A large crowd turned up for the 3 indoor hurling league finals played in the GAA social center on the night of 9th March 2006. The 6 teams were divided into 3 finals depending on their placings after 5 rounds of the league played over the last month. The C-Final Clashawaun V Ballinough was a thrilling game with Clashawaun coming from 3 behind to pip Ballinough 5-4 with a late flourish and it was only fitting that the final goal that decided who won the Ber Cowen Cup was scored by his grandson Stephen Cowen.
Conor Egan and Conor Monaghan got Clashawaun back into the game with 4 great goals and Stuart Kelly and Gary Kelly were very strong in defence in front of man of the match goalkeeper Cian Strolla. Ballinough were unlucky but gracious in defeat. Jason Devine played a captains role scoring 2 goals with Mark Newman and Mark Doorley scoring the other 2. They looked winners leading 3-0 at half time with David Dunne, Kyle Maher and Shane Dunican sharing up the defence and Eoin Dunne unbeatable in goal. Captain Conor Monaghan accepted the Ber Cowen Cup on behalf of his team Clashawaun from Barry Cowen.
The B-Final was contested by Aughamore V Woodfield. Woodfield were the most improved team of the tournament and peaked for the final. With 3 goals from Kieran Hartnett, 1 goal from captain Josh Fleming, and Ruairi Dunne playing well in midfield they were in control at half time with a 4 goal to 0 lead. However, Aughamore had other ideas and with goals from Eoin Cowen, Brandon Tobella and Ruairi Cushen were right back into the game.
Alex Guilfoyle was playing very well in the goals and Woodfield were struggling, but their momentum surged again and Gerard Hackett and Hugh Redmond scored to give the team some breathing room. Bailey Lowe needed to make some good saves as Dean Larkin and Fionn Mannion worked hard to breach his goal. Ruairi Cushen got another goal but it was too late and Woodfield Captain Josh Fleming accepted the Tommy Dolan Cup from Mrs. Nancy Dolan and Derville Dolan.
The A-Final saw the meeting of Kilbride V Kilcoursey. Kilcoursey were the favourites but Kilbride put in a huge effort and at half time it was all level at 1 goal each with goals from Kilcoursey's Sean Tierney and Kilbrides Conor Duprit. It was a tough first half with both defences on top. Patrick Gaffey in goal and Thomas Dolan and Sean Fleming caught the eye for Kilcoursey and Callum Egan, Adam Cornally and Alex Roe for Kilbride and Goalkeeper Conor Murray.
The second half was just as exciting with Jack Mears playing well in midfield and 2 goals each from Seamus O'Brien and Ciaran Doyle gave Kilcousey some space. But Kilbride never gave up with Andrew Fitzpatrick and Aarron Plunkett trying hard up front but they ran out of time and when referee Eddie Doyle blew the final whistle there was great scenes of joy. John Naughton presented the Tom Naughton Cup to Kilcoursey Captain Seamus O'Brien.
The 6 teams lined up for photos with the highlight of the evening being the presentation of their medals by Offaly County footballer Thomas Deehan. A special word of thanks to Thomas who took the time out from a busy training schedule to help make a very memorable night for the youngest of our club members. Also many thanks to our 13 team managers, the Clara GAA Club, Senior Committee, Bord na Nog Committee and the Cowen, Dolan and Naughton families.
