John Lockes of Callan ensured their return to the Intermediate grade next year by winning the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Kilkenny Junior hurling title when they defeated Barrow Rangers by 1-14 to 0-14 in Nowlan Park on Monday last. Looking stronger than they had the previous week the Callanmen came into the replay with great confidence and balance. They enjoyed the advantage of an early goal scored by corner forward Shane Bergin but by half time Barrow Rangers had fought back to level terms 0-7 to 1-4.
However, John Lockes enjoyed the better of the second half, with their full back line in control and centre back John O' Neill in inspirational form. The southern team seemed to find scores slightly easier to come by and hit some excellent efforts, two in particular from the aforementioned John O' Neill from long range. The Barrow Rangers kept plugging away and scored some excellent points from Dermot Maher. With time running out Maher showed real grit when he closed the gap to four points with only three minutes remaining. Richard Doyle made a last gasp attempt to steal the game when he stormed towards the Callan goal and kicked the sliothar towards the goal only for it to be lifted over the crossbar by Paul Morrissey. This was the last hope for the Rangers and while they tried everything they knew they could not reduce the deficit and the title deservedly went to John Lockes. An ecstatic John Lockes Manager Bobby Kackman said after the game “ this game was a massive reward for the hard work and determination of the John Lockes team and their supporters who have stayed with us through thick and thin. Also the mentors Tommy O’Sullivan and Pat Purcell who put in such hard work to get us here.”
John Lockes: Paul Morrissey, Michael Gordon, Michael Roche, James Power, Adrian O’Sullivan, John O’Neill, Michael Hartley, Jason Corcoran, JP Corcoran, Robert Jackman, Paddy Kennedy, Owen McGrath, Ger Shelly, Simon Burke, Shane Bergin. Subs: Mathew Holohan, Declan Roche, Brian McCormack.
Barrow Rangers: Ian Holden, Kevin McDonald, Stephen Dormer, Martin Dormer, Patrick Purcell, Richard Doyle, John Kealy, Thomas Drennan, Martin Bambrick, Shane McEvoy, Cathal English, Denis Kealy, Derek McEvoy, Dermot Maher, Michael Whiteley, Subs: Jason Holden, Paddy Barcoe. Referee: Paddy Neary.
John Lockes will play against Ballyfin in Portlaoise on Sunday. Three buses will leave the town from the main bus stop on Green street at 11am. Cost per adult €10 and children €5. The club would like to fill the buses and have all the fans travel together for this new adventure for the famous club.
