Calasanctius claim Senior B Connacht hurling crown

Calasanctius College 3-9

St Joseph’s College 0-10

Calasanctius College Oranmore clinched the Keith Hayes Cup Connacht senior B hurling title under lights last Friday as goals from Peter Finn and Damien O’Reilly helped them to an eight point victory.

Purple patches in both halves allowed Alan Coyle’s team build a sizeable advantage but they had to withstand pressure from their opponents from the start.

St Joseph’s College (The Bish) dominated the opening stages but didn’t make the desired impact on the scoreboard before Finn’s first half major allowed Calasanctius the lead at half-time against the wind.

And even though the city school restored parity in the second half, two O’Reilly goals ensured the Oranmore school would win a first-ever title.

The Bish were quickest from the start as they built a 0-3 to 0-1 lead within nine minutes. Jack Coyne was their scorer-in-chief opening his account in the second minute. Ross Malone replied for Calasanctius but St Joseph’s were getting the better of the early exchanges. Coyne sent over his second free in the sixth minute before an excellent sideline cut from the left flank gave Shane Cusack’s team a two point advantage.

But seven first half wides proved their downfall while they were also guilty of not using the elements in their favour. Low ball into their inside line was stifled by clearances from Sean Bannon and Ronan Walsh when creating taking point chances, despite their misses, looked the better option.

Both full-back lines were giving strong displays with Sean Lee and Mark Ryan-Keane standing out for The Bish. But after Ross Malone split the posts for a second time, Andrew Connolly got the game’s opening score from play in the 16th minute to level at 0-3 apiece.

Malone and Coyne traded frees but Calasanctius showed their threat when a move involving Stephen Commins and Aaron Grealish created a chance for Sam McArdle. But on 25 minutes, the reaped rewards with Connolly’s run on the left creating space before picking out Finn who found the net.  Connolly was involved again in the next score 60 seconds later – a one-two sequence setting up Liam Howley for the white flag and Calasanctius led 1-5 to 0-4 at the break.

The Bish needed a more direct and accurate approach upon the change of ends and obliged by restoring equality on the scoreboard within seven minutes of the restart. Coyne got them off the mark after only 49 seconds before Cathal Keane sent over their first from play. The deficit was reduced to the minimum following another Coyne free and when their determination provided a 65 in the 37th minute, Coyne again split the posts to leave it 0-8 to 1-5.

However, Calasanctius, who also had All-Ireland winner Tony Keady in their management team, eventually used the elements in their favour. Finn assisted in two scores that restored the initiative.  The first set up Conor Hanniffy for a point in the 40th minute; the other nine minutes later was taken by O’Reilly who got the second goal and the Oranmore School were 2-6 to 0-8 ahead.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.