In 2023 Clonduff fielded their first standalone Minor Hurling team in 15 years, which is exclusively made of Clonduff players. Despite some spirited displays, wins have been hard to come by. Everything clicked however for the Championship display against the Iveagh Gaels combination of Warrenpoint and Craobh Rua.
Clonduff shot out of the blocks with a goal after a nice layoff from Brendan Quinn to Ryan Tweedie. Ryan’s shot was parried out with James Matthews batting the rebound to the net. The full back line of Sean Quinn, John Joe Boyle and Shay Morgan were working hard at the other end of the pitch aided by some brave clearances by goalkeeper Eoin Crosbie who unfortunately was injured by a wild pull. Dylan McGivern then moved into goals continued with the great net minding display for the Yellas.
A free from Ethan Kane went all the way to the net with further points from Ethan and James giving Clonduff a lead of 2-04 0-04 at the break.
A cagey opening second half was a battle in the middle sector with Tommy Smith, Lorcan Binks and Lónan Mac Domhnail putting in a mighty shift. Great scores from Ethan Kane, Niall Murtagh and the influential Allil Morris kept Clonduff ticking over. Iveagh Gaels kept piling on the pressure with ball being constantly cleared by wing backs Sean McGreevy and Conrad Moan .
A nervous final 10 minutes ensued – however, points from Ryan Tweedy and Ethan again ensured Clonduff was victorious.
While the win was important, the manner of the performance was the most impressive aspect of the evening. Unfortunately, Clonduff will not progress from the group despite being level on points with Kilclief and Iveagh Gael as points difference edges the boys out.
Clonduff 2-08 Iveagh Gaels 0-10
