Clondalkin started their first game of 2016 with many regulars unavailable, including Tom Mc Grath, Thomas Ankers and Luke Sweetman. Despite this coaches Alan Hickey and Kevin Cullen were still able to pick a very strong squad for their trip to Athy to face a massive Portlaois side.
On a cold, wet and muddy day, Clondalkin started much the brighter of the two, as they set about defending their Lalor cup title. Good carries from Sean Brennan & PJ McAuley, clever angled kicking from John Murphy and powerful defence from Darren Madden, Leigh Berisford and Brennan again, saw Clondalkin deservedly lead 9-0 at half time, following three well struck Cunningham penalties.
Coach Alan Hickey opted for cup final experience in the second half, as he introduced returning former first team captains Ciaran & Kevin Cullen into the action, whilst also switching captain Steve Cunningham to outhalf and the impressive Murphy to full back. These changes along with fresh power in the front row, in the shape of Bobby Smith, allowed Clondalkin take full control of the contest. A snipe by Scrumhalf Josh Dunne, was followed by a great ball carry from French flanker Thibaut Remark and Smith was on hand for the offload and powered over from 15 meters with 3 defenders left in his trail. Clondalkin now lead 14-0.
Their second try was again finished by Smith in a similar manner, when replacement scrumhalf Dara Ward found Kevin Cullen in midfield. Cullen’s delayed pass sent Smith through a gaping hole and with one scared full back to beat, he impressively crashed over beside the posts. Cunningham added the extras for 21-0.
With time running out, Portlaois to their credit kept sending their strong baller carriers at Clondalkin and eventually got their reward with two late scores. This left a much fairer reflection for their efforts, on the final score board. Clondalkin were delighted to retain their Lalor Cup title. Coach Alan Hickey said “our work rate was non-stop, and our defensive as good as it has been all season. We expect to bring that into our remaining league fixtures and then into our towns cup campaign”. In the past two seasons Clondalkin have lost both a final and semi final in the Towns cup, so are certainly determined to add more silverware to Sunday’s title. The next fixtures are Clondalkin firsts & seconds at home to Suttonians in crucial 1A leinster league action in Gordon Park this Saturday, at 12.30 & 2.00.
Team (1-15)
Darren Madden, Garry Geoghegan, Ken Mc Mahon, Mick Heaney, PJ McAuley , Greg Dunne, Thibuat Remark, Sean Brennan, Josh Dunne, John Murphy, Carl Horan, Leigh Berisford, Lee Bagnall, Podge Murphy, Stephen Cunningham (captain).
Subs Bobby Smith, Ciaran Cullen, Kevin Cullen, Colin Lyons, Dara Ward.
