloe, Clare), Matthew O’Halloran (Sixmilebridge, Clare)
Diarmuid Stritch (Clonlara, Clare), Fintan Fitzgerald (Mungret St Paul’s), Michael Collins (Clonlara, Clare)
Danny Chaplin (Sixmilebridge, Clare), Marc O’Brien (Cratloe, Clare), Eoin Begley (Clonlara, Clare)
Subs:
Darragh Gleeson (Adare) for O’Keeffe (half-time)
Patrick Kearney (Adare) for Chaplin (39)
Brian O’Meara (Kilruane MacDonaghs) for O’Connor (55)
Jack Cosgrove for Stritch (58)
Sean Arthur (Newmarket on Fergus) for Collins (63)
Absolutely brilliant and seriously underrated player.
Delighted for Chris Henry but at 32 I don’t think his door was being knocked down with offers from elsewhere.
He’s Ulster through and through and gives everything he has on the pitch but surely his best days were pre the heart condition.
@Ian Frizzell. My understanding is that there were at least 3 other clubs after him. At 32 I would not write him off getting back into the Ireland set-up, dedicated and committed on and off the pitch. A bit of good news from the Ulster camp.
Unless there’s a serious amount of injuries he’s not getting back into the Irish side. The competition in the backrow is tough and we have some serious younger players coming through.
Let’s wait and see………
@Chris Mcdonnell:
He won’t get back in but that’s more about age profile than form. He’s been great for us this year. Our pack is a disaster – we have a good eight but, back row especially, the depth is shocking and we’ve had horrible injuries that have all but killed the season.
The difference between Ulster with Henry and Henderson compared with an Ulster with neither is extraordinary.
Completely Chris. No way he would get back unless a mountain of injuries occurred.
Henry still worth the money and his place in the side.
He produces the goods on a regular basis, unlike Roger Wilson, who now only has one gear and that’s reverse
Good to hear but need more back row option’s and a scrumhalf, Hart would have been a good starter but obviously the Munster bench must be more attractive for him.
Why do you think that Racing’s 3rd choice scrum half is good enough to start for Ulster ?
Because Ulster’s first choice is leaving and their second choice isn’t very good?
Because all ulster have is Paul Marshall… Hart would be perfect for them
Marmion?
No argument there.
Shows the ridiculous amount of depth Ireland have in the back-row that a guy like this can’t get a look in. Wouldn’t write him off though. Savage player.
A true gent on and off the pitch
Delighted with the news, a great player and friend who gives his all every time he runs out.