Shamrocks u12 hurlers travelled to Brinny on Saturday to participate in the Martin Muldoon hurling tournament. There was some pandemonium when we arrived as we had been informed that it was a football tournament. However, following swift action by parents hurleys and helmets soon arrived.
Shamrocks participated in the shield section along with Valley Rovers 2 and Sarsfields 2. In the first game Shamrocks played against a strong, physical Sarsfield’s team but were 1-3 to no score up at half- time following a goal from Luke Jordan and points from Cian Lynch, Luke Jordan and Harry O’ Leary. Sars tried hard in the second half and did manage 1-3 but some fine points from Cian Lynch and Luke Jordan enabled Shamrocks to get over the line on a final score line of 1-7 to 1-3.
Next up were Valley Rovers, in what was a wonderful game between two well- matched hurling teams. It was a game of two halves and Valleys led by 1-1 to no score at half-time despite some excellent saves from David Herlihy in goals. In the second half Cian Lynch scored two excellent goals which was enough to get Shamrocks past the post on a final score-line of 2-2 to 2-1. Following the two victories Shamrocks progressed to the final with Valleys and Sars contesting the semi-final, which Sars subsequently won.
The final was an enthralling contest with the Shamrocks half back line of Seamus O’Mahony, Shane O’Flynn and Donal Herlihy being very dominant and supplying plenty of quality ball to Luke Jordan and Cian Lynch who had pushed Shamrocks into a 1-6 to no score lead at half-time. Sars regrouped at half time and played superbly with the aid of a stiff breeze. However, some fabulous work by the half- forward line of Harry O’Leary, Jason O’Driscoll and Billy Hannah enabled Shamrocks to stay on top. The full back line of Barry O’ Mahony and Callum Gregson defended heroically and Sars found scores hard to come by. Once Callum O’ Neill scored his goal, Shamrocks were on their way and although Sars did manage 1-1 there was no denying Shamrocks their well deserved victory. There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as memories of an agonising semi- final defeat to Tracton were quickly forgotten as they celebrated their first u12 victory in hurling.
The presentation followed soon afterward and the victorious captain, Barry O’ Mahony spoke proudly from the heart after accepting the shield. It was a fitting end to a memorable year for this talented, dedicated bunch of young hurlers. NA SEMRÓGA ABÚ!
Team/Panel: David Herlihy, Callum Gregson, Barry O’ Mahony, Seamus O’ Mahony, Shane O’ Flynn. Donal Herlihy, Cian Lynch, Luke Jordan, Callum O’ Neill, Harry O’ Leary, Jason O’ Driscoll, Billy Hannah, Jack O’ Sullivan -Kearney,Ryan Doolan, Liam Dorney, Ollie O’ Brien & Callum Fitzgerald
U12 Tournament Success, 21/9/19
