Mycro Helmets Indoor Hurling League 2007.
Mycro
Helmets Indoor Hurling League.
Results and League tables
Finals March 3rd, 2007
Finals of the Mycro Indoor Hurling Leagues.
St. Anthony's School Hall was packed to the rafters last Saturday morning for the finals of the Mycro Sports Indoor leagues. Unbelievably after 63 games the Champions League finals result came down to the final game and the final goal to resolve the indoor hurling bragging rights in Blackrock for 2007.
United emerged victorious on goal difference after three teams finished level on points. Team captain Paddy Lynch was thrilled with the result and with his magnificent display in the final. Coach Harry Canning was exuberant with the victory;
"We were total outsiders at the beginning, however the hard work and dedication of the young United players was incredible" he enthused as he settled down to enjoy the victory amidst the celebrations.
The Rebels captured the Challengers League title after a great battle with the Blacks. Rebels Coach Jim Brohan was also proud of his charges and praised the sportsmanship of all the youngsters who took part.
Coach Mark Dalton was equally delighted when the Blues team captured the Contenders final after coming out ahead of the City and Cons teams.
Managing Director of Mycro Sports, Mr. Victor Morgan presented the trophies and medals assisted by Cork hurlers Wayne Sherlock and Ronan Curran, Marketing manager of Mycro Sports.
This competition was again an outstanding success due in no part to coordinating skills of Jody Crowley and John Cormack along with the full cooperation of youngsters, coaches and parents.
Blackrock Saints 4-0 Blackrock United 3-0
By James O'Sullivan
The Saints won the battle, but United won the war.
An electric atmosphere took hold of St Anthony's when these sides entered the hall for the final round of the 2007 Blackrock Mycro Indoor Hurling League.
With the three teams in the premier group closely tied, the outcome of eight weeks of hurling depended on this result.
A win would be enough for United, while the Saints had to secure victory as well as reduce the goal difference. Had the sides shared the points, then the silverware would have gone to Blackrock Rovers, the third team in the section.
Determined to cause an upset, the Saints came out firing on all cylinders, and while they came out on top in this encounter, they were left one goal short of catching the new champions.
One could not have written a more dramatic ending.
Harry Canning's United started the stronger courtesy of a goal from Paddy Lynch. There was little time for celebration, and Alan Ring combined with Brian Stokes to hit twice in quick succession to reverse the roles.
United would not let the title be stolen at the final hurdle, Michael O'Halloran, Cian Hurley and the outstanding James Treacy upping the tempo. A goal from the lethal Brian O'Mahony levelled the pegging once more, 2-2 the count with time slipping away.
Ciarán Cormack and Max Hayes capped some very skilful hurling with a brace of goals that left their opponents stunned, but Paddy Lynch came to United's rescue with the goal that would eventually give them their slender advantage in the title race.
Well aware that they needed to extend their lead further, Seán Dennehy, Kevin Green, Gary Cremin and Jim David O'Connor pushed forward. Their efforts could not beat United's Darragh Jones, who worked miracles between the posts.
A thrilling fixture, it was a fitting ending to a hard fought campaign.
Scorers for Blackrock Saints: C Cormack, A Ring, B Stokes, M Hayes 1-0 each.
Blackrock United: P Lynch 2-0, B O'Mahony 1-0.
BLACKROCK SAINTS: Seán Dennehy, Max Hayes, Jim Murphy, David O'Connor, Alan Ring, Ciarán Cormack, Darragh O'Callaghan, Kevin Green, Gary Cremin, Brian Stokes.
BLACKROCK UNITED: Darragh Jones, James Donovan, Paddy Lynch, Troy Kinnane, James Treacy, Michael O'Halloran, Brian O'Mahony, David Cronin, Seán Hurley, Simon Lougheed, Cian Hurley.
Referee: Alan Russell (Blackrock).
Blackrock Rovers 3-0 Blackrock Saints 2-0
By James O'Sullivan
Saturday's Mycro Indoor Hurling League finals at St Anthony's National School provided for some close-fought games. The clash between the Saints and Rovers was a typical example of this.
A puck of the ball was all that lay between the sides at the full-time whistle. Blackrock Rovers can thank Daniel O'Mahony for this result. The talented shot-stopper produced a string of fine saves, while full-back Daniel Linehan was also in resilient form.
