DUBLIN ADULT HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION TWO
By Daire Walsh
Thomas Davis produced a strong second half performance at Kiltipper Road on Sunday morning to claim a 2-21 to 3-15 victory against neighbours Ballyboden St Enda’s in an entertaining Go-Ahead Adult Hurling League Division Two clash.
Level at the midway point of a game that ebbed and flowed throughout, Davis’ squeezed in front during the latter stages and ultimately came away with the two points on offer.
Given their proposed meeting with Erin’s Isle a fortnight earlier was called off due to adverse weather conditions, this was the Tallaght club’s first competitive game of 2022. ‘Boden had begun their campaign against St Sylvester’s on February 27 and came away with a 0-18 to 0-10 triumph.
It was a pulsating start to the action on Davis’ all-weather pitch as both sides rattled the opposition net within a couple of minutes of each other.
Despite being without the services of some first-choice regulars – including Dublin senior hurler Davy Keogh and Sky Blues U20 footballers Adam Waddick and Fionn Murray – Davis’ were served well by new captain Davy Byrne.
He finished the contest with 1-3 to his name and with Kevin Ward showcasing his dead-ball prowess, the hosts were ticking along nicely. ‘Boden had some fine performers of their own in the shape of Mark Lambert, John O’Driscoll, Rhys McDonnell and Finnian McDonagh, however, who helped them to restore parity in time for the interval.
Shane Kennedy, Fergal Ryan, Sean O’Donnell and midfield Conor Kennedy also delivered impressive displays for the visitors and the lead changed hands on a number of occasions during the course of a gripping affair.
‘Boden added two goals to their tally in the second half – and also had a missed penalty thrown into the bargain – but it was Davis’ who ultimately held the edge in the end.
Backing up the industrious midfield of Anto Barrett and Eanna O’Toole, Sean Reilly was a commanding presence at centre half-back. Bryan Keogh (brother of the aforementioned Davy) contributed three points of his side’s final tally and Conor Cronin was also a productive figure for the victors.
Managed by Willie Braine – who has been in charge since the winter of 2020 – Davis’ were determined to avenge their defeat to ‘Boden in 2021 and eventually came through with flying colours.
As well as Davy Keogh, Waddick and Murray, the likes of Daire Kerr and Jacques Dalton are still to come back into the fold as they look to build momentum in AHL2. Additionally, regular senior panellist Sam Stewart lined out for their second team against Lucan Sarsfields in AHL7 on the same day and registered a magnificent haul of 3-2 in a 4-12 to 1-7 success for Davis’.