CRECORA/MANISTER 1-13
KNOCKADERRY 0-17
Venue: PĂĄirc an ChrĂłcaigh, Croagh.
If ever there was a case of âdirect brandâ overcoming âpassing brandâ, then Saturdayâs Premier Junior Group 2 game was it.
Young guns Crecora/Manister played with the advantage of a stiff breeze in the opening half, and three Cathal OâNeill frees helped them build a 0-3 to 0-0 lead after 12 minutes. Although Crecora were on top, especially in the half back line with Tom Shanahan and Paraic OâNeill impressing, scores werenât exactly in strong supply, as a succession of wides frustrated the mid-Limerick men.
The wind, was forcing Knockaderry keeper Michael OâSullivan to go short every time, which could have been a risky tactic had Crecora been more accurate with their attempts.
A long range Tom Condon point added to a Mark Danaher free were as good as it got for Knockaderry in the first half. They were generally more direct than Crecora, but the ball wouldnât stick inside for them. 0-7 to 0-2 at half time for Crecora, and you felt it wasnât enough of a lead, given that the wind was evidently worth 7 or 8 points.
Where as Crecora had worked it through the lines in the first half, Knockaderry made full use of the breeze as everything went long. Mark Danaher and Kieran Storin in the full line started to win ball. Crecora persisted with the short game throughout, and several turnovers from puckouts inside the 40 led to Knockaderry scores - Enda Moran and Rob Egan taking advantage of two such cases to knock over early second half points, followed by a Danaher point from play.
Crecora needed something, and midfielder James Conheady struck at the back post for a sucker punch goal following a great pass from full forward Chris Shanahan. Conheady followed this up with a point three minutes later to leave it at 1-8 to 0-5 with 36 gone.
But Knockaderry would not go away, and reeled off the next 8 points without reply, including three Mark Danaher frees and two monster points from stalwart Tom Condon and Kieran Storin. Gearoid Fenniman wearing 10 went back as sweeper and seemed to mop up a world of ball for Knockaderry. Suddenly it was 0-13 to 1-8 for the Westerners and the game had turned on itâs head. Knockaderry were further buoyed by a Michael OâSullivan stop from Cathal OâNeill, the Limerick star opting to go for goal from a 21m free.
On 49 minutes Crecora threatened again, Knockaderry half back Liam Molyneaux performing an acrobatic stop on the line from a Chris Shanahan strike - Cathal OâNeill pointed the resultant â65.
The final ten minutes was hectic stuff and tit for tat. Two pointed frees by Conheady and OâNeill followed by a super Edwin Wixted effort had the sides level at 1-12 to 0-15 with three minutes of normal time remaining.
Tom Condon and James Conheady exchanged scores as the game ticked into injury time. Then, just as it seemed to be winding down for a draw, a long ball to the ever threatening Mark Danaher saw the Knockaderry full forward fouled. He kept his composure to slot the free from 45 yards and Knockaderry had won a thrilling game.
It seemed to this reporter than Crecora almost beat themselves with short passing, the type that all too often broke down or didnât go to hand. Knockaderry were more streetwise when they had the wind, everything went long, and they won their fair share of ball. There was a naivety about Crecora/Manisterâs play that would make you cry. Nice hurlers but theyâre trying to be Limerick without having the skillset to pull it off. Knockaderry were bulkier and got the ball forward faster and with more intent. Just far too much tippy tappy from Crecora.
Crecora had good displays from Cathal OâNeill who caught some good ball and battled hard. His brother Paraic, James Conheady, Tom Shanahan and Edwin Wixted also impressed
Knockaderry were best served by Tom Condon, Liam Molyneaux, Mike Molloy, Mark Danaher, Kieran Storin and Gearoid Fenniman.
Scorers for Knockaderry: Mark Danaher 0-7 (5f), Tom Condon 0-3, Kieran Storin 0-3 (1f), Mike Molloy, Rob Egan, Enda Moran, Jack Molloy all 0-1 each.
Scorers for Crecora/Manister: Cathal OâNeill 0-8 (7f), James Conheady 1-3 (3f), Edwin Wixted 0-2.
Wide Count: Crecora/Manister 11, Knockaderry 13.
Star Man: Tom Condon (Knockaderry). Former Limerick stalwart Condon gave a superb performance and contributed three long range points, one particular booming effort in the second half that drew a mad reaction from the 200 strong crowd. Kept his direct opponent Mark Shanahan scoreless.
Ref Watch: Effin whistle blower John OâDonnell had a decent game, a couple of missed fouls here and there but nothing too obvious.
