Sean Newell leads Sylane to Galway Premier Junior Hurling title
SYLANE forward Sean Newell produced an outstanding scoring display, finishing with nine points as his side edged past Abbeyknockmoy 1-17 to 0-18 to claim the Premier Junior Hurling Championship title at Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Abbeyknockmoy looked to have the upper hand for lengthy spells, but Sylane produced a powerful finish to turn the contest in their favour and secure a narrow victory. The decisive moment arrived on 48 minutes when Keelan Creaven found the net, with his goal ultimately proving the difference between the sides.
Sylane’s panel featured players from Corofin, Kilconly and Caherlistrane. Tom Kenny, who featured for Pádraig Pearses in the 2011 All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling semi-final, brought plenty of experience to Ronan Higgins’ side, while former Galway football goalkeeper Oran Burke also featured in defence. Their experience proved valuable as the winners showed greater composure when the contest reached its defining stages.
Abbeyknockmoy had recovered from an inconsistent group campaign, which saw them lose to both Ballinasloe and Sylane before recording victories over Salthill-Knocknacarra and Micheál Breathnach. Gerry Hennelly’s charges subsequently enjoyed comprehensive wins over An Spidéal and Kilbeacanty to book their place in the decider. Sylane, meanwhile, arrived as favourites and are unbeaten in 15 outings across League and Championship this year.
The sides were evenly matched during the opening exchanges, with the teams level at 0-5 apiece after 12 minutes. Newell had already registered four points for Sylane, while John Igoe also found the target. At the other end, Michael Molloy converted three placed balls, with Paul Flaherty and Jamie Collins also getting on the scoresheet for Abbeyknockmoy.
Molloy, who featured for the University of Galway in the Fitzgibbon Cup, edged Abbeyknockmoy in front on 13 minutes. They were then fortunate to escape when Paul Cooley misplaced a pass, allowing Igoe to intercept and fire a low shot towards goal. James Kelleher produced an excellent save, while Newell was unable to direct the rebound on target.
Molloy added four more frees and Collins registered his second point, but Sylane finished the half strongly. Newell, Emmet Sweeney, Ryan Keane and Keelan Creaven all contributed as Higgins’ side reduced the deficit to 0-11 to 0-10 at the interval.
Molloy and former Galway hurler Flaherty pushed Abbeyknockmoy three clear by the 38th minute. However, despite enjoying plenty of possession, Hennelly’s side had not built a sufficient advantage to put the outcome beyond doubt.
Sylane gradually increased the tempo and Newell brought them back within touching distance, leaving just two points between the sides at 0-15 to 0-13.
The Division Three League champions then capitalised on a defensive error to turn the game on its head. A misplaced connection from Coleman Maher allowed Keelan Creaven to pounce, with the Sylane forward making no mistake as he fired the sliotar into an unguarded net.
Newell added two further points to put the men in black and amber in a strong position, although Abbeyknockmoy refused to surrender. Molloy and Newell exchanged scores before the eventual man of the match extended Sylane’s advantage to four points, with the scoreboard reading 1-17 to 0-16 on 54 minutes.
Molloy responded with two frees as Abbeyknockmoy pushed for a late goal, but Oran Martin came out with possession in a crucial defensive intervention as Sylane held on to claim the title.
The victory secures Sylane's promotion to Premier Intermediate hurling for 2027, while they will also have a Connacht Junior semi-final to look forward to against Mayo champions Moytura on Saturday, November 15, at Tuam Stadium (1.30pm).
Brian Igoe, captain Oran Martin, Paul Ronan, Tomas Keane, John Igoe and Newell were among the standout performers for the champions. Molloy finished with an impressive 13 points for Abbeyknockmoy and received valuable support from Collins, Cathal Cooley, Muldowney and Flaherty.
SYLANE: J Hogan; A Lardner, T Kenny, B Igoe; S Burke, O Martin, O Burke; P Ronan (0-1), E Sweeney (0-1); J Igoe (0-1), R Keane (0-1), T Keane (0-3); S Newell (0-9, 0-4f), S Glynn, K Creaven (1-1). SUBS: D Mahon for Keane (34), C Fleming for S Burke (41), R Keane for Glynn (51), C Burke for Ronan (62).
ABBEYKNOCKMOY: J Kelleher; N Farragher, C Maher, C Langan; P Cooley, C Cooley, J Joyce; J Collins (0-2), E Blade; M Molloy (0-13, 0-12 f), P Flaherty (0-2), P Muldowney (0-1); T Moran, B Flaherty, C Forde. SUBS: D Coleman for P Cooley (32), N Mannion for Blade (53), K Flaherty for C Cooley (53, injury).
REFEREE: John Keane