JHC: Final win for the Fontenoys

Monday 19th September 2016

JHC: Final win for the Fontenoys

Liatroim ended their quest for a Down Junior Hurling Championship when they overcame a valiant Newry side to become County Champions in Newcastle last weekend. Played in perfect conditions, it was the Fontenoys who made their intentions clear hitting 3 points and a Paul Mc Aleenan goal before Shamrocks had their first score.  The Newry side however gradually fought their way back into the game and goals from Kevin Fegan and Conor Mc Polin followed by a flurry of points saw them take a 2-5 to 1-4 lead with just over 10 minutes of the first half remaining. The match then swung back in the Fontenoy’s favour and while Neil Courtney added a Newry point, it was Liatroim who dominated those closing stages with scores from Oisin Mc Manus (0-3), Pearse Og Mc Crickard (0-2) and Micheal Mc Cartan putting them back into a one point lead when the half time whistle blew.

The second half began as the first had finished with man of the match Pearse Og Mc Crickard pulling the strings from midfield. As well as adding 3 points of his own, he drove his team mates forward and Mc Manus, Mc Cartan and another Paul Mc Aleenan goal took advantage to put Liatroim into what seemed like an unassailable nine points. Shamrocks did not give up however and when Paul Sheehan drove a free to the Fontenoy net, it looked as though a revival might be on the cards. Liatroim responded in the best possible fashion and points from Mc Crickard, Gavin McCawl and Jarlath Mc Aleenan helped stretch their lead further. The never-say-die attitude of Newry men continued to show and late goals from Ryan Courtney and Eoin Mc Guinness gave them further hope but with the clock ticking down, the Fontenoys defence held out. A final point from ace marksman, Oisin Mc Manus meant that the Junior Hurling Championship was on its way to Liatroim on a 2-19 to 4-7 scoreline Amidst jubilant scenes, County Chairman Sean Rooney presented the Mooney Cup to Liatroim captain Micheal Mc Cartan.