Shamrocks under 12s played Crosshaven on Friday evening in Shanbally in a challenge game. While we didnt actually enter an under 12 team this year due to lack of numbers at this age group, Crosshaven offered a game and the club obliged. However, the turnout of 12 players on a beautiful Friday evening justified the decision not to enter any league or championships.
And one could see from the 1st half performance that the lads hadnt kicked a Gaelic Football since April, when some of them played with the 13’s. They were completely off the pace and some of the players acted like they were on a soccer pitch and had no interest. You dont want to know the halftime score it was that bad.
Acting manager on the night Patrick Andrews gave the lads a right dressing down at halftime and it seemed to work. Crosshaven gave us a few players and the second half was much more enjoyable and competitive for everyone involved. Some words of encouragment saw some of the lesser lights of the team like Jody Sick, Luke O’Driscoll and Seán Browne come right into proceedings, Browne fininshing with 2-2. The confidence grew and the lads went off the pitch in a positive mood.
We’ve been offered a chance to travel to Crosshaven next Friday night to play them in hurling at the same age group. It remains to be seen if we can add to the 11 lads on duty tonight (all of whom said they are available). With fading light, this game would want to be played at 6.15pm and would probably be the last midweek game. The mentors will be in touch.
Also well done to John Jordan who was outstanding on the whistle and stood for no lip whatsoever. He missed a blatant double hop for the 7th Crosshaven goal though!
Shamrocks players on duty were Cathal Murphy, Luke O’Driscoll, Evan Seymour, Shane Downey, Seán Andrews, Cillian Hayes, Jody Sisk, Dylan O’Flaherty, Daniel O’Mahony, Sam Geary, Seán Browne.
