The Dripsey Invitation Hurling Tournament took place on Saturday 13th and after two splendid games of hurlng Shamrocks came home with a handful of trophies.
Shamrocks played their first game against Ballinora at their venue and afer a well contested game the home side edged in front at the final whistle on the scoreline 1-15 to 1- 12. Full marks to all our players, who hadn’t held a caman for several weeks. Michael O’Neill, in goal was in sparkling form stopping and hitting over long range frees. Conor Walters showed up very well at wing back and his pace and tenacity caused problems for the opposition. Roy Twomey, another young player showed some fine touches and got on the scoresheet too. We also saw some fine touches and scores from Alan McCarthy. At full fitness, he would be a difficult opponent for any player.
Shamrocks then went on to contest the Plate Final against host Club Dripsey. Two games of hurling in one afternoon, late in the season was a big call. Our lads were up for it and in the late stages it was determination and a never-say-die attitude that kept them moving and deserved victors on the score 3-6 to 2-8. This was another very close game with little between ther sides. At half time Dripsey led 2-5 to 2-3.
When Paul Lordan got out of bed on Saturday morning little did he think he would be playing hurling in the afternoon. With only fifteen players at our disposal, an SOS was sent to Paul at 1.30pm. He arrived on the scene about 2.20pm and was ready for action. He was on the starting team for the second game and lined out at corner forward. He made it a memorable afternoon by scoring two great goals. His first was a beauty, having been at the end of a splendid sideline cut from Roy Twomey. His second goal was a breaking ball being ushered over the goal line. We saw some great individual displays from Senan Andrews, Cathal Kidney, Jonathan Tuohy and Stephen O’Reilly. Goalkeeper Michael O’Neill finished the game outfield with Dave falling between the posts and keeping a clean sheet. With time running out and both teams desperate to get the final score which would surely be a winning one, Michael O’Neill obliged for Shamrocks with a magnificent point. The final whistle was a welcome shrill. With heavy legs and much perspiration the boys in green relished a very fine victory and gave us all a very positive message of Shamrock Hurling.
Popular Skipper Stephen Downey accepted the winners trophy and Stephen O’Reilly was awarded the trophy for ‘most consistency over the two games’. Well done to all concerned, the Selectors, our players, the providers of food and beverages and a little bit of water!
