Naomh Eoin make flying start to Junior Hurling Championship
Naomh Eoin made a flying start to the Junior Hurling Championship with a big win over Carlow Town Photo: Tommy Murphy
JJ KAVANAGH & SONS JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1
NAOMH EOIN 8-20 CARLOW TOWN 2-21
Naomh Eoin and Carlow Town were two of six clubs to get the 2024 JJ Kavanagh & Sons junior hurling championship under way in Myshall on Sunday. Played in the best sunshine that has come our way this season, the score line will reflect possibly the highest score for all the forthcoming championship. Naomh Eoin’s goals at vital times was the difference between the sides. Carlow Town were in strong contention all through with some great outfield play coming from each team.
The home side got the start they wanted as top scorer and corner forward Jack Kelly had the ball in the Carlow Town net after forty seconds and his namesake James Kelly sent a long range point back over the bar as did Keith Slye and Joe Phelan in the space of the opening five minutes. Carlow Town were working hard as full forward Karl English shot over three frees the third one from mighty long range. Andy Jordan added a point before Keith Slye had Naomh Eoins second goal. Carlow rallied again with Karl English, Cathal Ryan, Brian Lawlor and Adam Doyle driving forward although they came up against a stern defence line led by David Treacy Sean Kavanagh, Eoin Kavanagh, Daryl Kelly, Pauric Slye and James Kenny. Matthew Roberts in the Naomh Eoin goal was also tested as the accuracy of Karl English kept the visitors in touch. Jack Kelly with his second goal and Sean Tracey with his first opened up a 4-8 to 0-10 lead for the home side at the break.
On the restart Keith Slye had the fifth goal in the opening minute, Karl English again shot over three frees and then crashed the sliothar to the Naomh Eoin net to narrow the gap Naomh Eoin 5-9 Carlow Town 1-13 ten minutes in to the last period. A minute later Naomh Eoin reacted quickly as the best move of the game came from Keith Slye with his back to the goal gave a neat pass with speed to the inrushing Jack Kelly to shoot home from an acute angle.
Out-field every ball was contested and it was right half forward Cathal Ryan that scored Carlow Town’s second goal however it was Naomh Eoins ability and team work to pick off scores that was now a telling factor, Sean Tracey shot the eight goal and the biggest cheer of the day was allotted to Joe Phelan club secretary when he broke through to fire home goal no nine in the ‘old day style.’ Andy Jordan was strong at midfield scoring five points along with Ronan Lalor. All forwards played their part with Jack Kelly outstanding scoring 3-6. Paul Grey, Barry English, Brendan O’Reilly, Jason Kenny and Aaron Power defended with all their might Brendan Cassidy and Adam Doyle at midfield up front Karl English led the attack aided by Brain Lalor Alex O’Mara, Kevin Cunnifee and Oisin Pender did their best for the visitors.
**Big scoring for one day There were three first round games in the junior hurling championship on Sunday and the combined scoring for one day will possibly last as a record for the championship - Naomh Eoin 8-20 Carlow Town 2-21; Ballinkillen 3-19 St. Mullins 2-9; Burren Rangers 0-27 Mount Leinster Rangers 0-14. Total amount scored was 15 goals 110 points some of these scores, will be badly wanted before the year is out
