Historic first Division 1 league title for Whitechurch hurlers

Whitechurch 1-17 Nemo Rangers 0-19

Whitechurch made history as they won the AOS Security Seandún Division 1 Hurling League title for the first time when they defeated Nemo Rangers in the decider, before a good-sized attendance at Ballinlough.

Owing to the blustery conditions, scoring opportunities were at a premium for Nemo Rangers in the opening half. Whitechurch played a more open game, with their goal proving to be decisive. Persistent fouling was proving to be costly for Nemo Rangers in the second half, and the final whistle was greeted with jubilant scenes by the Whitechurch supporters.

Nemo Rangers opened the scoring after four minutes, as Billy O’Neill slotted over a pointed free. This was followed by a point from play by Ronan Dalton.

Whitechurch opened their account with a point by Sean O’Reilly in the ninth minute. Nemo Rangers continued to have Whitechurch pinned back as Shane Horgan converted three unanswered frees midway through the opening half.

Whitechurch began to turn the screw as David O’Sullivan got their second point. This was followed by two points, including a free by Jamie Hegarty, to leave the minimum between the sides.

Whitechurch went ahead for the first time when Ronan Murphy drilled home the game’s only goal from the rebound of a Nemo Rangers clearance, following a free by Hegarty.

Cillian Egan and James McGrath tagged on a point each for Whitechurch, approaching the break. Johnny Kearney responded with a point for Nemo Rangers and Shane Horgan converted his fourth free. This left the half-time scoreline reading 1-6 to 0-7 in favour of Whitechurch.

Nemo Rangers had Whitechurch on the back foot from the resumption and they regained the lead courtesy of three unanswered points.

Ronan Murphy levelled matters for Whitechurch before Nemo Rangers opened up a four-point lead.

Hegarty converted a free and a 65 for Whitechurch and Conor Horgan replied with his fifth pointed free, midway through the second half.

In the final quarter, Whitechurch outscored Nemo Rangers by 0-8 to 0-4, with Hegarty converting three frees, to hold on for victory.

Scorers for Whitechurch: J Hegarty 0-8 (0-5 f, 0-2 65), R Murphy 1-3, C Egan 0-2, S O’Reilly, D O’Sullivan, M Callanan, J McGrath 0-1 each.

Nemo Rangers: S Horgan 0-7 (0-6 f), J Kearney 0-3, C Horgan, R Dalton, C Kiley 0-2 each, B O’Neill (f), A O’Donovan, E Dilloughrey 0-1 each.

WHITECHURCH: J Kelleher; A Murphy, M Callanan, J Dennehy; J Kelleher, K Ryan, R O’Connell; C Egan, S O’Reilly; D O’Sullivan, J McGrath, A Kelleher; J Hegarty, S Keane, R Murphy.

Subs: J Kelly for J Dennehy (9, inj), D Burke for A Kelleher (24, inj), R Dennehy for Keane (33, inj), R Buckley for J Kelleher (39), K McIntyre for McGrath (41).

NEMO: O O’Connell; D Coughlan, C O’Donovan, S O’Dwyer; J Keanrey, A O’Donovan, B O’Neill; A Cronin, C Horgan; S Horgan, B Cripps, B Twohig; E Dilloughrey, R Dalton, C Kiely.

Sub: S Mulcahy for Twohig (57).

Referee: Niall Fahy (Brian Dillons).