A superb 56th minute point from Henry Bevans ensured that the local derby between Shinrone and Ballyskenach in Group ‘B’ of the Offaly S.H.C. finished in stalemate at Clareen last Saturday.
While the game meant nothing in terms of the championship picture as both teams were already out, neighhours Shinrone and Ballyskenach served up an entertaining and tightly fought encounter and with much pride at stake it fittingly I ended in a draw.
After losing their previous three matches this was a good result for Shinrone who used last Saturdays game to give experience to some of their younger players and they took full advantage of the opportunity as the likes of William Comerford, Henry Bevans and Sean Ormond all hurled well.
Ballyskenach too, had a strong youthful look about them and with new talent coming through the ranks maybe in one of the the years ahead they will be pushing for county honours.
Shinrone opened their account in the 2nd minute with a pointed free by John Doughan but either side of this score they were denied goals as Eugene Kirwan made fine saves to deny Declan Loughnane.
Shinrone were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute after Loughnane was fouled and John Doughan drove this to the net with venom. Brendan Keeshan converted a free and Torn Cleare added another point as Shinrone opened up a 1-3 to nil lead after 7 minutes.
Three minutes later Ballyskenach ended their scoring famine. Mick OHara won the sliotar back after being blocked down and he set up Noel Murphy who pointed. Vinnie Franks scored two points in-a-row and John Dooley pointed a free to cut the gap to two points - 0-4 to 1-3. Shinrone finished the half well and a fine point by William Comerford gave them a 1-4 to 0-4 cushion at the break.
Shortly after the restart Shinrone increased their lead to six points after John Doughan pointed a free and Declan Loughnane knocked over two points from play. Ballyskenach hit back with three points themselves, courtesy of John Dooley, Donal Franks and David Franks (free).
Shinrone surged five points up again - 1-9 to 0-7 -after Sean Ormond and Declan Loughane hit the target, but the gap was quickly back to three after Noel Murphy and David Franks pointed. In the 51st minute Ballyskenach notched the equalising goal. Aidan Franks and John Dooley played important roles in the buildup before Vinnie Franks drilled a low shot past Jason Ryan.
Ballyskenach then went ahead for the first time when John Dooley converted a free, but Henry Bevans equalised after he pointed on the run following a long solo run. And, so, it ended all square after an entertaining derby.
Shinrone were best served in defence by John Doughan, P.J. Cleary and John Cleary. William Comerford had a fine outing at midfield, while Declan Loughnane and Henry Bevans caught the eye in their attack - Sean Ormond also made a positive impression after his introduction.
Ballyskenach netminder Eugene Kirwan made some fine saves es in the early stages, while Mick O'Hara, Eugene Hannon and Aidan Franks defended well. John Dooley worked hard at midfield with Vinnie Franks, Noel Murphy and David Franks doing well upfront.
SHINRONE: Jason Ryan, Pascal Hoctor, Flannan Cleary, P.J. Cleary, John Cleary,
John Doughan (1-2, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 frees), Eugene Ryan, Liam Cleare, William
Comerford (0-1), Henry Bevans (0-1), Tom Cleare (0-1), Brendan Keeshan (0-1,
1 free), Declan Loughnane (0-3), Seamus Morkan, Padraig McLoughlin
Subs.: Sean Ormond (0-1) for Brendan Keeshan (29 mins), and Ger Egan for Eugene
Ryan. inj., (halftime).
BALLYSKENACH: Eugene Kirwan, Eugene Hannon, Cathal Murphy, Ollie Ryan; Liam
O'Toole, Mick O'Hara, Aidan Franks, John Dooley (0-3, (1-2 frees), Donal Franks
(0-1) David Carney, Noel Murphy (0-2), Brendan Murphy, David Franks (0-2,
frees) Peter Murphy, Vinnie Franks (1-2)
Subs: Tom O'Toole for David Carney (38 mins), and Kevin Franks for Peter Murphy
(49 mins)
REFEREE Brendan Finnerty, Crinkle