JUNIOR 2 HC Final Preview: Clanns' scoring power can help them prevail
JUNIOR 2 HC Kilskyre/Moylagh to push them all the way
The Junior 2 HC may not be among the most high-profile competitions around but Clann na nGael and Kilskyre/Moylagh will be doing everything they can to claim victory when the teams meet in the the final this weekend. After all a precious piece of silverware is on offer.
As one Clann na nGael clubman pointed out victory will mean a great deal to those involved; players and mentor who have soldiered through the summer and now into the autumn.
"Winning a trophy is a great way to finish the season off," he said. Indeed it is.
Both teams have motored through their respective campaigns so far undefeated so this is an example of the immovable object against the unstoppable force.
Yet something has to give and we are of the view that Clann na nGael will, in the end, win out.
That view is partly based on the assertion that they clearly have a formidable ability, to turn chances into scores.
The team managed jointly by Sean Leavy, Seanie McGovern and David Geraghty finished their Group A phase with a scoring difference of plus 23 before they powered on to defeat Trim in the semi-final, 1-17 to 1-8, a comprehensive indication of a team motoring nicely. On the march.
As is normally the way at this level, the Clann na nGael team is made up of some seasoned campaigners such as former Rathmolyon player and current manager Gary Cole.
The bulk of the team, however, is composed of young players still at the foothills of their careers including Shane Leavy who slotted over 13 points in that win over Trim and Jaeic Murray, another who can turn chances into something more tangible on the scoreboard.
The team is captained by another young player, Cian Ivers. Kilskyre/Moylagh were no slouches either in racking up big scores in their Group B assignments.
Their score difference in the group phase was plus 10 - and in the semi-final they overcame Wolfe Tones, 3-12 to 2-14 with six players contributing to their final tally, a stat that augurs well for them.
Kieran Hannon, Joe Melia, Niall Farrelly and Ronan McGuinness are just some of the Kilskyre/Moylagh contingent who have played signifcant roles in helping the team get this far.
Kilskyre/Moylagh will carry a formidable threat into the final driven on by a strong desire to bright some silverwaree to the club but Clann na nGael have clearly the scoring power to get them over the line - and bring home the booty.
Verdict - Clann na nGael.
Player/manager Gary Cole (right) is still hungry for more success with Clann na nGael.