Tubberclair turn the tables
Underage hurling in south Westmeath received a welcome boost at Cusack Park on Sunday last, when St. Clare"s National School, Tubberclair claimed the Cumann na mBunscol Hurling "B" title, exacting revenge on The Downs National School in a repeat of last year"s final. The Downs - stewarded by teacher, Derek Butler - bossed the opening fifteen minutes, with 1-1 from the outstanding Derek Conroy, a goal from Conor Coughlan, and a terrific point from Ian Martin going unanswered. But Tubberclair"s never-say-die attitude paid dividends, with Douglas O"Shea pouncing on two chances from close range to leave just two points between the sides at half time (2-2 to 2-0). Tubberclair took the lead eight minutes into the second half, when Iarlaith Daly"s shot was deflected to the net. At the other end, Enda Dowd"s charges had a lucky escape, when goalkeeper Breen Elliott superbly stopped a shot from Derek Conroy. The goals kept coming for Tubberclair, and Adrian Garvey notched up their fourth on 31 minutes. Shane Donoghue made it 5-0 to 2-2 four minutes later, shooting to the top corner of Dylan Carroll"s net. Conroy pointed for The Downs with a late minor, but a free from Tubberclair"s Seán Kilgarriff put the icing on a wonderful victory. After the final whistle, Tubberclair captain, Lorcan Seery was presented with the Hurling "C" shield by Westmeath Minor Board Secretary, Michael McHugh. Scorers - Tubberclair NS: D. O"Shea 2-0, I. Daly, A. Garvey and S. Donoghue 1-0 each, S. Kilgarriff (free) 0-1. The Downs NS: D. Conroy 1-2, C. Coughlan 1-0, I. Martin 0-1. St. Clare"s NS, Tubberclair: Breen Elliott; Austin Murphy, Lorcan Seery (capt.), Douglas O"Shea; Ross Cooper, Seán Kilgarriff, Dermot Treacy; Iarlaith Daly, Adrian Garvey, Shane Donoghue. Sub used: Seán Baker. Rest of panel: Darragh Brody, Tristram Ryan, David Deehan, Cathal Maleady. The Down NS: Dylan Carroll; Jack O"Leary, Stephen Colgan, Philip Doherty; Ian Martin (joint capt.), Derek Conroy (joint capt.), Eoghan Moore; Jack Kennedy, Conor Coughlan, Richie Corroon. Subs used: Conor Murray, Shane O"Rourke. Rest of panel: Conor Duncan, Jack Lynch, Daniel Lynch, Jonathan Raleigh, Philip Martin, Paul Mooney, Conor Coates. Referee: Jimmy Weldon (Lough Lene Gaels).