Rathmolyon 7-06 (27) Kilmessan/Drumree 3-07 (16)

Rathmolyon faced Kilmessan/Drumree in the RS Awards U14 Hurling Cup - Roinn B Final on Thursday, the 30th August in Dunganny.

Both teams have met three times previously this season, where Rathmolyon came out on top in the Féile Qualifier Div 2 final by two points, Kilmessan/Drumree beating Rathmolyon convincingly in a League round game and winning by two points in the League Quarter Final. All new coming into this Final that there was nothing between both sides.

On a perfect night for hurling, the ball was thrown in and Rathmolyon got off to the better start, scoring a goal from Eoghan Grehan and point from David Cosgrave Whelan in quick succession to settle any nerves. Kilmessan/Drumree got off the mark themselves and scored the next two points. It was a tight affair with loads of skill on show, no more so than Daithí Grehan's block, subsequent pickup and strike over the bar to put a goal between the sides. His brother Eoghan having scored a brilliant goal earlier on, scored a point to put four between the sides. With Martin Forde and Dylan Doonan in defence they along with Michael (Buddy) McGuane and Arthur Doyle closed any gaps that appeared and made sure Kilmessan/Drumree worked extremely hard for any score they got. Kilmessan/Drumree were never going to throw in the towel and fought on scoring two goals before the break. In between each Evan Keogh's free found its way through the Kilmessan/Drumree defence and straight into the goal from 45 yards. To finish the half Jamie Doonan playing in midfield, made a typical run through the defence and scored a point, to leave the score at half time Rathmolyon 2-04 Kilmessan/Drumree 2-02 a point advantage with everything to play for.

The third quarter Kilmessan/Drumree were the better team and applied the pressure. Tadhg Fahy at centre back was pivotal at stopping any momentum they were trying to build. Freddie Christie brought off a couple of excellent saves and with his puck outs Rathmolyon started to come back into it. At this point, with about fifteen minutes remaining Kilmessan/Drumree were five clear. Rathmolyon's comeback started with a goal from Daithí Grehan followed by a fantastic point form the corner flag by Joey Christie. Rathmolyon took the lead with another goal from Eoghan Grehan. Daithí Grehan scored another goal to finish his personnel tally of 2-2 on the night. At this point Kilmessan/Drumree through everything at Rathmolyon. Eoghan Grehan now employed at centre back assisted in clearing any balls that came into the defence. Rathmolyon's Cathal Regan, Sean Howley and Fionn Maguire hassled and battled all throughout the game, with a never say die attitude. With the emptying of the bench Jake Conlon tackled and helped in defence. Jack Murray and Nathain Fahey with fresh legs ensured the ball went into the full forward line at any given opportunity. Jamie Higgins Lynch's introduction with five minutes to go into full forward proved to be the decisive factor. Having been introduced he caused panic in the Kilmessan/Drumree full back line and pounced to get two goals in quick succession to leave the final score Rathmolyon 7-06 to 3-07.

It completes a memorable year for this group of players, who back in Spring qualified for Féile, reaching the semi-final of that competition losing narrowly by a point. They also reached the League final earlier, winning this RS Awards U14 Hurling Cup - Roinn B Final.

Rathmolyon: Freddie Christie, Arthur Doyle, Dylan Doonan, Michael McGuane, Martin Forde, Tadhg Fahey, Cathal Regan, Evan Keogh (1-0), Jamie Doonan (0-1), Daithí Grehan (2-2), Eoghan Grehan (2-1), Joey Christie (0-1), Sean Howley, David Cosgrave Whelan (0-1), Fionn Maguire. Nathain Fahey for Fionn Maguire, Jack Murray for Joey Christie, Jake Conlon for Michael McGuane and Jamie Higgins Lynch (2-0) for David Cosgrave Whelan. Special mention to Robbie Morgan our only unused Sub who was injured for the final but assisted on the side-line.

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