Laois Shopping Centre: Senior Hurling Championship Round 1 Recap.

Laois Shopping Centre: Senior Hurling Championship Round 1 Recap.

Written by Laois PR Team 

The Harps: 2-20

Abbeyleix: 2-17

The Harps:

Cody Comerford impressed at the back by  breaking up play and driving forward.

Podge Delaney used his pace to run forward to beat opposition off the ball and his quick hand passing helped in link up play with Ciaran Comerford and Jim’O Connor to set up a lot of vital scores for his side.

Ciaran Comerford shone in front of goal: Scoring 0-11, five from play.

Jim O’Connor added real impact as a substitute. Chipping in with 1-1 off the bench. His 2nd half performance overall massive to his side’s win.

Abbeyleix:

Lawson Obular was rock-solid in defence with physicality on display as he won possession in tackles with the harps attack and clearing danger.

Sam Quinn worked hard up front, scoring 0-1 and creating chances.

Cormac Byrne led the scoring, finishing with 1-8 (1-3 from play).

Ciaran Byrne brought relentless energy, driving attacks and tracking back well

Rathdowney-Errill: 5-18

Rosenallis: 2-12

Rathdowney-Errill dominated with a burst of goals from play: Eoin Bracken scored 2 plus Paddy Purcell, Jack Kelly, and Brandon McGinley scored 1 each.

Dylan Carroll (0-1 from play) was the anchor in midfield: effectively transitioning play, from defence to attack consistently: winning aerial duels and high ball, making accurate passes forward and also tracked back to make timely interceptions in defence.

For Rosenallis, Paddy Keating was sharp, winning puckouts and scoring 1-2 while setting up attacks. Charlie Friel was solid in defence and key in Keating’s goal setup. David Dooley contributed 0-5, including long-range efforts.

Ballinakill: 0-22

Borris in Ossory-Kilcotton: 1-20

Despite defeat, Ballinakill produced a big performance and were excellent all over the field. With standout performances from Cha Dwyer (0-6), who impressed as a sweeper and long-range scorer, Brian Duggan (0-7) was accurate from all distances. Seamus Fitzpatrick (0-2) and Gearoid Lynch also contributed with sharp play and solid defence.

For Borris-in-Ossory/Kilcotton, Evan Quinlan was key in defence and transition, while Colm Stapleton’s midfield tenacity stood out. Niall Coss (0-4) combined speed and precision to notch quality points. Aaron Dunphy displayed his best free scoring form, with some outstanding points from dead balls. 0-6 (4 frees)

Clough Ballacolla: 1-24

Castletown: 1-14

Clough Ballacolla:

Stephen Bergin was brilliant up front. With 1-9 and accuracy from frees (0-5), made great catches from high ball and involved in the set up other chances & scores. Substitute Cillian Dunne brought energy and impact hitting 0-3. Aidan Corby dominated midfield with 0-5 from play. Joseph Pearson was rock solid in defence.

Castletown:

Ciaran McKelvey landed three superb long-range frees and hit 0-4 from play, whilst he contributed in defence too with key and timely blocks. Ryan Mullaney and Aaron Phelan were strong at the back, Mullaney adding two long-range scores too. Sean Óg Byrne hit 1-3 from play in a lively attacking display with great pace.

Portlaoise:

John Mark Foley stood out up front with a combination of pace, sharp shooting skills and accuracy. Throughout, Ben Brennan impressed with powerful midfield runs and link-up play, setting up key scores. Sean Culliton notched some particularly excellent frees, whilst Cormac Rigney starred in defence using his physicality to win back possession.

Camross:

Ashton Keenan and Zane Keenan were both outstanding in attack and stood out with sharp vision and playmaking, both players also played a key role in the set up of all  goals. Liam Delaney and Ciaran Collier netted goals. James Cuddy produced a relentless attacking display. Rob Tyrell was dominant in midfield: successful in both attacking and defensive play.