Shamrocks 5-10, Tracton 3-7
Shamrocks put in a superb second half display in Shanbally on Tuesday evening in the under 15 football league. This was a playoff to decide who plays Clondrohid in the league semi final; and after Tracton, Shamrocks and Grenagh had all finished level on 6 points in their section, it was left to Shamrocks and Tracton to effictively play a quarter final. Tracton had beaten Shamrocks in the league game way back in February by a goal so a tight game was expected.
However, the strong wind blowing down the Shanbally pitch meant that whoever was playing with it would dominate possession and Shamrocks did just that in the first half, building up a 2-7 to 1-2 lead and it could have been more. Tom Murphy, playing at Full forward was at the end of the moves that led to the 2 lucky goals, while Mark Hitchmough, Patrick Murphy who had a great game and Alex O’Sullivan were among the point scorers. While the 8 point lead might have been enough in normal circumstances, the fact that Shamrocks were down to 14 men menat that the 2nd half was going to be a battle.
And it sure was as Tracton came at Shamrocks but the defence, in particular Brian Coffin who was now operating at fullback and Seán Kidney at corner back were having tremendous games. While at midfield the hard working Aonghus Boland and Rory Horgan fed the forwards just enough for Shamrocks to score 3-3 against the wind. Tracton got no closer than 6 points behind, thanks mainly to a converted penalty from Alex O’Sullivan, a goal from sub Joe O’Keeffe 30 seconds after being introduced and another goal from Mark Hitchmough. As mentioned above, Shamrocks have qualified for the league semi final AWAY to Clondrohid on a date yet to be fixed. We also have to travel to Clondrohid for the hurling championship. Keep an eye on the website for training and challenge game updates throughout September.
Team: C. Scriven, N. Hayes, C. O’Grady, S. Kidney, S. Kelleher, B. Coffin, B. Crowley, A. Boland, R. Horgan, D. Scriven, A. O’Sullivan, P. Murphy, A. O’Grady, T. Murphy, M. Hitchmough. Sub used – J. O’Keeffe
