Delvin's brave run comes to an end
St. Vincent's (Dublin)........ 3-11
Delvin (Westmeath)........ 0-4
REPORT TO FOLLOW.........
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23: 2003 Leinster Junior Club Hurling Championship
Shinrone ousted in an historic result for Delvin
Delvin (Westmeath)........ 1-9
Shinrone (Offaly)........ 0-7
A LATE goal from Westmeath Intermediate hurling champions Delvin proved decisive in overcoming Offaly outfit Shinrone in Sunday's third round (quarter-final) of the Leinster Junior Club Hurling Championship. With the sides neck and neck for most of the match, held in Delvin, late changes in the Valley's attacking approach proved to be Offaly side's undoing.
Shinrone could call on some impressive performances from the likes of Ger Brereton, Brendan Keeshan Snr., Paul Burke and David McLoughlin, who provided stern opposition. But, even with Delvin's vision hindered by strong sunshine in the first half, the Offaly Junior champions failed to take advantage. Only two of Shinrone's forwards had an impact, and they were eventually punished by the home side.
Delvin were blessed with some outstanding performances in their half-back line, John Cogan and Patrick Farrelly in particular, but their forwards lacked bite in the first half. However, the second-half introduction of forwards Anthony Clune and Peter Kelleghan was wholly beneficial, and gave the Valley a new dimension.
A tiresome first half, in which only three scores were registered by each side, began with Shinrone taking an early lead - a free from former Offaly county star, Brendan Keeshan, Snr. Minutes later both Keeshan and Delvin's Ger Clune were cautioned by referee Eoin Mullarkey following a confrontation between the two.
Midway through the first half, Delvin were in front, after two frees from captain Kevin Williams. Shinrone equalised seconds later with another free, this time a long distance effort from Ger Brereton. The Offaly side had several chances to extend their lead, but missed out, the most notable wide coming from a Seamus Keeshan Snr. free.
The match lulled until the dying moments of the half, when Delvin's Gareth Halpin was booked for a foul. As a result, Shinrone regained their lead through another Ger Brereton free. However, a boost came for Delvin seconds before half-time when Kevin Williams levelled the scores with the game's first point from play. Half time score: Delvin 0-3, Shinrone 0-3.
Delvin started the second half with a slight advantage - Shinrone now had the blinding afternoon sunshine in their eyes. But neither side made the breakthrough, and some tit-for-tat scoring ensued. Padraig O'Shaughnessy gave the Maroons an early lead, which was soon cancelled out by yet another long-distance free from Ger Brereton. A minute later, Paul Burke restored Shinrone's lead with an excellent point from the left hand side.
Delvin made a change in attack, introducing seasoned campaigner Peter Kelleghan in place of Gareth Halpin. But it was the Williams brothers who would strike back for the Westmeath side. A tremendous run by Niall Williams was followed by a well-taken point to tie the game, and two minutes later, his brother Kevin sliced a magnificent sideline-cut over the bar. Shinrone responded with a free from Brendan Keeshan Jnr. Kevin Williams (Delvin) and Paul Burke (Shinrone) traded scores, and with the sides level with eight minutes left, a draw looked inevitable.
However, the decisive score of the match came with seven minutes left. The Shinrone defence, cancelling out some excellent work from Delvin's Damien McHugh, left Niall Williams unmarked in a dangerous position. McHugh's killer ball found Williams open to tap in from close range, and give Delvin a 1-7 to 0-7 advantage.
The goal had a massive effect on the closing minutes of the game. Shinrone surrendered, and Delvin's attack thrived with the introduction of Anthony Clune and Peter Kelleghan. Kelleghan ensured victory for Delvin, and passage to the Leinster semis, with two inspirational points in the last five minutes. Final score: Delvin 1-9, Shinrone 0-7.
SCORERS: Delvin - Kevin Williams (0-5, 2 frees), Niall Williams (1-1), Peter Kelleghan (0-2), Padraig O'Shaughnessy (0-1). Shinrone - Ger Brereton (0-3, frees), Paul Burke (0-2), Brendan Keeshan Jnr. (0-1, free), Brendan Keeshan, Snr. (0-1, free).
DELVIN: John O'Shaughnessy; Ger Clune, Bernard O'Shaughnessy, Darren McHugh; Patrick Farrelly, Daniel Clune, John Cogan; Kevin Williams (captain), David Barry; Niall Williams, Padraig O'Shaughnessy, Niall Kearney; Tomas McEnerney, Gareth Halpin, Damien McHugh. Subs used: Peter Kelleghan for G. Halpin, Anthony Clune for T. McEnerney.
SHINRONE: Mark Hoctor; Fergus Reid, Flann Clery, David King; Mike Doughan, Ger Brereton, Colin O'Meara; Brendan Keeshan Jnr., David McLoughlin; Ray Loughnane, Eugene Ryan, Mark Guidera; Declan Mullally, Paul Burke, Brendan Keeshan Snr.
