After a 12 year wait Whitechurch were crowned City U-21 Hurling Champions. As one would expect at this time of the year, conditions were far from perfect for hurling. However Whitechurch adapted well and were deserved winners following a hard fought battle against Mayfield.
It was Mayfield who opened the scoring in the second minute from a free. Even in the poor conditions Paul O’Sullivan’s skill and pace was evident after he pointed the equaliser following a great run. If one brother can do it, then so can the other and within a minute Bryan O’Sullivan caught a great ball at centre back and took off on the run and struck a great point from play. The Whitechurch full back line was constantly under pressure from Mayfield puck outs as goalkeeper Richard O’Keeffe landed each one in the square. The sides were on level terms on 10 minutes at 3 points each with the third Whitechurch point coming from a Peter O’Driscoll free. The first real goal threat came for Whitechurch after Conor Buckley hit the post having got through the defence. Colm Sheahan picked up the rebound and pointed. Dylan Burke, deputising for the injured Shane Cahill, was keeping a close eye on things in goal and read a few early situations very well ensuring a clean sheet was kept. Brothers Roy and Patrick O’Driscoll were combining very effectively at corner and wing back positions and were making it very difficult for their markers. Mayfield dominated play for the last 8 minutes of the half but didn’t get the scores as the Whitechurch back line stood solid with Victor O’Sullivan hitting long relieving clearances. It looked like the half would end even at 5 points each but Mayfield were awarded a 65 which they converted to give them a 6 point to 5 lead.
Whitechurch opened the second half with a 65 of their own, which Peter converted. Eoin Murnane was proving very effective up front and following hard work and blocking down a defender’s clearance he managed to get the ball to Peter who slotted over a great point. Things were looking up for Whitechurch but it was early stages yet. Their attitude on the pitch was very positive and it was evident on the line that this was a team performance and the players were working for each other. Patrick Casey and Colm Sheahan at centre field were not shy and moved the ball well. Midway through the second half the sides were level again on eight points each.
The Murnane brothers combined to give Whitechurch the lead and again following hard individual work Eoin passed to Brendain who pointed from the wing. John Scanlon is renowned for long pucks but his 80-yard free with 12 minutes remaining was inspirational and gave Whitechurch a 2-point lead. Whitechurch with 10 minutes remaining were looking the stronger and for the first time in the game a lead of more than 2 points was achieved following a great strike from Eoin Murnane. Michael Meade replaced Ian lee. Sharp shooter Peter O’Driscoll pointed a great score from the wing to give Whitechurch a 4-point lead. Mayfield tried to up the pace but were denied. Dylan Burke caught a great ball with 3 minutes remaining to relieve the pressure. Mayfield pointed from a free to leave a 3-point gap. Whitechurch backs were outstanding throughout the game but in particular for the closing 10 minutes. Mayfield managed another point from play. Two points is a very dangerous lead to have but it was going to take something really special from Mayfield to the get the better of the Whitechurch backs. Bryan O’Sullivan caught a mighty ball at the end of the game to ensure a Whitechurch victory. The final score finished Whitechurch 0. 12 – Mayfield 0.10.