Adrigole 5-8, Shamrocks 3-11
Shamrocks bowed out of the county championship on Sunday afternoon in Kilmichael. This game could have gone either way after 60 minutes of pulsating football played out between 2 evenly matched teams but Adrigole gained momentum in the last 5 minutes with two goals after a few breaks had gone their way. However, the Shamrocks lads lost nothing in defeat and can look back on the year with great pride for all their efforts.
Both teams enjoyed periods of dominance over the other throughout the game. The first half was straight forward enough – Shamrocks were the better team in the opening 15 minutes while Adrigole were the better team in the second 15 minutes. In the Shamrocks period of dominance, Derry Howard and Mark Sisk scored goals while Cian O’Flaherty and Shane Darcy from frees were the main Shamrocks scorers. However, at this point the Shamrocks captain Harry Andrews had to go off injured and this didn’t help matters – Shamrocks couldn’t build on their early 5 point advantage and Adrigole, through good football and strong running, got on top and went in at HT leading 3-3 to 2-3. All to play for in the second half.
The Shamrocks lads played up the slight hill in the second half and things started to get very exciting. They threw everything at Adrigole and scored 3 points to level the game up half way through. Adrigole went a point ahead but then Shamrocks scored a great team goal from dangerman Cian O’Flaherty and Shamrocks led by 2 points with 8 minutes to go. A few bewildering decisions baffled both sides and Shamrocks lost focus. Adrigole levelled matters with a goal of their own. Momentum seemed to swing their way and a controversial goal won it straight after, despite a last gasp Shamrocks effort to force extra time. It just wasn’t to be. The very best of luck top Adrigole in the final.
Thanks to all our players for a great year – they exceeded expectations no doubt. Thanks to their parents who drove all over the county in support. Thanks to the management team of Pa Andrews, Dick Andrews, Jed O’Flaherty and Seán Kideny, assisted as always by John Jordan for their efforts with the team throughout the year. Its important that this team stay together and that was the final message from the mentors in the dressing room after the game. See you all in 3 months time.
Panel: D. O’Brien, P. Dorney, F. Herlihy, T. Sheehan, A. McSweeney, J. Coleman, M. Sisk, S. Darcy, D. Howard, H. Andrews, A. Maye, C. O’Flaherty, E. O’Flynn, A. Brady, D. Carroll, M. Foy, J. Bartlett.
Shamrocks V Adrigole, Semi Final County Champ, 19/11/17
