Qualification: Pearses qualified for the Justin Cheevers Féile (B) final following three group wins. First they defeated Gort (5-9 to 2-6), on Thursday evening in Ballymacward. Oisin Flannery finishing with a sensational personal tally of 4-8 in that game! Then on to Ballyloughane (Liam Mellows) on Saturday morning. First opposition were Kiltormer and a big win for Pearses, 8-6 to 1-1. Seven different goal-scorers in this game. Eoin Lally with two!
Pearses still needed a win in Round 3, against the home team, Liam Mellows, to qualify in the last Group game. Like the Kiltormer game, Pearses were always in control winning 3-13 to 0-5. On then to the Semi-Final in Craughwell, against Ballygar. Pearses coming through, 4-8 to 1-3.
The Final: The Justin Cheevers Cup Final v Kilconieron was played in Kenny Park, Athenry on Sunday afternoon. The weather conditions were perfect and the two teams served up a cracking game. Pearses with the aid of the breeze led 1-4 to 0-2 at half-time. Kilconieron fought back well to level the game midway through the second half, but Pearses showed great character to regain the lead and hold out for the win.
Dean Reilly and Cathal Kitt got early points on the board for Pearses, before a Kilconieron response from a free. Luke Mitchell was then on hand to finish to the net from close range for Pearses after eight minutes. The remainder of the half, was closely contested, with three further points all from frees, two for Pearses (Oisin Flannery). 1-4 to 0-2 at half-time.
Oisin Flannery extended the Pearses lead just after half-time with a point, but Kilconieron then came to life. They scored five of the next six scores, one of them a goal to bring the teams level, 1-6 each. Pearses’ response was excellent, as Dean Reilly and Oisin Flannery steadied the ship, with three points in-a-row. Kilconieron pointed a late free, but Pearses held on for the two point win.
It was a great win and goes along with the U13 title won by this group last year. The team will now advance to the All-Ireland Féile competition to be played in the Ulster this year. Eoghan McCabe accepted the cup from Co. Juvenile Hurling Board Chairman Michael Hehir (Tuam) and made a fine speech. Dean Reilly was named man of the match and received his award from Juvenile Hurling sponsor Tom Monaghan of Ocean Hygiene. A big thank you to all who helped out in any way with the team during the Tournament.
Pearses Panel (and scorers v Kilconieron): Darragh McCabe, Brian Kelly, Eoghan McCabe, Niall Moran, Dean Reilly (0-2), Shane Hynes, Robert Hynes, Jack Barrett, Marc Hennelly, Cian Murphy, Cathal Kitt (0-1), Oisin Flannery (0-6), Luke Mitchell (1-0), Geordan Kenny, Eoin Lally, James Mitchell, Ethan Lally, Ethan Barry, Conor Moran, David Hillary. Manager: Mick Carr. Selectors: Des McCabe, Declan Moran.