By Mark Jones
It was well worth the long wait as Ballygunner of Waterford claimed a first-ever Munster club hurling title when they comprehensively defeated Blackrock’s Cork by 2-14 to 0-12 in Thurles last Sunday.
On the occasion of Ballygunner’s fifth appearance in a provincial decider, fate eventually dealt them a favorable hand as they finished superbly by scoring 1-2 in the closing five minutes. If Paul Flynn had a major role in that crucial burst with a goal, his overall personal contribution of 1-9, that included six frees, was the lifeblood of Waterford club’s overdue success.
Fergal Hartley was also outstanding at center back for the winners, while veteran Stephen Frampton finally got his hands on a Munster medal after 15 seasons toiling for Ballygunner.
Naturally, the aftermath was one of bitter disappointment for Blackrock, who were chasing a first title since 1979. With Alan Browne unable to sustain his remarkable scoring feats of earlier in the campaign, Blackrock damaged their cause by shooting 10 wides in the first half hour.
It was 0-6 each at the interval. However, Ballygunner were well on top during the second half with Paul Foley scoring the first goal and team captain Billy O’Sullivan showing well, and as Blackrock fell away, Flynn took center stage to seal the match.
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Meanwhile, if Castletown of Laois won’t be hitting themselves with hurleys, they’ll certainly be kicking themselves after they let a golden opportunity of defeating hot favorites Birr of Offaly in the Leinster hurling final at Nowlan Park.
Seemingly on their way to a remarkable victory, Castletown were hit with a barrage of late points as Birr scrambled a 0-10 to 1-7 draw, a result that angered Castletown coach Paddy Kirwan, who felt the number of frees awarded against his players was unjust.
“We were supposed to come down here and get destroyed and it breaks my heart to see those lads getting done like that,” Kirwan said. “We’ve worked hard, killed ourselves, but you can’t legislate for that. Look at the foul count — we’re not a dirty team, even if we are from Laois.”
Boosted by John Richard Kingston’s goal, Castletown were ahead by 1-6 to 0-3 going into the second half, but Birr battled back and eventually drew level with three Brian Whelahan frees in the dying minutes. The replay is scheduled for Sunday, but Kirwan has demanded a fortnight’s break before the next game and has threatened not to recognize the fixture.
Football
Na Fianna of Dublin are in danger of losing their place in the Leinster club final after they played six substitutes during a convincing 3-11 to 1-8 semifinal replay victory over Kildare’s Sarsfields at Navan last weekend.
Because only five subs are permitted, the Leinster Council now has to decide whether to enforce a rule that would mean that Na Fianna would have to forfeit the game. Referee Seamus McCormack confirmed that six subs had been used.
Meanwhile, Donoughmore of Cork were impressive 3-6 to 0-8 winners over Dublin’s Ballyboden St. Enda’s in the All-Ireland women’s club final in Birr.