Shamrocks 3-11, Whitescross 3-6
Passage was the venue for our minor footballers as they took on Whitescross in the Championship. Both teams played excellent football throughout. The passing, movement, energy and commitment from both teams made this an excellent game of football.
Darragh Scriven opened the scoring for us with two well taken points inside the first few minutes. Whitescross scored 1-03 without reply to leave us trailing by 4 points but to the lads credit they kept playing free flowing football. Another Darragh Scriven point was quickly followed by a Luke Garvan goal to leave the sides level. Both sides then traded points and Whitescross then got a second goal just as halftime approached to leave them leading on a score line of 2-04 to 1-04.
Great words of encouragement were spoken by the management team of Kieran Lynam and Kevin O Mahony and it was evident to see that the lads were up for the second half big time. We started the second half with great pace and commitment. We played our best football in a long time in the opening fifteen minutes and scored 2-05 without reply – the goals coming from Luke Garvan and Andrew O’Grady. Our five points came from Brian Coffin x 2 and Michael Hughes x 2 and another Darragh Scriven free.
Whitescross scored a breakaway goal and this gave them belief that all was not lost yet. They added on another point but then Michael Hughes scored another two points from play and this ensured that we were victorious at the final whistle on a score line of 3-11 to 3-06.
This game was a credit to both teams. Our team consisted of Rory Horgan in goal who made three fantastic saves. His kick outs were a huge advantage to the team. The two full backs were Diarmuid Barrett who made some vital interceptions and this game will stand to him in the future, and the ever reliable U16 player, Sean Kidney who is improving with every game he plays. His covering and link up play is excellent.
The whole half back line consisted of our U16 half back line. Nathan Hayes gave a rock solid performance as usual. Coby O Grady at centre back dominated from the start to the finish and covered some ground. Cormac Scriven also played his part and contributed to some fine attacking play down the right wing. Our captain Sean O’Brien played in midfield and his link up play with the forwards led to them getting many scores. He also covered the defence when required.
The three half forwards were Andrew O Grady who scored 1-01, Darragh Scriven (0-04) and Michael Hughes whose 0-04 all came from long range efforts from play. The two inside forwards were Brendan Crowley whose link up play was excellent and led to many scores and Luke Garvan who was a handfull for the Whitescross defence. Luke scored 2-00 and won most ball that came his way. Brian Coffin returning after injury came on at half time and scored two points. He made a huge difference when introduced and if he can stay injury free he will be a huge player for us. David Raleigh returning after a long injury absence came on at full back to stem the Whitescross comeback. He added some steel to our defence and he too will be a great benefit to us. U16 player, Eric Desmond who is really enjoying his first season with us came in at corner forward and he held up some great ball when in possession.
This was our best performance at this level since we captured the South East in 2010. Our executive Chairman Pat McCarthy spoke with great pride afterwards in the dressing room and congratulated all the players individually. Special thanks must go to Kieran Lynam , John Twomey (Ringaskiddy) and Kevin O Mahony for their effort, time and commitment with this team. Training Tuesday night at 7pm.
Team (2 a side): Rory Horgan, Diarmuid Barrett, Sean Kidney, Cormac Scriven, Coby O’ Grady, Nathan Hayes, Sean O’Brien, Darragh Scriven, Michael Hughes, Andrew O Grady, Luke Garvan, Brendan Crowley. Subs used – Brian Coffin, David Raleigh, Eric Desmond.
Shamrocks extended panel V Whitescross in Passage, MFC, 9/8/13. Back row, l to r: David Andrews (inj), Cormac Scriven, Eric Desmond, Andrew O Grady, Coby O Grady, Luke Garvan, Rory Horgan, David Raleigh, Michael Hughes, Darragh Scriven, Chris Hayes (inj)
Front, l to r: Brendan Crowley, Sean O Brien, Nathan Hayes, Sean Kidney, Diarmuid Barrett, Brian Coffin.
