The fastest field game in the world brought us to sunny Cloughjordan on Friday evening for a tussle with County champions Kilruane in Round 4 of the County Senior hurling league. Our early arrival allowed time to mingle with local hurling greats such as Len Gaynor and the Williams brothers, Gilbert and Paddy, while the freedom to play our native games owes much to the sacrifice of our patriots, including their local hero, Thomas McDonagh, after whom the ground is proudly named. Dan Quirke was there too, on behalf of Dillon's foundation, a reminder of how precious life is. With both sides down a few due to county commitments and injuries, the game provided another opportunity for those hunting a championship jersey to showcase their talents. The home side opened brightly with four points in the opening eight minutes thanks to James Cleary, Kieran Cahill, Cian Darcy and a Willie Cleary free. Lyndon Fairbrother opened Brackens account with a point from play in the fifth minute, followed by another from the hard working Dean McEnroe, before David O'Shea's 10th minute goal put us a point up. Jerome Cahill's mazy run led to Kilruane's opening goal a minute later, before Brackens went straight back upfield for a third goal in two minutes courtesy of the ever-improving Ned Delaney. Kilruane's neat passing in the middle third was causing Brackens problems with Jerome Cahill, Aaron Morgan and Cleary (f) all pointing to go three clear. Brackens were posing a serious goal threat however with Shane Doyle dangerous in possession, and when another opportunity fell Delaney's way he bagged his second major. Fairbrother and Cleary traded frees before Morgan got his second from play to put Kilruane two up. Points from Fairbrother (f) and Eoin Fitzpatrick tied it up once more before Cleary and David O'Shea traded green flags to bring a goal-crazy first half to a close with the sides level - 4-5 to 2-11. An injury to Morgan shortly before the break proved a big loss to Kilruane as Brackens gained a foothold in the middle third after the break. Brackens edged the opening ten minutes of the second half with points from Fairbrother (f), Fitzpatrick, Diarmuid Delaney and Jordan Moloney in reply to three from Cian Darcy, Kieran Cahill and the very impressive Jerome Cahill to leave Brackens 4-9 to 2-14 ahead. The game was won in the next ten minutes as Brackens hit 1-7 to just two points for Kilruane. A real boost for Brackens was the introduction of Andrew Ormond in the 45th minute for his seasonal debut following injury. He hit two points within sixty seconds to add to scores from Fairbrother (1-3), McEnroe and Diarmuid Delaney. Brackens were nine up now and finished strong with further points from Fitzpatrick, Ormond, Shane Doyle and Fairbrother to run out 5-20 to 2-20 winners. While most of the plaudits will go to the forward division the backs played very well with plenty putting their hand up for jerseys. Jamie Bergin, Stephen Cahill, Jack Bergin and Ned Walsh all contributed handsomely while Jack Kennedy, Jordan Moloney and Martin Delaney used their experience to good effect. Eoin Fitzpatrick and Dean McEnroe contributed a very valuable 0-5 from midfield. The forwards played well as a unit, creating many scoring opportunities, Shane Doyle in particular, with the Delaney brothers and Martin Bergin giving management plenty to think about. Ned Delaney and David O'Shea took their goals well while Lyndon Fairbrother continued his remarkable scoring run, landing another 1-8. A lovely evening, a lovely welcome, a grand game, a good win. Brackens Abu.

Team and Scorers: Jack Kennedy, Jamie Bergin, Stephen Cahill, Martin Delaney, Ned Walsh, Jack Bergin, Jordan Moloney (0-1), Eoin Fitzpatrick (0-3), Dean McEnroe (0-2), Martin Bergin, David O'Shea (2-0), Diarmuid Delaney (0-2), Ned Delaney (2-0), Shane Doyle (0-1), Lyndon Fairbrother (1-8, 6f, '65).

Subs Used: Darragh Doyle, Andrew Ormond (0-3), Eddie Bergin, Jack Fogarty.

Referee: Conor Doyle.