AHL 1 ROUNDUP – 10TH JUNE
A strong second-half showing paid dividends for Ballyboden St Enda’s at Tymon North on Saturday evening (June 10), when they recorded an impressive 2-15 to 0-12 victory over neighbours St Jude’s in Division One of the Adult Hurling League.
Their opponents were undefeated in this year’s competition heading into their latest home encounter with ‘Boden, and even though James Roche, Paul Ryan, Simon Lambert and Finn McGarry were on target for the visitors in the opening period, the reliable John Ryan ensured that Jude’s remained in touch.
They were just two points in arrears (0-6 to 0-4) moving into the second-half, but with the influence of Paul Ryan and McGarry beginning to grow, ‘Boden eventually created significant daylight between the teams. The ever-dependable Paul Ryan registered a 1-3 salvo (including a goal from a penalty), and in spite of the best efforts of John Ryan for Jude’s, a second major by Eoghan O’Neill offered ‘Boden some much-needed breathing space in the latter stages.
This week’s Division One action got underway on Thursday, as St Brigid’s welcomed Kilmacud Crokes to Russell Park. Playing in extremely difficult weather conditions, the home team were facing into a one-point interval deficit (1-8 to 1-7). Paul Winters was in fine scoring form for Brigid’s, and although they were five points adrift heading into the final-quarter, they discovered an extra gear with the finishing line in sight.
Winters was in excellent form throughout, and with Aodhan McInerney, Cathal Doyle, Sean Brady and Daire Plunkett also producing fine performances, St Brigid’s held out for a slender 1-16 to 1-15 success. This was their third league win from four outings, and they are currently just one point behind St Jude’s – who reman at the summit of the table in spite of their loss.
An empathic 3-23 to 1-6 win over Naomh Fionnbarra at Shankill also keeps All-Ireland champions Cuala within touching distance of the top, while O’Toole’s had eight points to spare (3-23 to 2-18) against Crumlin at Pearse Park.
Na Fianna were due to play Craobh Chiarain at Clonshaugh last Thursday, but due to heavy rain in the northside venue, the match was ultimately abandoned.
Written by Daire Walsh