O’Brien blasts hat trick as Ardscoil overcome Midleton CBS:

O’Brien blasts hat trick as Ardscoil overcome Midleton CBS:

By Michael O Connor, Fethard

Munster U15A Hurling Final: Ardscoil Rís 3-17 Midleton 2-8

The burgeoning reputation of Clare’s Ian O’Brien received a further boost as he struck 3-4 to lead Ardscoil Rís to another Munster success in the Fr O’Dowd Cup in wet and windy Fethard on Wednesday afternoon.

Holders Midleton CBS were against the wind and behind in 10 seconds when Ardscoil captain Ian O’Brien goalled. The Limerick school raced six clear before John O’Sullivan struck a stunning goal for Midleton after 10 minutes.

It was vital for Ardscoil to construct a meaningful lead with the elements and Billy Galvin and O’Brien pointed before Sam Ring pulled one back.

Midleton lost full forward and free-taker Ring as Gavin O’Brien, Shane Waters, with his fifth free, and Xavier Nelligan tagged on further Ardscoil Ris scores to lead (1-10) to (1-3) after 25 minutes.

Ian O’Brien then struck for his second goal deep into first-half injury time to give Ardscoil an imposing 2-13 to 1-4 half-time advantage.

Midleton hope was extinguished when Ian O’Brien bagged his hat-trick against the run of play on 38 minutes. Midleton replied with a goal from sub Daniel P Walsh but the physically imposing Ardscoil remained in control.

Ard Scoil Ris scorers: Ian O’Brien (3-4), Shane Waters (0-9, 8 frees), Gavin O’ Brien, Aaron Kelly, Billy Gavin, Xavier Nelligan (0-1 each)

Midleton CBS scorers: John O’ Sullivan (1-1), Liam Walsh (0-4), Daniel P Walsh (1-0), Sam Ring (0-2) Colm Smiddy (0-1)

ARDSCOIL RÍS: Sam Collins (Crecora/manister), Rowan Collins (Adare), William Ryan (Murroe Boher), Cian Hickey (Crecora), Cathal McKenna (Pallasgreen), Aaron Kelly (Cratloe), Billy Galvin (Ballybrown), Shane Waters (Na Piarsaigh), Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell), David Moran (Ahane), Xavier Nelligan (Killmallock), Eamonn O’ Sullivan (Adare), Gavin O’ Brien (Kilmallock), Ian O’ Brien (Cratloe)(capt), Rian Horgan (Murroe Boher).

Subs: Oliver Sherlock (Cratloe) for Moran, Colm Ryan (Newport) for O’ Brien, Donagh Horgan (Murroe Boher) for McKenna, Sean O’ Bren (Na Piarsaigh) for O’Sullivan.

MIDLETON CBS: Will Stokes (Midleton), Pol O’ Connor (Lisgoold), Peadar Egan (Midleton), Braden Dunlea (Midleton), Daniel Guiney (Lisgoold), Padraig Murphy (Fr O Neills), Finn Cahill (Midleton), Alfie Hennessy (Midleton), Daniel Sheahan (St Colmans), Jack Cahill (Midleton), Colm Smiddy ( Kiltha og) Charlie McCarthy (Midleton), John O’ Sullivan (Midleton), Sam Ring (Carrigtwohill), Liam Walsh (Midleton).

Subs: Ciaran O’Brien (Midleton) for Ring (inj), Daire Collins (St Colemans) for Sheahan, Daniel P Walsh (St Colmans) for Cahill, Ethan Foley (Midleton) for McCarthy.

Referee: Tom Loughnane (Tipperary)