Jack Linehan, Luke Magee and Robert Lynam capitalised on inch-perfect passing from Alex Kelly and Kevin Foley, the three marksmen hitting the net to secure the points for coach Tony Linehan.
The Saints were amongst the favourites at the weekend, and when Jim Murphy and Alan Ring both goaled in a style worthy of winning any contest, it was clear why. Seán Dennehy made some remarkable saves for the Saints, while Paul O'Regan, Conor Kiernan, William O'Byrne and Darragh O'Callaghan excelled throughout.
Scorers for Blackrock Rovers: J Linehan, L Magee, R Lynam 1-0 each.
Blackrock Saints: J Murphy, A Ring 1-0 each.
BLACKROCK ROVERS: Daniel O'Mahony, Kevin Foley, Daniel Linehan, Alex Kelly, Luke Magee, Jack Linehan, Conor Kiernan, William O'Byrne, Paul O'Regan, Stephen Cotter, Robert Lynam.
BLACKROCK SAINTS: Seán Dennehy, Max Hayes, Jim Murphy, David O'Connor, Alan Ring, Ciaran Cormack, Darragh O'Callaghan, Kevin Green, Gary Cremin, Brian Stokes.
Referee: Alan Russell (Blackrock).
Round 6 February 17th 2007
There were many thrills and some shocks at Ballinlough on Saturday 17th February in the Mycro Indoor hurling leagues. After a total of 54 games table toppers, the Saints were defeated in their two games and finished second to United who finished in first place with 19 points. The Rovers under Tony Lenihan grabbed the third Champions league spot with a late burst and edged out the Rebels.
A jubilant Harry Canning, United supremo was confident that United will also win the Champions league final.
"These are a wonderful bunch of hurlers who fight to the end of each game and proof of this was when we hammered the Saints today" he declared.
A shocked Saints manager John Cormack reckoned " its not over yet and we will have our chance for revenge on March 3rd when the sides meet again, the result today was just a fluke" he added.
Rovers manager Tony Lenihan was unavailable for comment but this team which came from nowhere to qualify cannot be ruled out and could spring a major shock.
The Mycro League finals will be played at St. Anthony's School Hall in Ballinlough on Saturday 3rd March. The schedule is as follows and it guarantees standing room only, so come early. Medals and trophies will be presented at the conclusion of each series of games.
Contenders League Finals.
9.30 City V Cons 9.50 City V All-Blacks 10.10 Cons V All-Blacks
Challengers League Final.
10.30 Rebels V Blues 10.50 Blues V Rockies 11.10 Rebels V Rockies
Champions League Final.
11.30 United V Rovers 11.50 Saints V Rovers 12 10 United V Saints.
Round 5 February 10th 2007
Saturday 10th February witnessed some brilliant indoor hurling contests at St. Anthony's School Hall in Ballinlough as competition for the various finals intensified. The Rockies defeated favourites Rebels by two goals in the opening game, however the Rebels bounced back immediately with a win over the All-Blacks.
A disappointed Rebels manager Jimmy Brohan was worried that his charges chances of qualifying for the Champions league finals on 3rd March next could be in jeopardy.
The Rebels have now two tough matches remaining on Saturday 17th against table toppers the Saints and second placed United.
" Its going to take some effort to overcome these two teams but with young fellows like the O'Mahony twins, Luke and Ryan, Alan Maher and Philip Buckley we will give it our best shot", Jimmy declared.
United is the real surprise of the leagues, now in second place under manager Harry Canning. However with players of the calibre of Paddy Lynch (surely a brilliant hurling prospect), Darragh Jones, Troy Kinnane and Simon Lougheed in his team, he will be there or thereabouts at the end.
Harry while delighted with his team effort stated,
" This competition will probably come down to a bounce of a ball in the end, just like the 2006 competition, however I am really looking forward to next Saturdays clash with table toppers Saints first"
Saturday 17th February sees some brilliant games in prospect, with United playing The Rebels at 9.30, followed by the top of the table clash between United and Saints at 9.50 in Ballinlough.
The advice is get there early if you want to see the very best of indoor hurling action. The games will continue until 12.30 each morning with the finals taking place on Saturday March 3rd.
Round 4 February 3rd 2007
The action continued at Ballinlough on Saturday 3rd February with a 22 goal thriller between City and United, with United coming out on top by 2 goals. Both teams received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.
