In the first league match of the year, under the ominous skies of an overcast evening, Rathmolyon took on Donaghmore/Ashbourne in a gripping U15 hurling showdown at the Donaghmore/Ashbourne grounds.

Right from the opening whistle, Rathmolyon's Tadhg Fagan set the tempo with an early point, swiftly followed by Liam Healy's elegant strike off a sublime pass from James Doyle. However, Donaghmore/Ashbourne quickly retaliated, snatching the lead with a well-executed goal.

Rathmolyon's response was swift and decisive, as Timon Dempsey picked out Liam Healy with a lovely pass, culminating in Liam Healy's clinical finish for their first goal. As the first half progressed, Rathmolyon found their rhythm and finished strong, reflecting in their lead at halftime. Liam Healy's prowess in front of goal, ably supported by the cohesive teamwork of the Rathmolyons forwards propelled Rathmolyon ahead as the halftime whistle approached, helped also by a great individual point from Jack Drum. Great defence from Tadhg Callaghan, Jack McGuane, and Adam Smyth during the 1st half helped keep Donaghmore/Ashbourne scoring to a minimum.

The second half witnessed a resurgence from Donaghmore/Ashbourne, as they launched a relentless assault on Rathmolyon's defense, reaping rewards with a goal and three points early on. However, Rathmolyon's resilience shone through, with goalkeeper Ryan Doherty showcasing bravery to bat away a long range free in a crowded goal line, denying Donaghmore/Ashbourne a vital 3 points. A few moments later a similar feat at the other goal line with the Donaghmore Ashbourne goalkeeper pulling off a vital goal line save from a 65, showcasing nerves of steel and keeping his team firmly in the game.

As the game entered the final quarter, Rathmolyon's composure under pressure proved pivotal, with Jonas Dempsey providing some breathing space for his team with a well taken ground strike in front of goal resulting in the sliotar finding the net.

In the closing stages of the game, Tadhg Fagan exemplified Rathmolyon's determination with a moment of sheer bravery, sacrificing his body to make a brilliant block on another Donaghmore/Ashbourne shot at the posts. Despite a valiant effort from Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Rathmolyon held on to clinch a hard-fought victory on the final whistle.

Scores on the day came from Tadhg Fagan, Liam Healy, Jack Drum, Jonas Dempsey, and Timon Dempsey.

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