Shamrocks 3-5, Kinsale 1-4
Shamrocks dug out a fine victory in poor conditions tonight. The non appearance of the appointed referee meant that Team Manager, Stephen Keane, took over the whistling duties with the consent of the opposition and a fine job he did as well.
Kinsale were physically bigger than our lads and it took us a while to settle into the game. The lay off over the last month took its toll and only for the magnificient display by our backs, we would have been in serious trouble early on. We gradually got stuck in and lead 2-3 to 0-1 at half time; Eoin O’Flynn and Ferdia Hayes with the goals.
The weather improved in the second half and so did our football for a while. We created a number of good chances which went abegging but were quite comfortable. Kinsale came more into the game as the half moved on. Our lads were tiring but lead by Declan Carroll refused to bend.
We introduced a number of younger lads – Sam Foy, Conor Coleman, Cian Lynch & Euan Clarke – on rotation and they took up the inner forward positions. This allowed older lads like Michel Foy, Eoin O’Flynn, Derry Howard, Aidan Brady to fall back and help the under pressure backs.
Josh was as safe as houses in goal and I cannot recall any one of his kick-outs being won by the opposition – a fair achievement! Aaron Clarke and Ferdia Hayes picked up head injuries during the game and it was great to see that they were in fiine form at the end – both played significant parts in the game.
Fionn Herlihy, Nathan O’Sullivan & Robert Barrett formed a formidable half back line and really came to the fore late in the second half and were ably assisted by our midfield talisman, John Coleman. Derry Howard, with our third goal, secured victory.
Overall, great result, not perfect by any means but should be enough to secure a semi-final position. Thank you to Kinsale for making the long trip on a poor night.
Finally, great turnout of grandparents, partents, siblings & friends – thank you – so important for young players to see and hear family and friends supporting them.
Panel – Josh Bartlett, Aaron Clarke, Declan Carroll, Nathan O’Sullivan, Fionn Herlihy, Robert Barrett, John Coleman, Aidan Brady, Ferdia Hayes, Derry Howard, Sam Foy, Eoin O’Flynn, Michael Foy, Conor Coleman, Cian Lynch, Euan Clarke.
