The next round of the East championship pitted Ahane against Kilteely/Dromkeen in Cappamore on Sunday evening.

In what was a fine game of hurling, Ahane with the aid of the evening breeze started the livelier with some lovely scores. Minor player Luke O’Sullivan finished Ahane’s first goal clinically to the net from 2 yards, while another rising star Ollie Moran landed a number of fine points from play in a first half that saw Ahane leading 1-13 to 0-6 at the break. Some great work in defence, including another minor Conor Heffernan at wing back, beside Ciaran O’Mara and veteran John Doheny ensured Ahane were in a strong position at half time. The full back line of Tristian O’Sullivan, Mikey Hayes and Killian Carroll protected keeper Jonathan Hayes admirably throughout.

The second half saw a much closer affair with Kilteely scoring a couple of early goals to bring them right back into the game. The Ahane lads didn’t panic and kept the scoreboard ticking over, through some sterling work by Willie Brennan an midfield, and forwards Enda Carroll, Pat and Andrew Minihan and Tommy Clifford.

In a determined effort to keep all those in attendance engrossed in proceedings, Ahane conceded another late goal to bring Kilteely to within 2 points when the referee Patsy Coffey called an end to proceedings with Ahane still ahead by 3-17 to 3-15.

There wasn’t a water bottle safe from manager Jim Hackett’s right boot when the final whistle blew. Some say the joy of victory was too much, others say he had read the scoreboard incorrectly at full time!

Next up is Murroe/Boher this weekend, venue and date to be confirmed at time of writing. Please keep an eye on our Clubify App for the most up-to-date club fixtures and results.