4 Talking Points From Hurling Week 6

4 Talking Points From Hurling Week 6

1. Charlie Friel and Alex Marron: The Heroes for Rosenallis

Charlie Friel’s dramatic last-gasp winner to send Rosenallis into their first Laois SHC semi-final since 2020 was followed by an incredibly emotional outpouring on the field. At the full-time whistle, the entire team gathered around Charlie and Jack in an emotional show of support, while his brother Jack received a deeply touching standing ovation and applause from all sets of supporters in attendance as he was substituted in the 50th minute for both his and his brothers immense courage on the day. In such difficult circumstances, following the passing of their mother Grainne earlier in the week, it was a profoundly moving moment that showed the incredible togetherness within this Rosenallis team. These are the moments that make the GAA so special: the sporting drama, the sense of community and the raw emotion that unfolds on the field.

Marron produced an outstanding defensive performance, repeatedly putting his body on the line to win crucial possession.

He made a brilliant interception with a clean, high catch from a long Abbeyleix delivery from Eamon Fitzpatrick, denying the intended pass to Abbeyleix’s Cillian McEvoy in a great scoring position.

Marron’s turnover here then led to a goal chance at the other end, with Rosenallis earning a free just outside the box.

Marron showed incredible determination in another battle with Abbeyleix’s Fionan Mahoney and Alan Lynch with Marron taking on two opponents, two-v-one to win possession and the resulting free.

He immediately followed that with another excellent high-ball win interception from Abbeyleix’s talented Fionan Mahoney, who would have scored if not for Alex Marron’s preventions.

Marron’s physical commitment was evident again when he was knocked over the sideline in O’Moore Park while battling fiercely for possession against Abbeyleix’s Fionan Mahoney. Mahoney and Marron provided an intense battle all game that was great to watch. Despite the contact, Marron won the sideline ball, which ultimately led to Rosenallis’ Jimmy Hyland scoring from play.

A hugely impressive display built on determination, bravery and relentless defensive work.

2. Killian Byrne: One Of The Greatest Impact Sub Performances I Have Ever Seen

Killian Byrne is well known for being an exceptional footballer for Ballyroan-Abbey and was deservedly part of the 2026 Laois inter county senior football panel.

I mentioned him frequently and positively in my football articles.

Today i’m delighted to mention him in my hurling talking points.

Against Rosenallis, he proved his dual talents.

Killian Byrne produced his best hurling performance in his best game yet for Abbeyleix, making a huge impact after being introduced in the second half and finishing with 1-3.

He scored three points from play, all from long range and difficult angles while being heavily marked, before adding a superb goal after winning a long ball from Colin Byrne. He also won four high balls from clean catches, including one of Rowland’s massive puck-outs, and his great pace, clever movement and highly effective ball carrying ability, drew fouls for vital frees in.

His highlight came when he used his height and strength to win a high ball, then showed tremendous physicality to bounce off three Rosenallis defenders, turn inside his markers and pop the ball over the bar. He was unstoppable in both midfield and attack, winning possession, holding off tackles, beating multiple players on runs and coming out on top in virtually every physical battle.

Abbeyleix’s forwards had been under huge pressure from a superb Rosenallis defence in the first half, but the half time introduction of Byrne was the ultimate answer and completely changed the contest. His intensity, pace and ability to win possession gave Abbeyleix exactly what they needed, while his 1-3 contribution kept them firmly in the game.

After scoring, he still wasnt finished making a huge impact: as his performance overall outside of scoring was just as excellent; he was superb both on and off the ball, he won the crucial free for Abbeyleix with the game level at 56 minutes, Cormac Byrne popped it over as Abbeyleix now took the lead by a point and Abbeyleix also went on to lead by 2 points heading into injury time.

Abbeyleix’s most influential player whilst proving his dual talents.

3. Inspirational Display From Colt Shanahoe’s Cullan Kirwan.

Despite Colt Shanahoe finding themselves 2-1 down after only five minutes and then facing conceding the 3rd goal after just 10 minutes v Castletown in the PIHC Semi Final, it could have been psychologically damaging and demoralising, particularly for the Colt Shanahoe back line.

However, the inspirational display of right half back Cullan Kirwan made sure that was the end of Castletown’s goals. His determination and fierce motivation stopped further goals from coming, and if not for his outstanding defensive performance, the Castletown goals could have continued to rain in.

Kirwan deserves huge respect for the way he continued to work tirelessly, even though his efforts could not change the result at that stage. He played for the pride of his club alone and refused to let his head drop.

Earlier, a brilliant interception from Castletown’s Tommy Goode prevented another goal, with the turnover eventually leading to James Keyes getting Colt Shanahoe’s opening score. It was great to see a Colt Shanahoe defender produce a moment of brilliance after the difficult opening onslaught they had endured.

Another Castletown goal followed shortly afterwards, but Kirwan still deserved enormous credit for continuing to battle.

Kirwan then produced his second interception, this time from Castletown’s Kyron Cuddy. Despite Colt Shanahoe trailing by 3-4 to 0-1 after 15 minutes, Kirwan continued to produce excellent defensive moments and kept working incredibly hard.

Kirwan was first to up scoop a loose ball winning the race to possession vs Castletown forwards and he made a succesfull clearance from this in another attack too.

3 huge moments to prevent 3 more goals.

Huge respect and fair play must go to Cullan Kirwan for his determination, effort and pride in the Colt Shanahoe jersey.

We wouldnt have blamed him at all for a lack of intensity due to the scoreline as it must have been difficult to keep fighting; but the fact he produced the complete opposite and continued to fight to the whistle so impressively, was a joy to watch.

For any young Colt Shanahoe hurler of the future in attendance watching Cullan Kirwan, he was surely inspirational and a wonderful example to follow. On a day they suffered such a heavy defeat, it would have been hard to see a positive. But the biggest positive was Cullan Kirwan really done his club proud.

4. Castletown’s Defence To The Fore For First Junior A Title in 28 Years.

Sean O’Connor produced a superbly timed interception under intense pressure from PRT’s Aaron Fitzpatrick and Conor Fitzpatrick, who were chasing him down. This defensive work created the turnover that directly led to Jamie Conroy’s opening score, vital timing as this finally settled Castletown after early PRT attacking pressure.

Dan Whelan then made a brilliant run to set up Conor Doran’s goal from play. Castletown showed excellent defensive work immediately afterwards too.

Cillian Phelan won a high ball that was dropping towards David McEvoy, who would have been through one-on-one with the Castletown goalkeeper.

Phelan’s great catch and clearance prevented a major goal chance at a crucial moment, 23 minutes in, just after Castletown had scored their goal and were beginning to gain a foothold for the first time in the opening half. This momentum started by Cillian Phelan was crucial as it carried through the rest of the game which seen his side win and lift the title. After 28 years. Brilliant.

Cillian Phelan came to the rescue again with a brilliant clearance along the ground to prevent Enda Shortall from getting the ball into a dangerous area. Even though Phelan slipped in very wet conditions, he still managed to make the clearance.

Jack McKelvey made a fantastic double save. After making the first stop, he reacted quickly when the rebound was struck with fierce pace, getting up immediately to make a second save from Conor Fitzpatrick.

In the second half, Matthew Peters combined brilliantly with substitute Aaron Phelan, with the pair involved in setting up Conor Doran’s second goal. Aaron Phelan made a real impact after coming on as a first half substitute on 20 minutes.

Matthew Peters then both set up a goal and scored a goal himself, before producing an incredible score point from play from an unbelievable tight angle around 45 metres out, despite being closely man-marked near the sideline too.