Eastern Under-21 A Hurling Semi-Final

Mount Sion gained revenge for losing to Passage in 2009 when they overcame the men in red and white in a closely-fought encounter in Ballygunner last Wednesday. Last year Passage emerged victorious by a solitary point but this year it was the city side’s turn to emerge on the right side of the scoreline.

Mount Sion were forced to field without star player and county senior panellist Martin O’Neill who was suffering from a hand injury. However, as regards freetaking, Sion had another Martin O’Neill to step in and take over the responsibility as Martin F O’Neill stepped into the breach with ease.

Passage opened the scoring in the first minute when wing-forward Aaron Connors scored a fine point from distance.

Passage’s lead was rather short-lived as Mount Sion were soon back on level terms thanks to a well-struck, long-range free from O’Neill.

Passage regained the lead briefly through a free by influential midfielder Killian Fitzgerald but Sion were soon back on level terms as corner-forward Ian Galgey found the target. Aided by the breeze, Mount Sion were soon in front thanks to a point from star midfielder Eoin Whelan.

The sides were level for the third time in the 12th minute when Aaron Connors scored his second point of the game.

Passage did exceptionally well to stay in touch with Mount Sion during the early stages as buoyed by Whelan in midfield, Mount Sion were dominating possession. In the 13th minute, they hit the front through a point from diminutive half-forward Michael King.

King’s point prompted a purple patch for the monastery men and further scores from Eoin Whelan, Ian Galgey and Johnny Hayes put Mount Sion four points to the good by the 17th minute.

Passage stopped the rot in the 19th minute when wing-back Ian Power scored a fine point and a well-hit 65 by Killian Fitzgerald reduced the deficit even further.

However, these points came against the run of play and Mount Sion soon asserted the authority as Eoin Whelan and then the pacy Stephen Roche scored fine points after running through the heart of the Passage defence.

See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.