John Lockes Triumphs Over St Patrick’s in Under 21 County Final

John Lockes of Callan secured a decisive victory against St Patrick’s in the JJ Kavanagh County Under 21 D final, held at Pairc Lachtain in Freshford on March 15, 2023. The match showcased John Lockes’ formidable attacking prowess, resulting in a 3-12 to 0-12 win. This triumph marks only the club’s second success at this level, the previous being an Under 21 B title in 2010.

The contest began explosively with John Lockes scoring three goals within the opening twenty minutes. The first came just one minute into the game, as corner forward Zak O’Halloran found the net after receiving a well-placed pass. St Patrick’s responded with a point from Sean Brennan, but John Lockes quickly regained momentum through a point from Robbie Jackman and another by Tomas Roche.

The teams exchanged points, but St Patrick’s managed to level the score at 0-6 to 1-3 before John Lockes unleashed a devastating offensive. In a ten-minute stretch, they scored an impressive 2-3 without reply, featuring a second goal from O’Halloran and a penalty converted by Roche. By the time the first half concluded, John Lockes led 3-7 to 0-8.

As the second half commenced, John Lockes continued to dominate, with Roche and Conor Brett adding points early on. St Patrick’s struggled to close the gap, despite Josh Dowling scoring all of their second-half points. The final stages saw John Lockes maintain their lead through additional points from Roche, ensuring their victory was never in doubt.

In his acceptance speech, captain Tomas Roche, who finished the match with a personal tally of 1-8, expressed optimism about the team’s future, stating he expects the group to advance to the Junior grade by 2026. The victory not only highlights the talent within the Callan club but also sets the stage for future ambitions.

The final score of 3-12 to 0-12 reflects a match characterized by strong performances and tactical prowess from John Lockes, securing their place in Kilkenny GAA history.