Latest Laois Sport: Mountrath Community School clinch Leinster title

Wonderful Whelan points Mountrath Community School to Leinster success

Mountrath Community School proved too strong for Coláiste Eoin on Tuesday last as they were crowned 2nd Year Leinster Hurling champions in Fenagh, Carlow, after a convincing victory over the Dublin outfit on a score line of 5-18 to 2-8.

The Mountrath side took the lead in the first minute of the game and they never gave up this lead for the duration of this game. Castletown’s Daniel Whelan opened the scoring with a point from a free and two minutes later he scored the first goal of the game from a long-range free.

Coláiste Eoin settled into the game adding 2 frees to the scoreboard. Coláiste Eoin piled the pressure on Mountrath and looked to find their inside forward line with direct ball in. The Castletown duo of Seán Phelan and Conor Ryan were attacking the ball well and defending excellently ruling out any goal chances for the Dublin side. Cormac Keegan of Portlaoise was playing an influential role as he followed his man all over the field and really displayed his ability to win primary possession.

Donnchadh Carroll was storming into this game at 6 as he defended the middle marvellously throughout. The Mountrath club man added two super long range frees which really put Mountrath Community School in the driver seat going in at half time. Cormac Page and Taidhg Dalton made up this really strong Mountrath half back line. 

Kyle Handcock in midfield reminded the supporters in attendance in Fenagh that ‘route 1’ hurling is still alive as Clough man Fergal Brennan was on fire in the full forward line. Brennan was dominant in the air and his point scoring ability was a key a factor for the side, as his 3 first half points allowed Mountrath to take a strong lead in at half time on a scoreline of 3-11 to 3 points, with thanks to another goal from Whelan and the skilful Camross clubman Luke Hynes.

Colásite Eoin’s effort cannot be faulted as their second half performance was much improved from the first half showing. Mountrath just proved much too strong and skillful for the Dublin based school. Colt Shanhoe’s Paddy Farrell was electric as ever in midfield, his magical dancing feet and his ability to win ball allowed his midfield partner Kyle Handcock join the Mountrath attack with his darting runs forward.

Trumera’s Jack Mulhall and Luke Hynes worked tirelessly around the full forward line in winning the ball and popping it off to Fergal Brennan who was really on fire. Mulhall’s ability to read the break around the half forward line was also vital in allowing Dan Whelan to find space and to keep the scoreboard ticking. 

The Mountrath half forward line of Jack Rice, Dan Whelan and LJ Cuddy were dominant in winning puck outs and out balls in the middle third. Jack Rice’s workrate was extraordinary as he worked back the field helping the backs win vital ball. LJ Cuddy was promising throughout the competition and his great form was rewarded with a well finished goal in the second half. 

Bobby O’Connor made an impact coming off the bench winning vital possession in rucks, while Jacob Hillard and Conor Whelan were getting on the ball and setting up Whelan up front. Castletown’s Eoin Delaney and Daniel Cuddy added a physical edge when introduced and Delaney won a great ball in the air in the second half and set up Brennan for a well worked team score.

Colásite Eoin did score two late consolation goals past the dominant Odhrán Cuddy. The Castletown net minder commanded the goals and his defence throughout . Cuddy is following the footsteps of his father Ger as an upcoming promising goalie. Odhran’s delivery of the ball was the platform this energetic Mountrath side used as a springboard. 

Mountrath Community School really dominated this game from start to finish. They were crowned well deserved Leinster Champions on a scoreline of 5-18 to 2-8. A bright future of hurling is in store for these young talented hurlers and also for Mountrath Community school.

Team: Odhrán Cuddy; Seán Phelan, Conor Ryan, Cormac Keegan; Cormac Page, Donnchadh Carroll, Taidhg Dalton; Kyle Handcock, Paddy Farrell; LJ Cuddy, Daniel Whelan, Jack Rice; Jack Mulhall, Fergal Brennan, Luke Hynes.