Shamrocks 1-12, Cobh 3-6.
Last Saturday afternoon Shamrocks young panel and mentors set off for Cobh, travelling across the harbour estuary on a cold dry afternoon. A lot of effort was put in by all concerned to ensure we would fulfil the fixture, and thus we travelled more in hope than with conviction. One obvious plus was the number of mentors and parents who were there to support these lads on this important fixture…. You may say it was only a league game but in fact it was a statement of intent from the Club to ensure some future prospect for the Club at this difficult time.
Kieran Lynam, Liam Shanahan and Kevin O’ Mahony selected the side and encouraged and exhorted the boys to give of their best. The first 10 mins showed us that these boys were in serious mood and our spirits were lifted by the great attacking play and committed defensive efforts throughout the team. We had 2 points on the board before Cobh caught us with a sucker punch of a goal. Still what we lacked in physical comparison was overcome with tigerish play from our lads. Sean O Brien at midfield did Trojan covering, Brian Coffin gave the Cobh defence an amount of trouble with his searing pace and runs. Dave Raleigh was busy but confident in goal and Sean Kidney (only 15) was outstanding in defence. It was a pleasure to watch this team giving their all!
Half time came with the score Shamrocks 0 -6 and Cobh 3 -3. As you can see the goals didn’t reflect our good play….they had a Cork Minor panellist who was very good… still we were pleased and with 2 substitutions and some positional switches we faced into the second half with more confidence.
Straight away we were awarded a penalty which Brian Coffin expertly tucked away..game on! The switch of Luke Garvin to the half forward line worked wonders and he won some great possession as well as scoring a great point. Coby O Grady, Darragh and Cormac scriven and Tom Murphy were growing into the game. Joe O Brien, just back after a year out through surgery gave his all as did Shane Kelleher. Special mention to Andrew O Grady (not yet 15!) and Mark Hitchmough and Christopher Hayes all very young and talented Club players, playing way above their age group but not afraid to make themselves available. Anyway, the play swung helter skelter up and down the field under the Water tower in Cobh! Brian Coffin was absolutely on fire and banged over some great points. Time was almost up and we were losing by a point. One last attack up the field, and lo and behold, Sean O Brien, fittingly, with great determination, shrugging off tackles left and right, slotted over the equaliser!
All the team were delighted with the effort and result as were we. We were missing some of our experienced players on Saturday some such as Rory Horgan boarding in Rockwell College, are excused. We still would love these other players to make themselves available and continue their allegiance to the Club they have played with since they were little boys. It’s time to show some leadership and courageous qualities and join in with these lads and enjoy your GAA.
PS 8 of that team togged out the following day against Dripsey in u16 and had a handsome win… Well done all the lads… keep up the Training..we are all with ye!!
Team: D.Raleigh, S.Kelleher, S.Kidney, D.Scriven, J.O Brien, T.Murphy, S.O Brien, C.O Grady, B. Coffin, A.O Grady, L. Garvin, C.Hayes, B.Crowley
Subs: C.Scriven for A.O Grady(inj. 24 mins), M. Hitchmough for B. Crowley (H/T)
