Leinster JHC | Nh Moninne's Leinster campaign comes to an end against Clane

Naomh Moninne’s AIB Leinster Junior Hurling Championship Leinster journey came to an end as Kildare champions Clane ran out seven-point winners in an entertaining quarter-final at Dowdallshill this afternoon.

The Louth domestic double-winners matched the visitors stride for stride for much of the game, but a second-half purple patch ultimately settled the tie for the Lilywhites.

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Clane began brightly and dictated the early exchanges, going 0-4 without reply, as Caolan Smith, Dan Colbert, and Paddy McKenna found their range.

It took Naomh Moninne five minutes to register their first score, which came from a lovely point from Fionn Cumiskey. Conor Murphy then added two well-taken points to narrow the gap to just one.

Moninne captain Darren Geoghegan converted a 65 and two frees to edge his side in front for the first time on 15 minutes when the scoreboard read 0-7 to 0-6.

But Clane responded instantly through Colbert and McKenna as the sides traded blows in a lively first quarter.

Hugh Muldoon and Simon Healy pushed Clane three points clear again approaching half-time before Moninne struck a crucial blow when Mark Gahan scored a goal following a high ball in before striking it sweetly off his left to the back of the net.

Geoghegan added another point just before the whistle to give his side a point lead at the half-time break.

Half time: Naomh Moninne 1-9 Clane 0-11.

Moninne resumed where they left off. A Darren Geoghegan ’65 and fine efforts from Cumiskey and Ultan McEneaney had them two points ahead.

But Clane soon wrestled back control. Caolan Smith and McKenna levelled matters before Cormac Vizzard’s powerful point put the Kildare men ahead again.

Then came two quick goals, the first from substitute Shane Henry, who slotted past Conor White before turning provider a minute later for McKenna, who finished to the net for a second goal in as many minutes as Clane went 2-19 to 1-13 in front.

John Casey and Geoghegan tried to rally Moninne, but the loss of Kyle Rafferty to a second yellow card with five minutes remaining made the mountain even steeper.

Conor Murphy’s goal reignited belief, and Gahan’s point immediately after brought it back to five. But Clane had the final say with Smith landing two late points to seal the victory.

Moninne put up a brave fight as their provincial campaign draws to a close against Clane, who progress to the last four, where they will meet Laois’s Clonad in two weeks.

Full time: Naomh Moninne 2-17 Clane 2-24.

Naomh Monnine: Conor White; Darren O'Hanrahan, Gavin Baxter, Kyle Rafferty; Seán Magill, John Casey (0-1), James Murphy; Darren Geoghegan (c) (0-8, 4f, 2 '65), Michael O'Shea; Fionn Cumiskey (0-2), Tom O'Dwyer (0-1), Conor Murphy (1-3); Mark Gahan (1-1), Ultan McEnaney (0-1), Aaron McGuinness-Smith.

Subs: Matthew Fee on for Darren O'Hanrahan (37'), Sam Phelan on for Ultan McEnaney (42'), Conor Carraher on for Aaron McGuinness-Smith (51').

Clane: Mark Doyle; Aidan Mooney, Micheál Cahalan, Tom Malone; Dan Colbert (0-3), Seán Malone, Aaron Connolly; Seán Shanahan, Cormac Vizzard (0-3); Simon Healy (0-2), Seán Christanseen, Hugh Muldoon (0-2); Paddy McKenna (1-8, 5f, 1 '65), Caolan Smith (0-5), Daniel Malone.

Subs: Paddy Connolly on for Micheál Cahalan (22'), Shane Henry (1-1) on for Daniel Malone (HT), Cian Shanahan on for Simon Healy (56').

Referee: Mark Ryan (Dublin).