Shining stars set to light up the future – Dungarvan Colleges 1-12 Kilkenny CBS 1-7

Dungarvan Colleges won by five but it could have been ten or more. Their superiority in all sectors was evident from the opening exchanges and only some erratic shooting prevented them from landing a knockout blow. It got a bit edgy mid way through the second half but they had plenty in hand. They didn’t need to put on a fireworks display, the silverware was all that mattered. The Croke Cup offered confirmation that there is something stirring up West.

They came up with the ideal blend of style and substance. Moments of individual brilliance mixed with grit and determination. They didn’t give their opponents a chance to settle on Saturday as they hassled and harried. Their persistence paid off when Michael Harney forced the Kilkenny corner back into a mistake and Ryan Donnelly pounced with a poacher’s finish.

Tom Devine and Tadhg Bourke took no prisoners in defence as they dominated in the air. Harney dropped deep to bolster that rearguard action against the breeze and they monopolised possession. At midfield, Colin Dunford’s pierced holes all afternoon with his pace and he was well supported by Cormac Curran. Christy Breathnach and Seamus Keating offered a rugged presence on either wing and they put in the spade work for the inside forwards to profit. The leader of the line was undoubtedly Patrick Curran who didn’t let the weight of expectation ruffle his feathers. He had eight shots at the target in the first half and scored six points. He was also fouled for two frees which he converted. These are the mere facts and figures however. His determination to win possession, his willingness to roll up the sleeves and track back, his aerial ability and his composure all add up to a troublesome time for the corner back that stays by his side. Even at the age of 17, there is already reason to get excited about what may unfold.

With all of these factors in their favour, Dungarvan still couldn’t pop the champagne corks at half time. Despite holding a firm grip on proceedings, they shot eight wides and also fluffed their lines when a couple of goal chances opened up in front them. An uncharacteristic defensive slip gave Paddy Cahill the simple task of finding the net and cutting the deficit. Towards the tail end of the half, they also gave up a couple of cheap frees that gave the Cats a glimmer of hope.

Even with the extra man, the Waterford combination left the door ajar. Paddy Deegan got in the way of Curran’s penalty and that kept the contest alive. Kilkenny then put together a purple patch of three unanswered points. Dungarvan slackened during that period. They brought Darragh Lyons into defence to operate as the extra man but the intensity levels dropped. Laurence Power was called into action and he redeemed his earlier error by blocking Kevin Kenny’s shot from close range. The wides continued to accumulate at the other end and they hit fourteen by the final whistle.

The gap narrowed to three but they got back on track. Ten minutes from time, Lyons won a vital free which was subsequently brought forward and Curran obliged. Seamus Keating also soared high to make a couple of telling contributions and late points from Harney and Curran made matters comfortable.

The attitude and application that brought them this success will serve them well as they move up the ladder. They have no shortage of skill and strength but their team work came to the fore. Darragh Duggan, Shane McGrath and Peter Power moulded a cohesive unit over two seasons and they took home three titles (two Hartys and an All Ireland) in convincing fashion. Patrick Curran may be the headline act but the supporting cast are also ready for the big gigs in the not too distant future.