AHL 1 Roundup - 21st June

ADULT HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION ONE ROUND-UP: JUNE 21

After holding off a late surge from Naomh Fionnbarra at Pope John Paul II Park on Wednesday evening, St Jude’s kept their position at the top of the Adult Hurling League Division One table with a 1-17 to 1-13 victory.

The Wellington Lane side had suffered their first defeat of the campaign at the hands of neighbours Ballyboden St Enda’s on June 10th, but with free-taker Colm O’Callaghan in fine form, they developed a strong first-half platform against Fionnbarra.

The full-back line of Kevin Treacy, Eoin McLoughlin and Manus Malone were excellent throughout, and even though they conceded a goal to the Cabra men in the latter stages of the opening period, they ultimately brought a 0-11 to 1-4 lead into the interval.

O’Callaghan was ably-supported in attack by John Ryan and Mark Maguire - and it was a close-range three-pointer by Maguire that reinforced the away side’s superiority after the restart. Fionnbarra reduced the gap again during the closing moments of the contest, but despite creating some promising chances on goal, they couldn’t prevent Jude’s from claiming their fourth league win of 2017.

Second place in the top-flight is currently occupied by Kilmacud Crokes - who bounced back from recent defeats to Jude’s and St Brigid’s with a 5-17 to 1-15 home triumph over Crumlin. Although they fielded without a number of first-team regulars, Crokes were able to call on the services of Oisin O’Rourke, and his first-half goal propelled the Stillorgan men towards a commanding 1-12 to 0-8 lead at the break.

Liam Cantwell and Martin Connor delivering accomplished defensive displays, and while Crumlin initially kept within touching distance, Crokes discovered an extra gear in the second period. The lively Alex Considine raised a green flag for the hosts, and with O’Rourke bringing his final haul up to 2-10, they were deserved winners on the night.

Ballyboden St Enda’s are another team that have shown good form in recent weeks, and they edged a thrilling encounter against St Brigid’s with just three points to spare (4-18 to 3-18) at Sancta Maria. St Vincent’s had gone four games without a win heading into their meeting with northside rivals Na Fianna on Tuesday, but they emerged with a morale-boosting 5-16 to 1-16 victory.

Meanwhile, Craobh Chiarain received a walkover from Cuala for their proposed clash at Clonshaugh, which helped them to leapfrog Naomh Fionnbarra and Crumlin in the table.

By Daire Walsh