A historic day in Caherlag as Russell Rovers win their first County Hurling League overcoming Cloughduv 3-13 to 0-13.
A detailed match report written by Barry O’Mahony of the Echo can be found here: https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41179714.html
A large Rovers following had the pleasure of entering Erins Own pitch in Caherlag in the aftermath to pose for pictures with the victors after an impressive performance to overcome Cloughduv.
Having already beaten Cloughduv in the regular league in Shanagarry, it was always going to be difficult to turn an experienced team over again.
However it was clear from the early stages that Rovers meant business as Luke Duggan-Murray turned over the Cloughduv attack in first play of the game, and after neatly working the ball to the forward line, Jack McGrath opened the scoring. The real damage followed shortly as Brian Hartnett latched onto a cross field pass from Shane O’Neill and hit the roof of the net. It wasn’t long after that another cross field pass, this time from Dan Ruddy landed in the paw of Ciaran Sheehan who buried the ball to the top corner. This clearly rattled Cloughduv and Kevin Moynihan added to their misery with his first point. Cloughduv did fight back with 7 points (6 from frees) but once again Brian Hartnett was too quick around the goals and burrowed his second and Rovers third goal to make it an almost impossible task for Cloughduv thereafter.
In truth the second half wasn’t as exciting as the damage was done you could say. Dan Ruddy, Daniel Moynihan and Luke Duggan Murray all found the scoresheet but if one highlight had to be found it was an outstanding save from Ross Walsh. On a day that Eoghan Murphy of Kilkenny made the headlines for an inspirational save in the All Ireland Semi Final, Ross would certainly give him a run for his money.
Josh Beausang made his return from injury as a second half substitute with some nice plays, and Aidan Beausang, Sam Walsh and the O’Donovan brothers performed well when they came on.
Russell Rovers clubman and County Board Delegate Dick Fitzgerald presented captain Kevin Moynihan with the trophy in what ultimately was a bittersweet moment as the sad passing on the same weekend of John Smiddy. Both Kevin and Dick marked the occasion in a respective way.
All in all, a very successful League campaign that ends in glory for Rovers. Many thanks to the large turnout in Caherlag. We’d also like to thanks The Goalpost Bar, Shanagarry for providing food and beverages after the game.
Team: Ross Walsh, Kevin O’Brien, Paul Lane, Eoghan Devanney, Fintan Murray, James Kennefick, Kevin Tattan, Daniel Moynihan, Luke Duggan-Murray, Dan Ruddy, Kevin Moynihan, Brian Hartnett, Jack McGrath, Ciaran Sheehan, Shane O’Neill. Subs (all used) Josh Beausang, Aidan Beausang, Cormac Aherne, Shane O’Donovan, Donnacha O’Donovan, Jack Beausang, Sam Walsh, Kevin Roche. Other Panel Memebers: David Whelehan, Kevin Ivers, Jamie Scannell, Kieran Walsh, Ruari Cummins, Pierce Cummins, Mark O’Dwyer, James Ahern, Conor O’Brien
Management: Seamus Kennefick, Eoin Ivers, Ian Smiddy, Tommy Ryan.
Backroom: James Moynihan, Kevin Walsh, David Crotty, Liam Fitzgerald
Main picture credit: Howard Crowdy
