Ballinakill 2-6 Rathdowney Errill 0-10
2009 Laois Junior ‘C’ Hurling Championship Final
Junior ‘C’ hurling doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the GAA world but back in 2009 there was an absolute classic played out in front of a big crowd in Shanahoe.
The stage was set for the Laois JHC ‘C’ Final, as Ballinakill and Rathdowney Errill prepared to do battle, and form could not separate either side prior to throw-in.
The difficulty to separate them continued through the match as a Ballinakill managed to just edge the game, despite the best efforts of the Rathdowney Errill men.
Barry Bowe and Joe Kilmartin got Rathdowney Errill off to a good start with two points, and they were three up before Ballinakill opened their account through Tony O’Shaughnessy.
Brendan Hamm leveled the game half way through the opening half when Evan Dunne’s goal bound effort was blocked, before Hamm pounced to flick the ball home.
He added a second only moments later when he fired a low and hard shot into the bottom corned to extend Ballinakill to a two point lead at the break.
The second half was a scrappy affair, and it was Brian Bowe’s point ten minutes in that opened the scoring for the half.
Anthony Stapleton slotted a leveler for Rathdowney Errill with little under 15 minutes left to play, but the inspirational Tony O’Shaughnessy won a free that he slotted to re-open a one point lead.
Michael Malone landed an insurance point late on, but Rathdowney Errill were left thinking of what could of been following a few late missed chances.
That was that, as Ballinakill ran out two point victors which sparked big celebrations among both players and supports, evidence that winning a title means the world not matter the grade or level.
Scorers – Ballinakill: Brendan Hamm 2-0, Tony O’Shaughnessy 0-3 (all frees), Brian O’Meara 0-1, Evan Dunne 0-1, Michael Malone 0-1. Rathdowney Errill: Barry Bowe 0-5 (0-3 frees), Joe Kilmartin 0-1, Anthony Costigan 0-1, Niall Browne 0-1, Michael Bowe 0-1, Anthony Stapleton 0-1.
BALLINAKILL: Colm Barry; Eamon Delaney, Tom Walsh, Emmett Carter; Daniel Bergin, Donal Delaney, Conor Delaney; Tony O’Shaughnessy, Brian O’Meara; Evan Dunne, Eoin Delaney, Eamon Lambert; Declan Hanrahan, TJ Lawlor, Brendan Hamm. Subs: Niall O’Shaughnessy, Michael Malone.
RATHDOWNEY ERRILL: Aidan Tracey; Aidan Donovan, David Moore, John Keane; Vincent Cleere, Paul Delaney, Patrick Carroll; Peter Moore, Nathan Unwin; Anthony Costigan, Joe Kilmartin, Michael Bowe; Barry Bowe, Brian Meehan, Niall Browne. Subs: Colm Ryan, PJ Rafter, Anthony Stapleton, Liam Browne.
Alf Harvey was there that day and he captured some great images.
SEE ALSO – Where Things Stand: A look at the Ladies club championship in Laois