REFEREE: Eoin Mullarkey (Dublin).
NEXT WEEK'S FIXTURE: St. Vincent's (Dublin) v Delvin, LJCHC semi-final, in Dublin at 2pm. Bus leaving Delvin on Sunday morning - spaces limited. Please support the lads!
So who are St. Vincent's? St. Vincent's are a popular dual club based at Marino, Dublin, fielding teams in Senior and Intermediate hurling competition, as well as simultaneously producing top grade football outfits. While drowned out by the dominance of football in general, and of hurling clubs like Craobh Ciarain and Ballyboden/St. Enda's, their Intermediates will be no pushover, especially with home advantage. A club with an illustrious past, Vincent's dominated Dublin hurling during the glory days of the 1960s. The winners of Saturday's tie will play either Pilltown (Kilkenny) or Bannow/Ballymitty (Wexford) at home in the Leinster final. Referee for Sunday's semi-final will be E. Smith (Meath).
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9: Delvin on the double after gritty encounter
All-County Hurling League Division 2 Final
Delvin........ 1-8
Crookedwood........ 1-7 (after extra time)
RESOLUTE Delvin battled their way to victory against a determined Crookedwood in the 2003 All-County Hurling League Division 2 final, before a small crowd at Clonkill hurling grounds, thus securing a League and Championship double for 2003.
A combination of luck and sheer determination helped the Valley through eighty minutes of tough hurling, ahead of their foray into Leinster competition next weekend. After playing a large portion of normal time trailing, with only fourteen men, some fine individual performances rescued Delvin to force extra time, namely substitute Niall Williams, his brother Kevin, John Cogan, Patrick Farrelly, Ger Clune and Damien McHugh.
A Delvin-Crookedwood encounter is often a battleground, and this league final was no exception, with some niggly fouls interrupting the flow of the game. As the game progressed, tired legs and frustrated minds ensured the odd clash, but the game was admirably governed by referee Terry O'Dowd.
The game was slow to start, and with fourteen minutes gone, Crookedwood's talismanic forward John Orme opened the scoring from play. Three minutes later, 10-man Delvin's captain Kevin Williams levelled the scores with a free.
John Orme's spectacular point effort clipped off the upright to restore the Wood's lead, before Gareth Halpin struck over Delvin's second point with three minutes left in the half.
Delvin were already struggling to make an impact when disaster struck. With the first half coming to a close, Cathal Nugent knocked a Gerard Boyhan ball past his own 'keeper to give Crookedwood a three-point lead. A further point from the lively Kevin Tormey just before half-time left an air of despondency in the Delvin camp. Half time score: Crookedwood 1-3, Delvin 0-2.
With a second half change of tactics and personnel, came a change in fortune for Delvin. The introduction of Niall Williams proved a wise decision from Delvin's selectors, and Damien McHugh's entrance was equally beneficial. The Maroons soon came within a point of their opponents with two frees from Kevin Williams and an opportune score from Tomas McEnerney.
Both sides clocked up an incredible amount of wides, many from frees, and missed out on their chances to win this game comfortably. With the final whistle approaching, scores from Niall and Kevin Williams (Delvin) and Richie Crowley and Stephen Leavy (Crookedwood) maintained the Wood's slender lead. Needing a score to force extra time, Delvin had seconds to save the match - the tension was palpable.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man - Niall Williams, a commanding presence since entering the fray, took a second terrific point to tie the game. End of normal time: Crookedwood 1-5, Delvin 0-8.
EXTRA TIME
Delvin, restored to full strength for extra time with the re-introduction of David Barry, pressed on with their mission. Niall Williams went close to giving the Maroons their first lead of the game, but a Stephen Leavy effort restored the Wood's advantage. Once again, Delvin had their backs to the wall, and Crookedwood were putting together some well-worked moves, keeping constant pressure on their opponents.
But Delvin got the break they needed with six minutes gone in extra time, when a trademark lob from John Cogan crept into Anton Savage's net. The Valley, now enjoying a 1-8 to 1-6 lead, almost lost it two minutes later when John Orme smacked a 21 yard award off the crossbar.
Crookedwood threw an almighty effort into the second period of extra time, but Delvin held on. A John Orme free was too little, too late, as the Maroons secured their place in top-flight league hurling next year. Final score: Delvin 1-8, Crookedwood 1-7.
DELVIN: John O'Shaughnessy; Ger Clune, Cathal Nugent, Darren McHugh; Patrick Farrelly, Daniel Clune, John Cogan (1-0); Kevin Williams (captain, 0-4, frees), David Barry; Niall Kearney, Bernard O'Shaughnessy, J.P. Farrelly; Tomas McEnerney (0-1), Gareth Halpin (0-1), Padraig O'Shaughnessy. Subs used: Niall Williams (0-2) for D. Barry (later re-introduced in extra time), Damien McHugh for P. O'Shaughnessy (re-introduced in extra time for T. McEnerney), Brian Farrelly for N. Kearney.
