Murphy stars for Clonkeen

BY DAIRE WALSH

An impressive 1-9 haul from Liam Murphy was the highlight of the Dublin Schools Junior Hurling ‘C’ Final last Thursday, when Clonkeen College had 13 points to spare (3-14 to 1-7) over local rivals Oatlands College.

Clonkeen coach Cormac O’Brien was understandably delighted with his side’s victory.

“It was a good win. Particularly because they’d beaten us in the league. They were in our group stage, and they beat us fair and square in the league. The superior work-rate and the ability to takescores at vital times was kind of the difference,” the Ballinteer St John’s clubman remarked.

Excellent points by Liam Murphy,James Murphy and Cormac Quinn, as well as a superbly-orchestrated goal by Maurice Fitzpatrick, helped Clonkeen towards a 1-8 to 0-2 midway cushion.

A much-needed goal, along with asuccession of points, reduced the Oatlands gap to four after the restart, before three-pointers by Liam Murphy and Craig Keen eased Clonkeen towards a well-deserved success.