Ballymartle 4-17, Shamrocks 1-10
The scoreline tells its own story and a youthful Ballymartle side filled with gifted players and excellent hurling acumen, made light of the Shamrocks challenge.
Unfortunately for Shamrocks, too many players underperformed and it was left to the few to salvage any pride. Shamrocks led briefly after ten minutes when our best forward on the night Seanán Collins scored a cracking goal. A succession of needless frees were conceded which enabled Ballymartle to pick off easy scores. Shamrocks always laboured in their quest for scores.
The concession of some very soft goals at vital times proved to be a huge blow from which we could not recover. It was a hugely disappointing night for the team and the Club.
Again Michael Prout performed magnificently with Senan Andrews, Barry Mulqueen, Brian Sweeney and Alan McCarthy salvaging some pride for the Club. After a lay-off of three months due to injury, Stephen O’Reilly came on as a substitute and he got into the game quickly and finished with a resounding performance.
Team; Ml. O’Neill, Ml. Prout, Barry Mulqueen, Senan Andrews, Dave O’Neill, Brian Sweeney, Fergus O’Neill, Alan McCarthy Stephen O’Neill, John O’Leary, Jamie Murphy, Brian Cusack, Dara O’Sullivan, Seanán Collins, Stephen Keane. Subs used – Stephen O’Reilly, Joey Brady, Coby O’Grady.
