Passage U16 Hurlers Seek Final Glory

Passage 2-11 Kildorrery 3-7

What a week it has been for Passage West GAA Club.

Hot on the heels of their first-ever County Minor Hurling title, the club’s U16 hurlers took to the field on Wednesday night in Bishopstown for the semi-final of the U16 County Championship against North Cork divisional winners Kildorrery.

On a night fit for ducks, with rain lashing down throughout, a large and loyal Passage crowd braved the elements to cheer on their young side.

The conditions did little to dampen the excitement, as both teams went toe to toe in a thrilling encounter that served as a fantastic advertisement for hurling.

Passage, who were dealt a major blow last week, had to line out without their inspirational captain and county player Philip Heavey. But Philip’s absence didn’t seem to unsettle this young Passage side.

Full-forward David O’Connor opened the scoring after five minutes with a superb long-range point. Kildorrery replied instantly from the puck-out, setting the tone for what would be a pulsating, end-to-end contest from start to finish.

Morgan Kelleher’s direct running caused the North Cork defence endless problems.

Twice he came agonisingly close to raising a green flag, but he made his mark with two fine points. U15 county player Brian Griffin then added a well-struck free to give Passage a three-point cushion after 15 minutes.

To their credit, Kildorrery fought back and were rewarded with a well-worked goal to level proceedings. Passage, showing real character, hit back almost immediately when David O’Connor finished smartly to the net after Austin Horgan’s brilliant solo run and shot rebounded off the post.

Moments later, O’Connor was on target again, this time with a point created by Daniel Mooney, who weaved through several defenders with a dazzling solo burst.

Kildorrery refused to fade, responding with three unanswered points to leave a point in it with five minutes to go before the break.

The momentum swung again when Matthew Sheehy, who was dominating midfield, fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner to give Passage a four-point advantage.

Passage had several missed goal chances to extend their lead and were pegged back once more when Kildorrery landed a free and a superb individual goal right on the stroke of half-time.

At the interval, the sides were deadlocked at 2-5 apiece after a first half full of drama, skill, and heart.

Passage came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with Morgan Kelleher and David O’Connor registering a point each in the opening five minutes.

Passage were on top, controlling possession and creating chances at every opportunity. Brian Griffin extended the lead with a superb point, giving Passage a three-point cushion.

Kelleher and Horgan both came agonisingly close to goals before Kildorrery struck back with a brilliant goal from their centre-forward, keeping the tension high.

With ten minutes remaining, Kelleher’s fourth point of the night nudged Passage back in front, but Kildorrery responded with two points to take the lead for the first time in the match with just five minutes left.

A missed goal chance from Kildorrery could have handed Passage a mountain to climb, but David O’Connor’s long-range point brought the sides level, and the game looked destined for extra time.

That was until O’Connor was fouled and Brian Griffin struck the free over the bar, sending the Passage lads through to the County Final in a pulsating finish.

Scorers for Passage:David O’Connor 1-4, Morgan Kelleher 0-4, Brian Griffin 0-3 (2 frees), Matthew Sheehy 1-0

Team:Darragh Walton, Finn O’Connor, Reuben Ring, Ollie O’Neill, Daniel Mooney, Finn Brady, Sean Cash, Matthew Sheehy, Aidan O’Connor, Brian Griffin, Morgan Kelleher, Mark Barry, Austin Horgan, David O’Connor, Daniel Collier.

Sub used: Oisin Quigley. Subs not used: Noah Joyce, Hugo Murray, Sam Flynn, Padraig O’Driscoll, Ryan Doolan, Robert Allen and Eoghan O'Byrne

Passage U16s set for County Final after dramatic semi-final win.