Millstreet enjoyed a merited 1-11 to 0-4 triumph over Croke Rovers to capture the Duhallow U16B Hurling Championship title in Millstreet.
In fairness, both sides made a concerted effort in the glue like underfoot conditions to serve up a competitive hour’s hurling in the deplorable weather.
However, once Millstreet asserted their authority midway through the second half, there was never a doubt about the outcome and it allowed Millstreet take the inaugural Dave Hallahan Memorial Cup.
At times, both sides performed best against the elements, evident from Millstreet dictating much of the opening half and highlighted on points from David McCaul and Barry O’Reilly.
Rovers attempted to retrieve the situation but it failed to halt Millstreet from gaining a 0-5 to 0-2 interval advantage.
Matters looked ominous for Rovers upon the resumption as Millstreet restarted with the strong elements behind their backs. However as a sleet shower descended on the proceedings, Crokes rose to the challenge.
And their hopes were raised on a pair of points that cut the deficit to the minimum. Millstreet had the facility to raise the momentum and the game turned in the 42nd min on a delivery by the outstanding Michael Vaughan from outfield deceived the Rovers cover to find the net.
That score helped Millstreet take control, boosted by the industrious efforts of Darren Sheehan, Barry O’Reilly, McCaul and Vaughan. And Millstreet finished at a gallop, both Vaughan and McCaul confirming their accuracy to shoot three points apiece that put the icing on the cake.
Millstreet lined out as Pa Rohan,
Jamie Kelleher, Alan O’Connor, John Buckley,
John O’Mahony, Darren Sheehan,
Muiris O’Connor, Barry O’Reilly,
Michael Vaughan, Kieran Sheehan,
David McCaul, Tony Cronin,
Kieran Fraser, M Murphy,
S Cronin. Subs. Andrew Crean,
Donough Tarrant,
Patrick Looney, Michéal Buckley
