HEARTBREAK FOR CPC ALL-IRELAND HURLERS

There was heartbreak for Ballycastle college Cross and Passion as their Tipperary opponents won Saturday’s All-Ireland colleges hurling final by 2-16 to 10 points.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Apr 2014, 10:46 BST
Cross and Passion hurlers pictured just before they departed for Kilkenny for the All-Ireland Colleges final.INBM17-14 110FCross and Passion hurlers pictured just before they departed for Kilkenny for the All-Ireland Colleges final.INBM17-14 110F
Cross and Passion hurlers pictured just before they departed for Kilkenny for the All-Ireland Colleges final.INBM17-14 110F

Colaiste Phobail Roscrea, which was formed in 1999, have appeared in no less than 17-major finals since — losing two All-Irelands — but it was third time lucky for them on Saturday at Nowlan Park.

However, they were made to sweat in the early stages as Cross and Passion had the better of the opening exchanges, leading 0-4 to 0-1 after five minutes thanks to points from Cormac McClafferty, John McErlean and Diarmuid McShane.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Roscrea fought back though and found themselves level at five points apiece after 20 minutes thanks in part to the free taking of Jordan Fogarty and it was Fogarty who grabbed the game’s first goal in somewhat controversial circumstances with the umpire ruling the sliotar had crossed the line despite the best efforts of the Ballycastle goalkeeper.

Pupils from St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's as well as Ballycastle High School turn out to support the Cross and Passion hurlers.INBM17-14 111FPupils from St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's as well as Ballycastle High School turn out to support the Cross and Passion hurlers.INBM17-14 111F
Pupils from St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's as well as Ballycastle High School turn out to support the Cross and Passion hurlers.INBM17-14 111F

That helped the Tipperary school into a 1-7 to 0-6 half-time lead and they really kicked on after the break, man-of-the-match Fogarty’s points ensuring their advantage had stretched to nine points with by the end of the third quarter and David Murray’s goal two minutes from time secured the Paddy Buggy Cup for Roscrea.

Despite the disappointment, messages of support flooded in, including one from CPC principal Mrs Barbara Ward: “Brilliant talent in this team. It was so disappointing for you all. Thank you all for representing CPC so proudly.”