John Kennedy, City manager was philosophical afterwards; "We must develop the will to win in the run in, we are losing games by very small margins, and we have had no luck recently he declared." Martin O'Farrell and Alan Morgan were outstanding for City.
United on the other hand have come with a late burst and are now second in the Mycro table, two points behind the Saints, due to the efforts of James O'Donovan and Cian Hurley. Max Hayes and Gary Cremin were in top form on Saturday for the Saints.
The All-Blacks are having a poor run at present however Jim Keating and Ciaran O'Connell are working very hard. The Rovers picked up two more points with Alex Kelly and Conor Kiernan to the fore. The O'Brien twins fresh from their gymnastics displayed some silken skills for the Blues who shocked the high flying Rebels. James Mulcahy and Niall Casey have been very consistent for the Rebels who will be in the final shake-up. Others to catch the eye on Saturday were Graeme Curran and Michael Morris for Cons and Barry Grainger and Luke Taylor for the Rockies.
The fifth round takes place at St. Anthony's School Hall on Saturday 10th February at 9.30, All welcome.
Round 3 January 27th 2007
There was a real shock at the Mycro Sports leagues on Saturday morning 27th January when table toppers " Saints" were comprehensively defeated 8 goals to 3 by a resurgent Rockies who were rooted to the foot of the table.
"We have absolutely no excuse whatever" declared John Cormack, the Saints supremo, "we were beaten by a better team, but we are still heading the table and we will not be caught again", he confidently predicted.
Once again there was some brilliant hurling at the Ballinlough venue, with the Rovers and Rebels picking up three points each from their games. United had two fine victories and joined the Rovers and Rebels on 8 points each behind the Saints with 10 points.
Double winners last week, Cons just managed one point from their games and slipped down the table. Another surprise arose when City held the Rebels to a 4 all draw but unfortunately lost out to the Rovers. It was a case of "singing the Blues" for the Blues as they slipped to a double defeat to the All-Blacks and United.
Round 2 January 20th 2007
The Saints, with Sean Dennehy and Kevin Green to the fore retained their 100% record in the Mycro Leagues played at Ballinlough on Saturday 20th January. They had a thrilling 2 goal victory over near challengers Rebels who have lost some ground despite the best efforts of John Cashman and Rory McCarthy. Rovers, the surprise packets with Luke McGee and Robert Lynam prominent have climbed the table with two victories and are now in second place.
The Cons with marvellous performances from Dean Torpey and Tighearnain Cremin also put together two victories against the All-Blacks and City respectively and could yet make the play offs.
The All-Blacks saw excellent displays from Seamus Hogan and Liam O'Sullivan. City moved up one place and can thank Jack O'Donovan and John Boylan.The Blues slipped down two places but it was not the fault of Brian Walsh and Seamus Adams who were brilliant.
United slipped up somewhat also however Troy Kinnane and Brian O'Mahony worked very hard on the morning they could still feature. The Rockies remain in contention and Oisin Wedel and Stephen Logan Lane will ensure they will remain formidable opponents for everybody.
Round 1 January 13th 2007
Almost 100 boys reported for this competition at St. Anthony's School in Ballinlough where nine games of hurling were played. There was some spectacular action and the Christmas layoff does not appear to have had much impact on the skill levels. Results:
Rebels 7 Rockies 6
Rebels 3 All-Blacks 0
Rockies 4 All-Blacks 4
Saints 7 City 3 Saints 8
The Blues 4 City 3
The Blues 6 Cons 1
Rovers 3 Cons 7
United 7 United 7 Rover 6
The Rebels inspired by the the O'Mahony twins Ryan and Luke went to the top of the table aided by two good victories. The Rockies had good performers in Keith hegarty and Andrew Kenneally while Philip O'Callaghan and Patrick Hogan were excellent for the All-Blacks.
The Saints join the Rebels as table toppers with two victories also. Alan Ring and Ciaran Cormac contributed to these victories. The Blues bounced back from an earlier defeat and with Naoise Crowley bagging 5 goals and some great play from Barry Forde cannot be written off yet. Luke Clarke and James Downey worked hard for the luckless City, but there is a long way to go.
Rovers got the better of Cons with Jack Linehan to the fore along with William O'Byrne. Cons later with Alan O'Callaghan and Adrian Daly playing inspired hurling had a thrilling draw with United. Paddy Lynch and Simon Lougheed were brilliant for United in their victory over Rovers.
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