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U-21 B C'ship: Clonmore 3-7 Mt Leinster Rangers 0-9

November 8, 2018

Clonmore got off to a dream start against the wind when a high ball from Adam Byrne was fumbled to the net by the MLR keeper in the first minute. Another well taken goal in the 15th minute by Darren McGrath, after fine play by Shane McGrath, put us in a good position at half-time 2-2 to 0-6.

MLR started the second half strongly and reduced the margin to one point but Shane McGrath scored another brilliant goal to keep us ahead. MLR were a big fit team and led by county senior hurlers, Paul Coady at 11 and Diarmuid Byrne at 6, drove forward in determined manner and reduced the arrears to two points on 40 mins – 3-2 to 0-9. However, Clonmore stuck to their task and the young team battled bravely for every ball with the three McCarneys in the half-back line, Willie Byrne, Mark D Byrne when moved to centre back and Shane McGrath outstanding. Gradually Clonmore got back on top and pulled away with lovely points from Shane (3), Conor McCarney and Mark A Byrne in the last ten minutes.

This game was much closer than the scoreline suggests with MLR dominating for long periods, getting to within one or two points at times, and if they had scored a goal at those times, there could have been a different outcome. Nonetheless, an excellent result in our graveyard pitch, Kildavin. So we have laid that bogey to rest and beat a strong MLR for the third year a row in the U-21 C’ship. Not a bad nights work.

Next game: Clonmore play Michael Davitts (Old Leighlin, L’bridge & B’branna) in the semi-final on Wednesday, 28 August.

Team: Paddy Byrne, Mark D Byrne, Andrew Byrne, Enda McGrath, Conor McCarney (0-1), Kevin McCarney, David McCarney, Willie Byrne, Anthony Byrne, Dale McNamara, Shane McGrath (1-5, 3f), Adam Byrne, (1-0), Gary Byrne, Darren McGrath (1-0), Mark A Byrne (0-1). Subs: Joe Hickey for Gary, Tom Cashin for Darren, Martin Doyle for Kevin.

PHOTO: Mark D Byrne (‘Priest’) had a fine game when moved to centre back, marking county senior hurler Paul Coady out of the game.