St. Mary's................1-06
Ballydurn.................1-04

24-November-1989
Those whole hearted hurlers from Touraneena completed a truly unique championship double at Walsh Park on Sunday afternoon last when they held out in an exciting finish to defeat Eastern champions Ballydurn by a two point margin. Thus, St. Mary's added the Co. Junior hurling title to the Intermediate football Co. title already safely in the bag by Sliabh gCua.

Ballydurn had first use of the strong breeze blowing into the country end and while they had a point by Michael Hubbard from a free in the 4th minute they failed to rise another flag in the half. St. Mary's levelled it up with a point from a free by Lar Whelan in the 8th minute and the same player put them in front in the 15th minute when he was again on target from a free.
Amazingly, we did not have another score from either team in this half. It certainly was not for the want of honest to goodness endeavour, but with the ground conditions soft underfoot and the marking very close and tight by both teams there was little room for fancy hurling.

LEVEL PEGGING

On the turn over Pa Hallinan pointed a "65" in the 36th minute and young Kieran Hallahan added another point from play in the 41st minute (0-4 to 0-1). With the breeze behind them St. Mary's now looked to be on the high road to victory.

Ballydurn who were coached for this final by Kilkenny All-Ireland star Christy Heffernan, playing into the breeze struck for a goal per centre half forward Nicky Hally in the 44th minute to level the scoring at (0-4 to 1-1). Tom Condon replied quickly for St. Mary's with a point from play to regain the lead in the 45th minute (0-5 to 1-1).

Back came Ballydurn for a point by Ger Bagge in the 46th minute to level it up again and Nicky Hally put the Eastern champions in front in the 47th minute (1-3 to 0-5). St. Marys missed two chances from frees and for the only time in the game the initiative appeared to be slipping away from them.

With 52 minutes played St. Mary's were awarded a free on the 20 metre line about 10 metres to the right of the right upright. As veteran Lar Whelan lined up to take the free he appeared to lift it somewhat off balance but quickly re-adjusted to send in a low drive which completely wrong footed the Ballydurn defenders to end up in the net (1-5 to 1-3). From the puck out Eamon Butler gained possession and surged through for a point (1-6 to 1-3). Ballydurn, who never lost heart, came beck for a point per Michael Hubbard (1-6 to 1-4).

In a solid team performance John Dalton's great experience and skill stood out. John Fitzpatrick guarded the net in sound fashion. Brendan Tobin and Roger McGrath were solid in the corners. Outside them Pat Hearn, Pa Hallinan and John Hallinan all cleared their share of ball.

Tom Condon's great hearted energy shone brightly at centre field, while Gerald Butler lent valuable assistance. Up front free taker Lar Whelan was the main scorer, while Tom Whelan, Eamon Butler and Declan White worked well throughout, with the speed and skill of Kieran Hallahan and Eamon Lonergan being priceless assets.

Ballydurn showed here that their turn will surely come. T. Kirwan, Jim Harney, Kieran Dunphy, John Harney, Michael Hubbard, Ger Bagge, Nicky Hally, all hurling well here.

St. Mary's scorers: Lar Whelan (1-2), Pa Hallinan, Kieran Hallahan, Tom Condon, Eamon Butler (0-1 each).
Ballydurn scorers: N. Halley (1-1), M. Hubbard (0-2), G. Bagge (0-1).

The line out was:

Subs: Paddy Whelan, Moss Power, Jermiah Connors, Seanie Kearns and John Fraher.

Ballydurn: B. Walsh, T. Kirwan, Jim Harney, J. Boland, B. Cummins, J.Dunphy, P. O'Donnell, J. Harney, M. Hubbard, G. Bagge, N. Hally, D. Dunphy, N. Harney, G. Boland, T. Boland. Subs: J. Hally for P. O' Donnell, N. Sullivan for N. Harney, B. O'Donnell for J. Boland.

Referee: Pat Walsh (Fourmilewater).

Back Row: Gerard Butler, Paddy Whelan, Tom Condon, Moss Power, Eamon Butler, Pa Hallinan, John Hallinan, John Dalton, Declan White, John Fraher, Brendan Tobin, Declan Fitzpatrick.
Front Row: Pierce Butler, Kieran Hallahan, Jermiah Connors, Lar Whelan, John Fitzpatrick, Roger McGrath, Tom Whelan, Eamon Lonergan, Pat Hearn, Seanie Kearns.