O’Brien raises the Barrs past Craobh
DUBLIN U15 ‘C’ HC FINAL
NAOMH FIONNBARRA……………………………… 3-21
CRAOBH CHIARAIN……………………………………. 4-10
By Daire Walsh
A 1-10 haul from the outstanding Pierce O’Brien proved decisive at Blakestown Road on Sunday morning as Naomh Fionnbarra finished strongly to secure the Under-15 ‘C’ Hurling Championship title with a hard-earned success over a committed Craobh Chiarain side.
Although the final score suggests that the Cabra club were comprehensive victors, they didn’t always have it their own way, and Chiarain caused them plenty of difficulties.
Conor Ryan, in particular, was in excellent form at centre-back, and along with performing his defensive duties, he also chipped in with a brace of points for Chiarain.
The dynamic triumvirate of Paul Pettigrew, Billy Ryan and Sean Nibbs were also making an impression in their forward division, as the Clonshaugh boys held a narrow 2-6 to 0-11 cushion at the midway point.
O’Brien was keeping his side in touch with valuable contributions from frees and open play, however, and he also added a much-needed major upon the resumption as Fionnbarra aimed to pull away from their northside rivals.
The decision to switch captain Adam Milne from the edge of the square to the half-back line also turned out to be an inspired one, as he helped to curb the influence of the Chiarain attack.
THREAT
However, the Craobh still posed a significant threat close to goal, and with full-forward Paul Pettigrew adding a second goal to his tally (their remaining goals in the tie arrived through Billy Ryan and Sean Nibbs), they were only a point in arrears with eight minutes remaining in the contest.
Fionnbarra were able to find an extra gear when it was required, though, and when substitute Glen Lyons joined O’Brien and Conor Carbury in finding the back of the Chiarain’s net during the second period, their victory was finally sealed.