Hurley sticks out as a jewel in the crown for Garryowen

GARRYOWEN believe they have discovered a gem of a scrum-half in Midleton boy Gerry Hurley.

A product of Rockwell College, the 21-year-old Hurley has burst on the AIB League scene this season with outstanding results for his club.

He has been at the heart of their challenge for a top-four place and came up trumps again on Saturday when Garryowen scraped the 26-20 victory over Blackrock College that clinched a home semi-final against Belfast Harlequins in two weeks’ time.

It was far from a vintage Garryowen display, but even as they struggled for parity up front and were mauled off the pitch by a physically stronger opposition, the class and scoring potential of their number nine ensured that a half-time lead of 23-6 would not be relinquished.

Having kicked an early penalty, Hurley then made a stunning lateral break from the base of a scrum before straightening and dummying his way through for a try that he converted himself.

After knocking over a second penalty, Hurley produced a delightful reverse pass that opened the way for hooker Pat Humphreys to romp over for a try to which the scrum-half duly added the points. Throw in a crucial late pressure penalty when Garryowen’s lead had been reduced to a precarious 22-20, and one understands the importance of Hurley’s contribution of 21 points.

However, it wasn’t just his ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over that captured the imagination.

Hurley was called upon to perform almost every duty by his astute coach Paul Cunningham, whether it was tactical kicking, finding lengthy touches off penalties, sniping away from rucks and mauls and generally doing all he could to keep his side moving forward. Little wonder, then, that Cunningham was singing his praises afterwards.

“Gerry has done a great job for us this season,” he agreed. “He has all the skills; he reads a game well; he kicks and passes well. From the first day of the league in Carlow, he showed he has what it takes.

“He was one of five members of our side who played with the Munster Development team in France a couple of weeks ago.

“I’m not surprised we’ve qualified for the knock-out stages. The players maintained from the outset that we could make the top four.

“We got off to a nice start by beating Carlow and Galwegians but it was our win over Shannon at Thomond Park that proved the catalyst.

“Even though we lost our next two games against Harlequins and Clontarf, beating Shannon made the lads believe in themselves and they have now won their last eight matches.

“The professionals came in at odd times, Wally (David Wallace) even played up in Dungannon. They were a great help and were willing to contribute whenever available. Although he has been injured for the past couple of matches, our captain Peter Malone has been superb and our junior team also helped enormously.

“Blood was spilt at training sessions because they were all set on making the first XV and we had seven or eight guys ready to step in.”

It was hardly necessary for Cunningham to stress how difficult it would be for Garryowen to capture the title for the third time, and the first since 1994.

He pointed to the strength of Shannon and how Harlequins had won the last meeting of the sides. He also had the evidence of Saturday’s game to underline how far removed his side is from the finished article - nor will their prospects be helped by the shoulder injury that forced out-half Billy Treacy out of the game on the half hour.

He is now doubtful for the semi-final, although Cunningham is confident that Peter Malone will be fit to take his place in the back-row.

The season ended on a disappointing note for Steve McIvor, a one-time favourite at Garryowen and now obliged to stand down as “Rock” coach after only 12 months in the job. No more than any other club, Blackrock are feeling the financial pinch.

But while the AIL can keep producing talents like Gerry Hurley, there must always be a place for the competition in Irish rugby.