Austin drives Borris to title

Borrisokane CC 2-9 Coláiste Mhuire, Johnstown 0-8

Borrisokane Community College of Tipperary claimed their first All-Ireland Vocational Schools senior hurling title with a late surge to sweep aside Leinster kingpins Coláiste Mhuire of Johnstown.

But for over 50 minutes, neither side looked anxious to win, or indeed worthy of winning. In perfect conditions for hurling, it was 1-2 to 0-3 at the break, and 1-6 to 0-8 on 55 minutes, and the thought occurred that a draw was the best result to offer redemption for two sides playing well below their true potential.

In the final ten minutes however, Borrisokane finally began to show the form that got them to this stage, with a well-taken goal and three points without reply proving too much for Johnstown.

The Kilkenny school had looked the more likely in the opening half, but were let down by their shooting. Three points in that period, eight wides, not the kind of return that will make you All-Ireland champions.

In fairness, they were put under considerable pressure by a tight-marking Borrisokane defence, captain Ray McLoughney leading by example from his centre-back slot, Kevin Gleeson anchoring the full-back line. One point was all that defence conceded in that opening half, with the balance of Johnstown’s scores from midfielders Noel McGree and Ian Grant.

Top scorer on the day, however, and most impressive performer by some distance, was another midfielder, Phillip Austin. How the Tipperary minor selectors must rue the fact that this guy is overage for this year’s competition, by a mere two days. With a major say in both goals - the scores that decided this game - Austin was the major difference between the teams.

The first goal came in 24th minute, at which stage Borrisokane had only one point on the board, scored by Austin himself.

Set up by a dodgy pass from full-forward Darrell D’Arcy (looked like he dropped his hurley to palm the ball away), it led to a scorching run by Austin from 50m, equally scorching finish.

The second goal came at an even more crucial time - this time Austin turned provider; a super catch in midfield, another searing run, a trail of defenders left in his wake, drew the full-back before parting to D’Arcy to finish.

That broke the heart of the Kilkenny school’s challenge, and Borrisokane finished in style, a brace of points from corner-forward Eoin Gleeson.

Scorers: Borrisokane: P. Austin 1-2 (0-1 free); E. Gleeson 0-3; D. D’Arcy 1-0; R. McLoughney 0-2 (frees); D. O’Meara, C. Dooley, 0-1 each. Johnstown: N. McGree 0-4 (frees); I. Grant, K. Grehan, K. Hughes, R. Fitzpatrick, 0-1 each.

BORRISOKANE CC: P. Coen; R. Davis, K. Gleeson, K. Cahalane; B. Cahalane, R. McLoughney (c), C. Dooley; G. Goheny, P. Austin; D. Bevans, J. Burke, D. O’Meara; D. Morkham, D. D’Arcy, E. Gleeson.

Subs: J. Stack (Morkham 45); D. Power (Bevans 50).

COLÁISTE MHUIRE: D. Guilfoyle; M. Harte, D. Brennan, P. Kenny; J. Bergin, B. Hughes, P. Bergin; N. McGree (c), I. Grant; G. O’Reilly, K. Grehan, N. Stanley; J. Tobin, K. Hughes, C. Mackey.

Subs: R. Fitzpatrick (Tobin 30); E. Phelan (O’Reilly 45); C. Costelloe (Brennan inj. 50).

Referee: J. McGrath (Westmeath).