The final of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior A League (Division 3) took place on the 1st May 2017 in Ballyhale and saw Piltown & Thomastown battle it out.
Unfortunately, it wasn't Piltown's day as Thomastown proved too strong in the May Day encounter. While Thomastown were the stronger team, Piltown were still within striking distance at half time. Thomastown opened the scoring with a point from Dylan Caulfield right from the throw-in. There was a lot of great defending until Thomastown's Michael Donnelly scored their second point in the seventh minute followed by a point from Andy Walsh. Piltown's first point came in the 11th minute from a lovely strike by Adam Grace.
Thomastown continued their attack, scoring four more points before Piltown registered their second, from a John Kenny converted free. Thomastown's Dylan Waugh and Michael Donnelly added two more points before MJ Farrelly had a shot on goal saved by Darragh McGarry and Philly Kenny converted from the 65. Thomastown's Gary Lahane pointed in the 25th minute before Shane Walsh found MJ Farrelly who sent the ball high over the bar. A long range free from Conor Friend found Philly Kenny who closed out the half with a lovely point. HT score: Piltown 0-5, Thomastown 0-10.
Piltown opened the second half with a point from Andrew Norris. The next 10 minutes were scoreless until Thomastown added three points, two from converted frees and then a Philly Kenny free found Kevin Brophy who accurately flicked the ball into the back of the Thomastown net. However, Thomastown responded with another four points, one from a converted free. A fine strike by Kevin Brophy in the 49th minute was well-saved by Darragh McGarry and John Kenny pointed on the rebound. Stevie Wemyss added another to the Thomastown tally before a clearance from John Brophy found Philly Kenny who added another point to his tally. Another clearance from Conor Friend in the 56th minute was picked up by Andrew Norris who sent it over for what would be Piltown's final score of the afternoon. Two more points from Thomastown, one from a converted free, closed out the match. FT score: Piltown 1-9, Thomastown 0-20.
Piltown panel: David Burchill, Thomas Murray, Shane Walsh (capt), Conor Friend, Shane Doody, John Brophy, Aaron Gallagher, Adam Grace, Andrew Norris, Ian Long, MJ Farrelly, John Kenny, Jamie Norris, Philly Kenny, Dean Brophy.
Subs used: James Kirby, Kevin Brophy, Niall Kinsella, Kieran Flynn.
Thomastown panel: Darragh McGarry, Fergal Challoner (capt), Cian O'Mara, Eddie Corrway, David Griffin, Brian Hanrahan, Ned Tennyson, Eoin Manning, Johnny Barron, Michael Donnelly, Dylan Caulfield, Garry Lahane, Andy Walsh, Dylan Waugh, Darren Burke.
Subs used: Stevie Weymms, Gary Mason, Eoin Treacy, Colin Corrway.
Ref: Paschal Connolly
To see photos of the final, go to Gallery, Club Photos (Junior A league final v. Thomastown)
