JP Ryans 0-14 Cu Chulainn 1-10
It was a familiar pairing in the National Canadian Senior Hurling Final after both Vancouver teams made it past Toronto opposition in the semi-finals.
It would prove to be the closest game between JP Ryans and Cu Chulainn with a solitary point proving the difference. After some fantastic weather for both semi-finals on the Saturday, a downpour sunday morning didnt take away from a competitive fixture between the fierce rivals.
From throw in it was clear that scores wouldnt come easy. Points were hard to come by but Aidan Baird and James Bergin got JP Ryans moving. Free’s were the majority of the scores in the early exchanges with Eamon Bracken proving vital, contributing a sideline cut from the right sideline along with his accuracy from frees. JP Ryans lead at the break 0-08 to 0-06.
Cu Chulainn got the better start in the second half with a goal to put them in front. With the wind and rain not calming down, both sides were finding it hard to settle, but a scores from Ferg Killeen and James Bergin got JP Ryans back up and running after some great delivery from Mansfield in the middle of the park. Free’s from Eamon Bracken had JP Ryans level 0-12 to 1-09.
A score from Cu Chulainns Tony Murphy had them take the lead coming into the last 5 minutes. That score seemed to spark JP Ryans. Every Cu Chulainn attack from then on was stopped. JP Ryan’s forwards began to up the pressure with Billy Lane, James Bergin and Richard Hurley tackling everything. The defense closed down and swept up every loose ball with Ian O’Shea, Rob Dunphy, Cathal Curran and Ronan Cathal. As with the first half, free’s would be the deciding factor in this game. Paul Murphy was brought down on the 60 yard line, Aidan Baird converted the free to level the game. With the game in the final minute, Baird and Killeen worked a scoring chance but a fantastic block by a Cu Chulainn defender put the ball out for a 65.
With the 65 being the last play of the game, anything but a score would mean extra time. Baird scored, and JP Ryans were crowned the inaugural Senior Hurling National Champions for 2022. This capped off an incredible weekend as the Intermediate Hurlers won their Final earlier in the day.
Team: Phillip Murphy, Ian O’Shea, Ronan Cahill, Robert Dunphy, Cathal Curran, Paul Murphy, Mark Mansfield, Richard Hurley, Eamon Bracken, Billy Lane, Aidan Baird, Ferg Killeen, James Bergin.
Subs: Kevin O’Shea, Willie Donnellan, Emmet Ryan, Eddie Fogarty, Colm O’Brein, Eoin Walsh.
