GAA: LEINSTER SH ‘A’ CHAMPIONSHIP
Northsiders fall short against classy Kieran’s
Daire Walsh
JOHNNY McGuirk Jr was in exceptional scoring form at Fenagh, Co Carlow on Saturday, but Dublin North ultimately finished second best to St Kieran’s College in the semi-final of the Leinster Schools’ Senior Hurling ‘A’ Championship.
North had booked their place in the last-four with a series of fine displays, and even though early points from Joe Cuddihy and Martin Keoghan had provided the 53-time champions with an early cushion, the capital side responded in admirable style.
St Brigid’s star McGuirk amassed a personal tally of 0-5 in the opening period (all from placed balls), but it was the Noreside outfit who ultimately developed a 0-7 to 0-5 interval advantage.
Indeed, Kieran’s stretched their lead to six points on the resumption, after an Adrian Mullen point was followed by a close-range Keoghan three-pointer.
This looked like being a hammer blow for North, but they received a potential in the shape of a goal from a 20-metre free courtesy of midfielder Daire Grey.
Yet, this was only a temporary respite for the Dubliners, as Kieran’s replied with goals from Edmond Delaney and Sean Carey – son of Kilkenny hurling legend DJ.
Ardscoil Ris’ Colin Currie did raise a green flag five minutes from time, but in spite of the best efforts of Dublin North on the day, the impressive Kieran’s (who are hoping to retain their All-Ireland crown in 2016), had seven points to spare in the end (3-11 to 2-7).