Red card no barrier as Clonea claim division 2 county crown
Clonea players celebrate after defeating Fourmilewater in their J.J Kavanagh & Sons Division 2 Minor Hurling Co. Final played at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field. Photos: Maurice Hennebry
Fourteen-man Clonea are the JJ Kavanagh & Sons County Minor Hurling Division 2 champions for 2026 after overcoming neighbours Fourmilewater at Azzurri Walsh Park on Wednesday evening.
Overall, the better team won. Fourmilewater struggled to make an impact during the opening half and were fortunate to trail by only eight points at the interval, with Clonea holding a commanding 1-8 to 0-3 advantage.
Fourmilewater improved significantly after the break and appeared to receive a major boost on 38 minutes when Clonea's James Skehan was shown a straight red card for a high challenge. Referee Martin Curran, who was well positioned close to the incident near midfield, had little hesitation in issuing the dismissal.
In recent years, the name Billy Power has become synonymous with Clonea, particularly through the exploits of the county senior panellist. Another Billy Power was the standout performer for the winners on this occasion, contributing eight points and playing a pivotal role in securing the title.
Clonea made the brighter start with points from Jesse Kiely and Billy Power. Their early dominance was rewarded on four minutes when Tom Lynch delivered a long ball towards the stand side corner. Ronan Kirwan gathered possession and fired to the net, giving Clonea a five-point lead.
Fourmilewater responded through Cruz Peters and David Ryan, but points from Billy Power and Billy Lynch kept Clonea firmly in control and 1-4 to 0-2 ahead midway through the half.
Further scores from Fionn Walsh and Billy Power extended the lead to seven points. Gavin O'Sullivan briefly stemmed the tide for Fourmilewater, but points from Billy Power, from a 65, and Robert Skehan left Clonea in a commanding position at the break, leading 1-8 to 0-3.
Clonea continued to dictate matters on the restart, with Peter Murray and Jack Halpin extending their advantage before Eoin Lavery replied for Fourmilewater.
The dismissal of James Skehan on 38 minutes gave Fourmilewater renewed hope, and Conor Walsh pointed the resulting free. Additional scores from Aidan McMaugh and DJ McGrath reduced the deficit to six points.
A Billy Power free briefly halted Fourmilewater's momentum, but the West Waterford side continued to push forward. Two Conor Walsh frees, along with a point from Conor Murphy, brought the margin down to four.
The next score proved crucial and it fell to Clonea. Ronan Kirwan's delivery from the stand side was gathered by Jack Halpin, who blasted to the net and restored a seven-point cushion.
Substitute Ben O'Gorman pulled a point back and, with two minutes remaining, Rocco Cuddy's effort was batted to the net by Eoin Lavery, reducing the gap to just three points.
However, Clonea showed greater hunger in the closing stages. Billy Power converted a free before Conor Walsh replied in kind at the other end. Power then sealed victory in stoppage time with a well-taken 65.
Following the final whistle, County Board Vice Chairman Brendan Tobin presented the championship cup to Clonea joint captains Daire Crotty and Billy Lynch in front of a large support who had gathered on the field to celebrate their side's success.
Billy Power 0-8 (4f, 3 65s), Ronan Kirwan 1-1, Jack Halpin 1-1, Jesse Kiely 0-1, Robert Skehan 0-1, Fionn Walsh 0-1, Peter Murray 0-1.
Conor Walsh 0-4 (3f, 1 65), Eoin Lavery 1-1, Cruz Peters 0-1, David Ryan 0-1, Tomás Walsh 0-1, Aidan McMaugh 0-1, DJ McGrath 0-1, Gavin O'Sullivan 0-1, Conor Murphy 0-1, Ben O'Gorman 0-1.
Jack Mackey; Daire Roche, Stephen Hearne, Joe Kennedy; Fionn Walsh, Tom Lynch, Daire Crotty; Jesse Kiely, Robert Skehan; James Skehan, Billy Power, Peter Murray; Jack Halpin, Billy Lynch, Ronan Kirwan.
Michael Cummins for Robert Skehan (55), Oisin Power for Jack Halpin (63).
Aaron Wyse; Finn Walsh, Tomás Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan; Conor Murphy, Cruz Peters, David Ryan; Olan Doocey, Aidan McMaugh; Conor Walsh, Rocco Cuddy, DJ McGrath; Gavin O'Sullivan, Andy Ryan, Eoin Lavery.
Ben O'Gorman for Finn Walsh (34), Jayden Cuddy for Gavin O'Sullivan (55).
Martin Curran (Old Parish).
