In 1997 John Maher lifted the PJ O'Brien cup as Brackens claimed their first Junior A hurling crown when they defeated Drom/Inch. Brackens conquered the same opposition twelve months later to retain their title with Seanie Percy as captain this time. And from that day until Sunday last they remained our only two appearances in a Mid final since our formation in 1992. So well done to all involved in our victory over Moycarkey/Borris in Gortnahoe on Sunday morning. They now go forward to face Holycross/Ballycahill in the decider which takes place in the Ragg on Saturday September 9th at 3.30pm. Sunday's game was played in tricky wind conditions and Brackens opened the scoring very quickly when Darragh Doyle fired over inside the first minute. Moycarkey's response was swift as they went straight upfield and goaled from a breaking ball. But that was as worrying as it got for Brackens as they went on to completely dominate the match, running out 1-18 to 1-11 winners. They were far more comfortable than the seven point winning margin suggests as the cross-field breeze played havoc with the shooters. Darragh Doyle, Joe Bourke, Ned Walsh and Michael Cahill were all in good scoring form while the experience of Lorcan Egan and Shane Scully at full and centre back stemmed many a Moycarkey foray. Nick Keane was solid in goals with Daniel Joyce, Ned Delaney, Ciaran Byrne and captain Tadhg Nolan all playing their part. James Corcoran and Aidan Fogarty provided a steady supply of ball to the forwards where the Bergin brothers, Eddie and Martin, also worked very hard for the team. Sean Collier, Dylan Moloney and the returning James Bergin all made contributions off the bench and will be pushing hard for a starting place ahead of the final. Bon voyage to Michael Egan who headed down under last weekend. Michael played very well at full back in the quarter-final win against Loughmore and we wish him well on his travels. Our sympathies to Anne Bourke on the death of her mother Therese on Saturday night meaning Davy was unable to be with us last weekend. Davy is the only link to the 1997 and 1998 teams as he played in goals on both occasions. Best of luck to everyone involved in the final.

Team and Scorers: Nick Keane, Tadhg Nolan (c), Lorcan Egan, Daniel Joyce, Ned Delaney, Shane Scully (0-1), Ciaran Byrne, James Corcoran, Aidan Fogarty, Michael Cahill (1-1), Eddie Bergin, Ned Walsh (0-3), Joe Bourke (0-3), Darragh Doyle (0-10, 6f, '65), Martin Bergin. Subs used: Sean Collier, Dylan Moloney, James Bergin.