Shamrocks 0-14 V Ballymartle 0-4
Last night (Thurs) we headed to Riverstick to take on Ballymartle under lights in their 2nd Pitch. We had a tremendous turnout of Players (22), great even to see Roy Twomey there, though carrying an injury. It all adds to the support that exists this year for our strong panel. Some serious players were also unavailable for this tie.
The Selection team of Dave O’Neill (Manager), Pat Mc Carthy, Dick Andrews and John(Socket) Twomey were busy and under pressure to name the starting 13, with 8 subs who could equally have started. There was a great expectant buzz as we headed out. It was great to see that all of the Hurling management were there to support the lads as well. Echoing our Chairman Kieran Lynam’s insistence that we are all together this year for the Players.
It was a great clear, chilly night for football, on a firm surface. The fall of ground in that pitch (the one we all played on over the years) is quite pronounced and we were against it in the first half. The team that started was as follows: J. Wilson(Keeper), N.Hayes, S.Kidney. B.Scannell,M.Hitchmough, S. Andrews. Coby O Grady, Alan McCarthy. Cillian Hayes, D.Andrews, D. Scriven,A. O’Grady, C. O’Neill. It was tough defending that led us to be ahead at halftime on a scoreline of 0-2 Ballymartle, 0-4 Shamrocks. Definitely our Fitness showed in the 2nd Half. Coby was outstanding at midfield; our forwards combined well, and some serious defending kept them at bay. All our Subs came on and contributed to maintaining our Tempo. Jack made a vital save to keep that distance between the teams.
Subs: J. Tuohy, T. Murphy, J. Lynam,S. Collins,S. Downey, S. Hurley,D. Barry and C. Kidney.
Great satisfaction all round. It is going to be a serious competition for places on this team. Showing commitment at Training is going to have a serious impact. The Brent Geese outside Gobby and Monkstown Creek will head back to the Arctic this week..but our season is about to get more serious over the next few weeks. Just a note to our Hurlers, plans are almost ready to get us up and running.
Overall, a great encouragement to Dave, and all management. Players drive on! Seamroga Abu!
