Offaly’s Hurling Renaissance: A Review of the Leinster U20 Hurling Championship
The Leinster U20 Hurling Championship has seen great action this year as Offaly continues their strong start in the tournament. In their latest outing, the Faithful County claimed yet another major scalp, knocking out a highly-rated Dublin team in Tullamore.
Despite missing key players, including star attacker Adam Screeney and starting wing-back Brecon Kavanagh, Offaly emerged as the better team over the course of the game. They were fractionally better in the first half, but completely dominant once they overcame a shaky three minutes during the second.
Dublin began the game on a strong note, picking off a good score through senior panellist Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing in the opening five minutes. However, with a powerful wind at their backs and outstanding defensive plays from players like Sam Bourke, James Mahon, and Ter Guinan, Offaly began to create chances.
Colin Spain and Joe Hoctor picked off two points each in the first half as Offaly built up a four-point lead, which they then had to rebuild following Ollie Gaffney’s touch on a sliced, high shot from Ó Dúlaing. The last three points of the half – all from Charlie Mitchell frees – put five points between the sides.
At the start of the second half, Dublin looked like they may come away with the victory, having knocked three points off Offaly’s 0-12 to 1-4 lead. But Mitchell’s goal after 38 minutes turned the game around for Offaly. The team was out of sight by the time Conn Rock got a touch to Senan Crosbie’s centre to knock in their second goal with what turned out to be the last play of the game.
Offaly took over defensively and went from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ when it came to stifling and suffocating the Dublin attack. Once Mitchell’s green flag gave them a lead to defend, they were imperious. The team has truly showcased their Hurling Renaissance this year.
Notable Players
Charlie Mitchell: Mitchell was the standout performer of the match for Offaly, scoring 1-9 (0-5f, 0-1 ’65).
Sam Bourke: Bourke produced a stellar performance for Offaly, with his brother Dan dropping back to sweep. Sam took complete control of the half-back line, and it seemed that every ruck and tackle saw an Offaly player emerge from the crowd with the sliotar in his possession.
Cormac Egan: Egan stepped into the substantial gap left by Screeney’s absence. He produced a hard run and shot that was partially blocked, and once Mitchell swept in the loose ball, Offaly had a lead to defend again.
Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing: Ó Dúlaing was one of the standout performers for Dublin, scoring 0-5 (0-3f).
Ollie Gaffney: Gaffney scored 1-1 for Dublin and showed impressive accuracy in his shots.
Offaly Team Lineup
1. Mark Troy (Durrow)
2. Patrick Taaffe (Belmont)
3. Ben Miller (Birr)
4. James Mahon (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
5. Luke Watkins (Shinrone)
6. Sam Bourke (Durrow)
7. Ter Guinan (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
8. Colin Spain (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
9. Cathal King (Carrig & Riverstown)
10. Dan Bourke (Durrow)
11. Cormac Egan (Tullamore)
12. Conor Doyle (Clara)
13. Shane Rigney (St. Rynagh’s)
14. Joe Hoctor (Carrig & Riverstown)
15. Charlie Mitchell (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
Subs:
Dan Ravenhill (Durrow) for Hoctor (half-time)
Barry Egan (Clara) for Guinan (53)
Charlie Bracken (Kilcormac-Killoughey) for Miller (56)
Dublin Team Lineup
1. Adam O’Connor (St. Peregrine’s)
2. David Lucey (Kilmacud Crokes)
3. Brian Moorhouse-Carroll (St. Vincent’s)
4. Brian Dunne (Raheny)
5. Conor Dolan (St. Vincent’s)
6. Jack O’Shea (St. Oliver Plunkett’s-Eoghan Ruadh)
7 Conal Ó Ríain (Kilmacud Crokes)
8. James O’Brien (Faughs)
9. Seán Gallagher (Naomh Barróg)
10. Brendan Kenny (Kilmacud Crokes)
11. Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing (Commercials)
12. Neil Clerkin (St. Oliver Plunkett’s-Eoghan Ruadh)
13. Ciaran Donovan (Kilmacud Crokes)
14. Jamie Conroy (Cuala)
15. Ollie Gaffney (Erin’s Isle)
Subs:
Conn Rock (O’Toole’s) for Clerkin (41)
Neil Hogan (Castleknock) for Conroy (41)
Senan Crosbie (St. Finian’s, Swords) for O’Brien (43)
Andrew Keegan (Clontarf) for Dolan (50)
Conor Brennan (Faughs) for Kenny (57)
Conclusion
Offaly’s Hurling Renaissance has been a joy to watch this season. The team has displayed impressive grit and determination, taking down numerous highly-rated opponents. In this latest match, despite missing some key players, they still emerged the better team. With players like Charlie Mitchell, Sam Bourke, and Cormac Egan leading the way, the Faithful County is set for a bright future in the Leinster U20 Hurling Championship.