Grenagh 4-12, Shamrocks 4-9
Shamrocks travelled to Grenagh on Saturday with a positive frame of mind after a great few weeks of good hurling coaching and with good attendances.
Talk about a game of two haves and this certainly fits that category, a very strong downpour of rain and with a gale wind facing the Shamrocks defence, they were under pressure from the start.
Killian Murphy in goal had a busy time and made some good saves before Grenagh got there first goal, From a few frees and loose play they build a lead of 1-4 but then Shamrocks took control for 10 minutes but failed to score, Sean Kidney and Nathan Hayes clearing well. Some of the lads were unable to grip there Hurley’s due to the cold wind and rain. A soft goal conceded was added by a few scores by Grenagh put Shamrocks now falling behind until a good attack by Darragh Scriven into David Andrews who in turn played in Andrew Grady who rifled the sliotar home leaving a half time score of Grenagh 3-8 to Shamrocks 1-0.
The second half started with Shamrocks showing more desire and intensity with the forwards led by Mark Hitchmore started to take control and an early goal by Shane Kelleher started the comeback. Andrew with some great frees bringing the score closer all the time. Coby O Grady with his never say die attitude and his just about on the level tackling gave the lads big encouragement, Grenagh got another goal with 10 minutes left, that was to be there last score.
Some long range points by Darragh and Tom Murphy and a well taken goal by David Andrews now left only 6 points the difference, Shamrocks now in full flight had the home team wondering what was happening. THEN David Barry set up Andrew Grady who cheekily lobbed the keeper with a great bit of skill left only one goal in it. It was great to see such heart and to see the lads putting their bodies in front of every tackle. The last two minutes was played at such a high tempo even the mentors from both sides were pucking every ball. The sound of the final whistle left a score of Grenagh 4-12 to Shamrocks 4-09.
A great advert for the game in such bad conditions left us waiting in anticipation for our next match. In the second half every single shamrock player including the subs should take that performance into every game and be very proud of themselves.
