Éire Óg hurlers continue impressive league start by defeating Newtown

Éire Óg 0-16 Newtownshandrum 0-14 

THIS Red FM Hurling League Division 2 contest at Ovens on Sunday saw Éire Óg come out on top following a keenly contested affair with Newtownshandrum.

Newtown commenced with intent and Jack Twomey got their scoring account up and running, including through a fine point from a tight angle.

But Éire Óg, who operate two levels below them in championship, grew into the contest as the half progressed. Kevin Hallissey over a well-taken score from long range, followed by points from David Kirwan and Joe Cooper.

The Muskerry side that held a 0-10 to 0-6 advantage at the break, with Cooper and Eoin O’Shea adding points before the interval, as Éire Óg were putting good passing moves together despite the wet weather conditions.

Jack Twomey did his best to revive the Newtownshandrum effort in the early stages of the second half through further scores in a fine individual display. But the dynamic duo of O’Shea and Cooper kept things ticking over for an Éire Óg unit that was showing great work-rate, as they led 0-14 to 0-11 at the midway point of the second half.

With the game heading into the concluding stages Newtownshandrum launched a late rally. Eoin O’Mahony got a well-taken score, with Matthew Ryan also pointing.

There were just two points between the teams in stoppage time and Newtownshandrum piled the pressure on in search of a late winning goal.

Éire Óg, who are unbeaten in the league after drawing with the Barrs two weeks ago, defended resolutely to keep them out and ultimately hold out for a well-earned victory.

Although not coming out on this occasion with the win, the fighting spirit and refusal to throw the towel in should give Newtownshandrum encouragement for what lies ahead over the coming weeks and months.

Next up in league action for Éire Óg is an away trip to take on Fermoy on April 7. The same day Newtownshandrum will be at home to Courcey Rovers.

Scorers for Éire Óg: J Cooper, E O’Shea (0-4 f) 0-6 each, D Casey, K Hallissey, B Hurley, D Kirwan 0-1 each.

Newtownshandrum: J Twomey 0-7 (0-5 f, 0-1 sl), E O’Mahony 0-3, M Ryan 0-2, C Twomey, K O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

ÉIRE ÓG: M Brennan; J Mullins, M Brady, B Corcoran; D Dineen, C McGoldrick, D O’Herlihy; D McCarthy, K Hallissey; D Kirwan, E O’Shea, B Hurley; D Casey, J Cooper, D Healy.

Sub: J Sheehan for Casey (46).

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM: J Bowles; M Ryan, P O’Sullivan, T McCarthy; C Twomey, K O’Sullivan, S Griffin; R Troy, D Hawe; P Noonan, E O’Mahony, D O’Connor; S Minihane, J Geary, J Twomey.

Subs: B Collins for Minihane (h-t), J Herlihy for O’Connor (48), C Bowles for Hawe (54).

Referee: Robert Whelan (Gleann na Laoi).