A marvelous win for Shamrocks in Castlelyons in the league semi final. Shamrocks had come into this game in poor enough form following their last league game against Whites Cross. However, they produced their best form of the season to overcome a gallant home side.
Friday evening traffic meant that Shamrocks did not have ideal preparation and they started slowly. However, they picked up the pace midway through the first half and despite floodlight failure, they went into the break 1-2 to 0-3 in front. An extended break followed and allowed the lads to refocus minds and they started the second half much brighter.
Scores were hard to come by but the free taking was unerring. Ferdia scored a vital goal midway through the half and this gave Shamrocks some breathing space coming down the straight. Some fantastic defending, where lads literally put their bodies on the line, kept out a barrage of attacks from the home side. A goal about 10 minutes from time for the home side kept Shamrocks honest to the end. Shamrocks last attack resulted in a third goal and sealed a memorable win.
Compliments to the home side who were magnanimous in defeat and also to the referee who could easily have called the game off when the lights went out. Mention also to Stephen Keane who hurled every ball with the lads and has now been rewarded with a final versus Ballinora. Shamrocks had a very vocal support and this played a huge part in our victory – thank you all! A bigger than normal panel travelled and unfortunately not everyone got game time. However, all can take credit as if the lads on the line were not pushing the lads on the field, Shamrocks would not be where we are!
Panel; Sam Foy, Kieran May, Aiden Brady, Eoin O’Flynn, Dara McCormack, Michael Foy, Robert Barrett, Aaron Clarke, Ferdia Hayes, Conor Coleman, Josh Bartlett, Zach Coughlan, Cathal O’Donovan, Nigel O’Sullivan-Kearney, Euan Clarke, Cian Lynch, Barry O’Mahony, Harry O’Leary
U12 Hurling Panel V Castlelyons, 22/9/17
