Heartbreak in Parnell Park today for our Intermediate hurlers in their championship final as a goal two minutes from time edged St Sylvester’s ahead and ultimately proved the difference between both sides, with Towers losing 2-11 v 1-10 in the end. A magnificent second half comeback from Towers saw them edge ahead 1-10 v 1-9 ] with five minutes remaining, having trailed 0-2 v 1-7 at half-time and stuggling to score against a resolute Sylvester’s defence. However the late goal and two points meant heartbreak for our lads, who can consider themselves extremely proud of their representation of the club. Peter Parker captured the action and you can view his pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundtowers/sets/72157631604323666/. The Gazette newspaper was also there to capture the action and you can view their pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenfindlater/sets/72157631601849632/ Match report follows.
Towers supporters filed out of Parnell Park, dejected, despondent, asking what might have been and immensly proud after our Intermediate hurlers, after they suffered heartbreak in this Dublin Intermediate Championship hurling final. At half-time Towers were struggling and victory was looking remote. Our lads had just two points on the board and were struggling to create good scoring opportunities against a resilient St Sylvester’s defence. Eoin Ryan had cancelled out a St Sylvester’s opener and both sides struggled to score over a ten minute period, as defences and in particular half-back lines were on top. Gradually the northside team got on top and two pointed frees from full-forward Martin Ormonde, and an excellent score from midfielder Andrew Richardson edged them ahead 0-5 v 0-1. The strong sun proved an influence when a free from Sylvester’s centre-half Daire Flaherty deceived Towers keeper Brian McLaughlin and finished in the back of the net to leave our lads with an uphill task, trailing 1-5 v 0-1. Alex Darbey provided a excellent response when he fielded a Sylvester’s clearance and turned to drive the sliotar straight between the posts from 60 metres. But Ormonde responded with outstanding points, one from a free inside his own half and the second following a sharp turn and a long range effort. Towers were struggling to find their inside forwards and trailing by eight points with half-time imminent, Eric Finn struck for goal from a 30 metre free but he was thwarted on the line.
Towers regrouped at half-time and displayed great resilience and courage in the second half to bring themselves right back into this final. Four minutes into the half-the fightback started. Eric Finn gathered an Eoin Ryan sideline cut and was fouled in front of goal and he subsequently pointed the free. Eoin Ryan moved from half-forward to full forward line and was causing problems for the northside team. A Eoghan Young free directed towards Ryan caused problems and Gary Quinlivan gatehered the breaking ball. He was fouled and Finn pointed again. Towers supporters were on their feet and they were cheering moments later when Ryan gatehered on the 21 and broke through two tackles before finishing to the net with a one handed strike from the hurl. The referee considered a penalty but awarded the goal and Towers were now on the ascendancy and St Sylvester’s were struggling to cope with the Clondalkin lad’s momentum. Another Sylverster’s point failed to halt the Towers momentum and Ryan almost netted again when he gathered and struck a drive from a tight angle that flew just beyond the top corner. Ormonde pointed again to push the margin out to four points 1-5 v 1-9 but another Eric Finn free and an inspiring score from Jack Whelan, who gathered in midfield before embarking on a solo run and pointing from just inside the Sylverster’s half left just two points in the game with ten minutes remaining. Two minutes later, Quinlivan’s strike at goal was blocked but he was quick to gather the rebound and point from 50 metres. Eoin Moran had been introduced at this stage and the former Dublin hurler showed excellent leadership when he scored a fantastic point to level the game, despite being under severe pressure out under the stand. The sides level, Towers had displayed great resilience and courage to turn the tie around and Alex Darbey put our lads ahead with four minutes remaining. Towers were now on the verge of what could prove to be a very memorable victory but the turning point came with two minutes remaining and went against our lads. Towers struggled to deal with a high ball into the box and the breaking ball was kicked to the back of the net. It proved to be dispiriting for the Towers and unfortunately they were unable to claw back the two points. As we chased the game, Ormonde pointed from two frees in injury time to leave the final score 2-11 v 1-10. Having left themselves with an uphill task at half-time, the Towers lads show fantastic resilience and courage to lead with just minutes remaining. Alas, a break went against them. This side brought great pride to the supporters who travelled to the game and the hope is silverware for this side is not far away.
Round Tower panel: Brian McLaughlin, Shane Byrne, Craig Curtis, Luke Currivan, Padraig McKeever, Eoin Walsh, Gary Quinlivan, Alex Darbey, Eoghan Young, Jack Whelan, Eoin Ryan, Fergal McDonagh, Barry Finn, Eric Finn, Mark Keane. Subs: Stephen Chapman, Ian McManus, Kevin Scott, Martin Doyle, David Quigley, Eoin McManus, Eoghan Hutchinson, Douglas Faughan, Eoin Moran, Kevin O’Neill, Ian Church
