SENIOR HURLERS: Patrickswell suffered a narrow defeat to Monaleen in the City Senior League at home. The match started at a ferocious pace when John Kirby and Darragh Ahern scored points in the opening minute. Monaleen were equally strong in attack and responded with five unanswered points in four short minutes. The scoreline in the 6th minute was 0-5 to 0-2 to the visitors. Kevin O’Brien’s point halted the onslaught, but Monaleen were able to respond in kind. As the scoring rate dropped, Patrickswell enjoyed a good spell when Jack Kelleher, Cian Enright and Darragh Ahern produced points to equalise at 0-6 apiece. However, Monaleen were able to edge ahead with two fresh points. Jack Kelleher trimmed the deficit to the minimum before Monaleen tacked on another two points to establish a 0-10 to 0-7 lead. In the closing stages of the first half, Kevin O’Brien and Jack Kelleher notched more points and Monaleen replied with a single point. The half-time score was 0-11 to 0-9 to the city club.
The second half began competitively and was characterised by fewer scores. Jack Kelleher (0-2) and Calvin Carroll added to Patrickswell’s haul, but Monaleen matched the hosts at every turn. By the 42nd minute, the ‘Well remained 0-14 to 0-12 adrift. Jack Kelleher’s point put Patrickswell back in contention; however Monaleen remained solid and fired over two points to create a one-goal lead. There was ten minutes left and the scoreline was 0-16 to 0-13. The home side battled hard and set up a tight finish when Kevin O’Brien and Jack Kelleher struck points to close the margin. With ample time remaining, the deficit was slashed to 0-16 to 0-15. Monaleen absorbed the pressure and accrued two invaluable points to cement their one-goal lead. Patrickswell attempted to overhaul Monaleen by focusing on taking points, rather than creating goal chances. Jack Kelleher’s free edged the ‘Well back into the match, but a series of wides allowed Monaleen to secure an 0-18 to 0-16 victory.
INTERMEDIATE HURLERS: Patrickswell beat St. Patrick’s at home in the final pool fixture of the City League. The opening ten minutes yielded no points as the teams matched each other closely. Sam McNamara’s opening point was supplemented by a close-range goal from Jonathan McMahon and a follow-up point from David Woulfe. St. Patrick’s had to wait until the 19th minute to register their first score, but they were rattled by four points in six minutes from Sam McNamara (0-3) and Jonathan McMahon. As half-time approached, St. Patrick’s clawed back two points to close the gap to 1-6 to 0-3.
The second half resumed with Patrickswell on the front foot. Jonathan McMahon and Jamie Dillon (0-2) built a 1-9 to 0-3 lead before our visitors pulled back a goal. Jonathan McMahon chipped in with another brace of points to put the ‘Well 1-11 to 1-3 ahead with fifteen minutes left. St. Patrick’s last point of the match was followed by a quartet of points in the closing fifteen minutes from Paul O’Brien, John Kirby (0-2) and Jamie Dillon. The final score was 1-15 to 1-4. Patrickswell’s reward is a City League Final against Na Piarsaigh on Monday July 19 at 7pm in Claughaun.
JUNIOR B HURLERS: The Junior B hurlers had a busy week, with fixtures at home to Croagh-Kilfinny and away to Askeaton. In the home match, Croagh-Kilfinny made the stronger start and were 1-3 to 0-2 ahead within ten minutes. Patrickswell responded with two points, but the visitors cancelled them out to leave the score at 1-5 to 0-4 after twenty minutes. There was an attacking flurry from the ‘Well that produced three consecutive points in two minutes. With Patrickswell trailing by a single point, Croagh-Kilfinny increased their tempo and banked a trio of points to lead by 1-8 to 0-7. Deep in first half injury time, the ‘Well notched a goal and minimised the arrears to 1-8 to 1-7.
The second half was barely a minute old when Patrickswell equalised, but Croagh-Kilfinny edged ahead a few minutes later. Mark Griffin’s men were growing in confidence and banked three points in five minutes. In the 40th minute, Patrickswell led by 1-11 to 1-9. The match was turned on its head again when the visitors claimed their second goal and another point to move into a two-point lead at 2-10 to 1-11. While Patrickswell equalised by scoring two points, Croagh-Kilfinny added another two points to their haul. There were five minutes left and Patrickswell found themselves 2-12 to 1-13 adrift. Thankfully the home team refused to give up and Patrickswell shocked Croagh-Kilfinny with a late goal and two points to triumph by 2-15 to 2-12.
Three days later, the Junior Bs travelled to Askeaton for their final league match. The match started with Askeaton notching two points within three minutes. Patrickswell settled into their routine and fought back with a goal from Natal O’Grady and three points. However, Askeaton rallied with a fine goal. The score in the 13th minute was a small 1-3 to 1-2 gap. The rate of scoring slowed significantly as Patrickswell and Askeaton shared two points apiece across the next twelve minutes. There was five minutes left in the first half as the ‘Well led by 1-5 to 1-4. Patrickswell’s sixth point was neutralised by Askeaton’s second goal as the hosts took a 2-4 to 1-6 lead. As the first half drew to a close, both sides added another point each. The half-time score was a narrow 2-5 to 1-7 deficit for Patrickswell.
The start of the second half was dominated by Askeaton and they outscored the visitors by six points to two. In the 43rd minute, Patrickswell had a hill to climb at 2-11 to 1-9 behind. Askeaton’s third goal rocked Patrickswell and increased the margin to eight points at 3-11 to 1-9. Remarkably, the ‘Well dominated the next ten minutes and outscored Askeaton by six points to one. There were seven minutes left and the arrears were slashed to 3-12 to 1-15. With just a goal between the teams, there was a grand finale in store. Unfortunately for Patrickswell, Askeaton managed the closing stages efficiently and their four straight points ensured a 3-16 to 1-15 win for them.
CAMOGIE: Well done to the Junior A ladies, who beat Na Piarsaigh by 3-6 to 1-9 in the League.
CLUB LIMERICK DRAW: July’s Club Limerick Draw will take place on Saturday July 31 during the Live 95FM Sports Programme between 10am and 11am. If you would like to renew or update your membership, please follow the link www.clublimerick.ie/draw and select “Patrickswell” as the club you wish to support and the number of draws that you wish to sign up for (there are six draws remaining). If you wish to renew through the club, please contact Seamus O’Riordan at 087-2869175.
July’s exclusive Star Prize is a Dilusso Vanity Unit, Dilusso tap, Dilusso toilet and an Image shower in assocition with Ger Malone Plumbing & Heating. As always, there is the monthly cash top prize of €10,000 and 28 more cash prizes.
LIMERICK HURLERS: Best wishes to Limerick and the Patrickswell contingent against Tipperary in the Munster final.
