Sat Aug 27 - Junior C Hurling Final: Hartford v Barley House Wolves

Barley House Wolves 0-12 Hartford 2-4

It was a final of two halves as the Barley House Wolves erased a large deficit to come back in the second half and capture their first junior C hurling trophy since 2012.  An emotional team captain, Dan Hannah, thanked his teammates for their efforts, and Hartford on a great game.  It is the first piece of silverware heading across the New Hampshire border in 4 years.

Michael Gregoire has a shot for the New Hampshire men.

Hartford came out of the blocks fast and within the first 15 minutes had netted 2 goals.  Barley House Wolves pointed through Sam Durfee, but for a long time that was all that the Concord side could muster.  Tadgh McNilis was the man on the mark for the Connecticut side with both goals, and added a brace of points to open up a nine point lead.  Eventually the Wolves settled down and came into the game, and before half time were level in the points column.  At the break it was 2-4 to 0-4 in favor of Hartford.

The second half saw the Barley House Wolves mount a comeback.  The Granite State men held their opponents at the four points, while they went to work reducing the gap.  Sean Naughton, who had started in goal, was moved outfield and was a key element on the resurgence.   Naughton accounted for 3 of the Wolves points and on numerous occasions was helping out in the half back line. 

Joe Lydon presents the Cup to captain, Dan Hannah.

Hartford had chances to try and stem the tide, but some good goalkeeping and a few narrow wides meant that the Connecticut side could not add to their tally.  Will Mullen and Michael Gregoire took their chances well with some impressive points as the Wolves tied up the game, and had the momentum at that stage.  Pat Naughton put the Wolves ahead with a well taken point and his brother, Sean, added another for insurance.  Time was not on the side of Hartford, and it was a delighted Barley House Wolves that greeted the final whistle.

BHW:  S. Naughton, A. Foley, D. Hannah, M. Wilson, M. Gregoire, D. Williams, R. Nickerson, S. Durfee, D. Polowski, W. Mullen, M. Masz, S. Mullen, T. Starmer.

Hartford:  J. O’Brien, M. Culligan, R. Doton, D. Putman, C. Lee, A. Putman, M. Larza, C. Massie, R. Reed, C. Madson, R. Williams, T. McNilis, F. Brady.

By Rory O'Donnell