REFEREE: Terry O'Dowd (St. Oliver Plunkett's, Mullingar).
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OCTOBER: Delvin's camogie girls unfortunate in Senior 'B' semi
Delvin's Senior 'B' Camogie side were unlucky to lose out to Cullion in the semi-final of the Championship. They made an excellent account of themselves, but were unfortunately beaten by a strong Cullion team by 4-4 to 1-2.
Delvin were represented by: Deirdre Barry, Linda Williams, Emma Sheerin, Linda Kenny, Linda Jenkinson, Niamh Barry, Cathy Browne, Patricia Smyth, Karen Clune (0-1, free), Elaine Farrelly, Laura Carroll, Maria Smyth (1-1), Jenna Clune, Eileen O'Driscoll, Nicola Geoghegan. Subs used: Carol Williams, Caitriona Malone, Denise McGrath, Mary Clune. Despite the defeat, this is a young Delvin team with a very bright future.
Delvin's John makes mark on world handball stage
Delvin's John O'Shaughnessy (left) and fellow Mullingar handballer Robert McCarthy Jnr. became world champions at their level last week at the 2003 Handball World Championships, held in the Carlow/Kilkenny area between October 17 and 26.
The two talented handballers, representing Westmeath and Ireland in the Boys 17 and Under Doubles section, going through four matches against experienced opposition to claim the world title. And how fitting it was that the pair that their victory was on home soil, and just over a year after their All-Ireland success in Croke Park.
John and Robbie's first opposition were John Kindregan and Michael Browne (Waterford), who qualified for the tie after winning a preliminary match against Andrew Dowling and Stephen Geoghegan (Laois). After overcoming the Waterford duo, they were drawn against Wicklow pair Jerome Willoughby and David Hickey. Garryhill court in Co. Carlow was the scene for John and Robbie's next encounter, this time against an American duo, Will Huchinson and Josh Shaw, who received a walkover in the previous round. The battle-hardened pair brushed aside their U.S. opponents to qualify for Friday's final clash against Meath/Tipperary handballers Brian Carroll and Ger Coonan. After a tough round of handball, the Westmeath pair finally secured the world title.
While this is Delvin man John's first world title, Robbie McCarthy won the Boy's Under 13 title in Chicago in the 2000 World Championships. This time, however, it was a team effort, and the Westmeath duo, who are at the forefront of both local and national underage handball, took their success to international heights.
John, a son of P.J. and Imelda O'Shaughnessy, Main Street, Delvin, carries on a popular family handball tradition. Not only is John a talented handballer, but he is also an accomplished hurler. He is the regular goalkeeper for Delvin's Intermediate (now Senior) and Junior hurling sides, and boasts underage, Under 21, Intermediate Championship medals.
17 year old student John also features on the Westmeath Minor Hurling panel.
John's involvement in the World Championships is yet another boost for Delvin Handball Club. Whereas the area is renowned nationwide for its strong handball tradition, John and Robbie's success has done no harm for Delvin and Westmeath handball in general. Earlier this year, Delvin Handball Club were awarded EUR 100,000 in Government Capital Sports Grants, with state of the art facilities in the pipeline.
A note of congratulations is extended to John and Robbie on their terrific success.
Six of seven camogie motions sponsored by Delvin
Delvin put forward six of the seven motions for discussion st the Convention of Westmeath Camogie Board, which took place in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar in October.
Among the radical proposals made by the Delvin delegates was the prospect of setting up a new committee to manage the administration of county Under 14 and 16 teams.
As well as that, the Delvin club proposed that Westmeath enter a Junior team in the National League; that shield finals be created for Under 12, 14, 16 and 18 levels; that Under 10 blitzes be created in July, August and September; that more clubs be allowed to affiliate at Junior level; and that two weeks' holidays be set aside on the fixtures' calendar.
Delvin Camogie Club's Rita McGrath, among others, was also congratulated by Westmeath Camogie Board secretary Maureen Fulham for her professional refereeing at both county and inter-county level during the past year.
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER: Delvin's Intermediates kitted out for final
Our Intermediate side was kitted out with new gear before their victory and promotion to Senior grade in the Intermediate final on August 31. Among the items presented to the hurlers were black and white jerseys, maroon/white polo shirts and t-shirts sponsored by McEnerney's Bar (t/a O'Shaughnessy's, Main Street, Delvin), and togs sponsored by the Blue Hackle Inn, Delvin.
Pictured below are Pat Farrelly (Vice Chairman, Delvin), Martin McEnerney (McEnerney's Bar), Kevin Williams (team captain), Colin Gaffney (Blue Hackle Inn, and team member) and Willie McGrath (Underage Secretary). The kit presentation took place at Delvin's final training session before the Intermediate final.
