MORE SILVERWARE;
It may not be a county title but winning a tournament is a huge morale booster for any club and winning the Billy Ronan Trophy was certainly a big thrill for the Lockes club on Sunday night at Tom Ryall Park Kilmanagh. As the Lockes build up to their crucial first round game against Graignamanagh, playing a many competitive games as possible is important and the final of the Graigue/Ballcallan tournament was another step along the way. Both teams weren’t at full strength for this game but both certainly served up a very entertaining game for the large attendance. It was nip and tuck throughout this game, but when the Lockes moved into a 6 point lead early in the second half it looked as if they would ease to victory. But they have had great battles against St. Lachtain’s Freshford over the years and were not giving up as they pulled back the Locke’s lead with two goals within five minutes. For the last twenty minutes it was a battle of wits as both sides swapped points from both play and frees. I took the man of experience John O’Neill to finally step up to the mark and land a massive free from inside the Lockes half to give the Callan men a narrow win by 2-13 2-12. The family of the late Billy Ronan and the Graigue/Ballycallan club have to be congratulated for putting on this fine tournament. The name Billy Ronan reminds a lot of John Lockes people of the 1985 Junior County Final. It was the Lockes second final in three years and they were fancied to win, but Billy Ronan was a colossus that day in the Graigue Back line and broke the hearts of the John Lockes as Graigue/Ballycallan went on to win on the day 1-12 to 3-04. Sadly Billy passed away at a young age, but will always be fondly remembered for his hurling prowess and strength on the hurling field and as a quiet gentleman off the field. It is the first time the John Lockes played in the tournament and to win at the first hurdle was a great achievement. Captain Paddy Kennedy received the Billy Ronan Cup from Johnny Ronan as well as beautiful trophies as the winning team. Next Saturday afternoon the John Lockes will face another big test as they face O’Loughlin Gaels in the Aylward Cup final at John Locke Park at 3pm. O’Loughlin’s are current senior County Champions and as current Junior County champions this will be a gauge to see how the Locke’s have progressed. It should be a good work out for both teams who won’t be at full strength but will give others a chance to step up to the mark.