The A.M Sports County Hurling féile took place this week in VBC Cloghan.
On Monday evening Castleblayney, Inniskeen, Latton, Monaghan Harps and Truagh U15 hurlers all battled it out in a round-robin series to see who would finish in the top two and progress to the final. The games compromised of two 10 minute halfs with the féile ethos of unlimited subs. Following the round-robin games both Castleblayney and Inniskeen claimed position one and two respectfully on the night.
On Tuesday evening both teams returned to play the final with this game now set at two 25minute halfs. In a nip and tuck first half Inniskeen went in at the break leading 1.07 to 0-04 with the goal coming on the final attack of the half. Both teams emerged for the second half determined to book their place at National féile in Wexford next month. A couple of early scores at the beginning of the second half helped Inniskeen build a platform that they were able to hold onto and to Castleblayneys credit they attacked Inniskeens goal with real pace as they went in search of much needed scores which Inniskeen manfully defended. Full-time score Inniskeen 1.14 Castleblayney 0.08
There were joyous scenes at the full time whistle as Inniskeen claimed their first féile win since 1997 and go forward to represent the County at National on June 21st, with Castleblayney representing Monaghan at the regionals. Well done to both teams on producing such an exciting final on the night. Monaghan GAA Hurling Officer Patrick Hannon presented the féile trophy on behalf of the County board to Inniskeen Captain Oisin Jones
Monaghan GAA would like to thank referees Derek Maguire, Peter Boylan, David Hurson and Malachy Trainor for their officiating over the two days, Patrick Hannon & Adrian Dalton (Coiste na Nóg) for their organisation and administration of the competition and to Emmet in Cloghan for the use of the pitches.
Lastly, a well done to all five teams on their performances at this weeks games. There is plenty of hurling left instore for these young players with the Monaghan U14 & U16 leagues both commencing over the next number of weeks!
