Match Report: Junior B Hurling Championship Round 5
Bruree 1-18 Feenagh/Kilmeedy 2-13
Bruree are through to the county semi-final after a stirring second-half recovery against Feenagh/Kilmeedy. With defeat meaning the end of their championship, they trailed at the interval but found the resolve to turn the game around.
Feenagh/Kilmeedy made the better start and led at the break by 1-9 to 0-9. A fortuitous goal for the West Limerick side had put Bruree on the back foot, but the winners worked hard agin’ a strong breeze and did well to only be three points adrift as the sides left the field.
The second half took on a life of its own. Bruree, with their backs to the wall, lifted their work-rate again and set about the task with great determination. They outscored their opponents by 1-9 to 1-4 after the restart, the decisive goal was cracked to the net by Cian McDonogh after a piercing move by David O’Brien that opened up the Feenagh rearguard. Feenagh/Kilmeedy raised their second green flag from a ‘20 to go back a point in front, but Mike Shinney held the whip hand and ensured fine accuracy from play and placed balls to carry Bruree home.
Time and again Shinney and McDonogh led major assaults on the Feenagh back line, and the pair were the driving force behind the revival. In defence, Gorman was commanding at full-back, the Painter Sexton at centre back lowered the blade as required, and Finnbar Fitzpatrick beside him hurled ball all night long.
Bruree's cause was helped by the return of two old campaigners. Dan Lane came out of retirement to take his place in goal and gave a vintage display between the sticks, while Ger O'Dea, also lured back from retirement, came on for the last quarter and helped see out the win. The club will be glad they answered the call. Tommy Sexton, David O’Brien, John Hayden, Aaron Fitzgerald and Morgan Hughes all played their part in a fine team effort.
An inspiring victory indeed for Sexton and Horgan’s Junior B battalion, who now have a county semi-final to look forward to.
Bruree Team:
1 Dan Lane
2 Tommy Sexton
3 Rory Gorman
4 Jonny Fitzpatrick
5 Aaron Deane
6 Willy Sexton
7 Finnbar Fitzpatrick
8 John Hayden
9 Aaron Lyons
10 Paidi Gorman
11 Mike Shinney
12 David O'Brien
13 Cian McDonogh
14 Morgan Hughes
15 Aaron Fitzgerald
Sub: Ger O'Dea for A. Fitzgerald
