The AIB Leinster Junior Hurling Championship Quarter final set Clane alight as Naomh Eanna and Maynooth stepped forth. The game commenced with a pointed free from Kildare’s superb star Mark Cummins. However, a 15 minute silence scoring wise for Maynooth resulted in a colossal Gorey attack. Conor McDonald started the scoring pattern with two points while Justin Kenny and Michael Murphy capitalised on Maynooth’s indiscipline by pointing frees. The Naomh Eanna defence were diligent especially defenders Eoin Conroy and Darren Kelly while Harry Oliver was hardworking for the Lilywhites. It wasn’t long until Fiachra Lohan, Mark Cummins and Fearghal Molloy responded with points for the home side though. Tom Stafford’s effective work in the middle was the main cause of Conor McDonald’s keen sporting vision for set pieces which was mirrored by his point after twenty seven minutes. A late point for Maynooth’s Mark Cummins meant that Gorey ended the half with a one point deficit. Half time score Naomh Eanna 0-07 Maynooth 0-06.
The second half began with Maynooth dominance. The main Maynooth talisman Mark Cummins invented a Kildare 4 point lead with a slick flick passing keeper Barry Kinsella. Abruptly, the Gorey brigade revived and stunned the opposition as Justin Kenny ran riot on the Maynooth defence and the ball progressed to Conor McDonald who slotted the ball to the net with nine minutes gone. The Wexford crowd erupted with delight when Justin Kenny fired over a point to make the sides equal while Tom Stafford’s point from play had the crowd awestruck. The defence of Gorey were the gem in the Enda’s crown with the shovel work of Pedro Travers, Brendan Travers and Darren Kelly surpassing all expectations. While further scores from Mark Cummins made the margin tighter, the single scores from Padraig Doyle and Justin Kenny were a huge asset. Despite late attacks on goal from Conor McDonald, Gorey were jubilant as referee Maurice Keegan ended the game. Gorey were impressive but will desire to sharpen their swords prior to the Leinster Semi Final meeting with Lusmagh of Offaly or the Kilkenny Junior Champions in a fortnights time. Final score in Clane GAA Grounds, Co Kildare, Naomh Eanna 1-14; Maynooth 1-11.
Scorers: Conor McDonald 1-04, Justin Kenny 0-05, Padraig Doyle 0-03, Tom Stafford 0-01, Michael Murphy 0-01.
