Drumree 2-10  Dunboyne 0-16

Drumree opened their 2025 Junior Hurling Championship campaign with a determined and encouraging performance, earning a 2-10 to 0-16 draw against a strong Dunboyne side in Batterstown on Wednesday evening. In a fiercely competitive contest, Drumree showed heart, hunger, and moments of real quality to stand toe-to-toe with a strong Dunboyne side.

The first major breakthrough came midway through the opening half when Brendan Walsh rifled the ball to the back of the net, finishing a well-worked team move that gave Drumree early momentum. Walsh’s energy and direct running caused constant problems, and he finished with 1-1 from play in a standout display.  Despite facing a sharp-shooting Dunboyne outfit, the teams were drawn, 1-4 to 0-7 at half time. 

The second half saw the red and white up their intensity, and they were rewarded when David Malone — one of the game’s top performers — struck for Drumree’s second goal. Malone was a constant threat in the forward line, finishing with 1-2 from play in a display full of leadership and class.

Drumree’s defence held firm against waves of Dunboyne attacks, with Paul Walsh, Darragh Carolan, and Sean Kennedy rock solid under pressure. Half-backs Jack Leonard, Darren Lawless, and Kilian Gavin (0-1) brought great physicality and smart distribution from deep.

In midfield, David Dunne and Mark Devaney worked tirelessly, with Dunne also clipping over a fine point from play. Jack Mahon contributed 0-4 from frees to keep the scoreboard ticking, while substitute Stephen Doyle added a vital free late on to level the game.

Drumree’s bench made a positive impact, with John Crimmins, Caoimhin King, and Doyle bringing fresh energy as the game wore on. The team dug deep in the closing stages, turning over possession, forcing errors, and ensuring Dunboyne had to settle for a share of the spoils.

While both sides will feel they had chances to win, Drumree can take great pride in a performance full of fight, structure, and sharp finishing. Against a physically strong and polished Dunboyne side, this was a statement of intent — with goals from Walsh and Malone proving decisive.

Drumree: Brian Lawlor, Paul Walsh, Daragh Carolan, Sean Kennedy, Jack Leonard, Darren Lawless, Kilian Gavin (0-1 from play), David Dunne (0-1 from play), Mark Devaney, David Malone (1-2 from play), Johnny O’Connor, Jamie Rattigan, Daragh Walsh, Brendan Walsh (1-1 from play), Jack Mahon (0-4 from frees)

Subs: Padraig Clinton, Joe O’Brien, Eoin Hannon, Ronan Gilsenan, Cillian Cribbin, Caoimhin King, John Crimmins, David Martin, Cillian Dennehy, James Reilly, Stephen Doyle (0-1 from free), Ronan Gilsenan, Rob Holohan

 

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