CASTLEBLANEY WIN ALL IRELAND HURLING 7'S SHIELD FOR 1ST TIME SINCE 2008!

(Match report by Diarmuid Coogan, Photo Credit Eamaon O'Callaghan.)

Castleblaney overcame the challenge of seasoned 7's specialists Eoghan Ruadh(Tyrone) to win the All Ireland 7's Shield for the 1st time since 2008.

The Tyrone lads would have loved to win the trophy for the 1st time since their inspirational captain, Damian Casey, died in 2022 and were very much in the  hunt as there were only 2 points between them at 1/2 time. (C'Blaney 1-8 E.R. 1-6)

Blaney goalkeeper, Hugh Byrne,  had come forward to support the attack in the 1st half and showed an opportunist touch to get his sides goal. He was to play a major role in the 2nd half but from a more conventional position. Early in the 2nd half, Byrne launched a long puck to forward Tommy Hughes in the left corner; Hughes plucked the sliothar out of the sky and showed a good turn of pace and gave ER goalie John Devlin no chance. (2-8 to 1-6). 

Hughes followed up with 3 more points but Eoghan Ruadh stayed in the fight and and following great points from Josh Ferguson and Brannan Molloy reduced the deficit to 1 point mid way through the half. (CB 2-11 ER 1-13).

However, Byrne remembered the script and sent another diagonal puck out to Hughes in the left corner who again plucked it out of the sky and angled his run towards goal before finishing to the net. (CB 3-11 ER 1-13).

Eoghan Ruadh rallied to get back on the scoreboard but their next attack was turned over and Byrne sent it to Hughes who on the left. Hughes could have had his hatrick but after committing the last defender, he unselfishly hand passed to the supporting Shea Casey for a tap in. (CB 4-11 ER 1-13)

Byrne then  sent a long free over and defender Cormac McNally added another point from a turnover. (CB 4-13 ER 1-13) 

At this stage, Eoghan Ruadh's cause looked hopeless but to their credit, they persevered and James McCann struck what seemed like a consolation goal to make it 4-13 - 2-13 but Brannan Molloy followed up a minute later with another well taken goal an suddenly it was a one score game! (CB 4-13 ER 3-13)

The next possession would be crucial and it fell to (who else?) Hughes and he arrowed the ball over, this time from the right, to give Blaney the assurance point. Blaney added another to run out 5 point winners in a very entertaining final. (CB 4-15 ER 3-13)

Castleblaney: Hugh Byrne, Brian Flannagan, Paudie Heaven, Cormac McNally, Aaron Kenny, Declan Hughes, Ultan McMahon, Shea Casey, Tommy Hughes, Zach McArdle.  Bainisteoirí: Padraig McArdle, Kevin Maloney, Eddie Heavin.

Eoghan Ruadh: John Devlin, James McCann, Ryan Devlin, Josh Ferguson, Cian McCrory, Lorcan Devlin, SP McKernan, Conall Molloy, Brannan Molloy, Turlough Mullin. Bainisteoir Seán Devlin.

Dúirt Siad: 

Castleblaney Ard Bainisteoir Kevin Moloney: "We've reached semi finals a few times over the years so it was great to get to the final for the first time since 2008; we got off to a good start with the goal from Hugh in the 1st half and when we were 2 up at 1/2 time, I said to the lads to just keep taking their scores. We've won our 1st match in the Monaghan championship and this is a great confidence boost to take into the rest of the championship. We look forward to defending the Shield next year!"

Eoghan Ruadh Sharp shooter Brannan Molloy: " It was a well run tournament; we really enjoyed it today as we do every year. We went unbeaten through the group and semi finals but 'Blaney just pipped us in the end. Fair play to them."