Shamrocks begin 2021 Hurling Championship with an impressive win.
Shamrocks played Courcey Rovers in the South East Cork Junior A Championship last night, Sat. 7th August, in the brilliantly prepared surface of Ballygarvan GAA pitch. Having had a great campaign in 2020, where we lost narrowly in the final to Kinsale, we travelled more in hope than confidence due to the fragmented approach due to the Pandemic. But this panel of players have shown great character in preparing themselves as best they could and we were ready for the battle. And what a battle it was! This was a heart-stopping championship match with some tough, skilful hurling on display. Shamrocks came flying out of the blocks and after 14 mins we were 6 points to 1 ahead, with john Boylan causing havoc in the full forward line, scoring 3 great points and Andy O’Grady punishing Courceys fouls with accuracy. As with all championship games there are lulls in intensity, and we were unfortunate to concede a goal before half time which brought Courceys back into the game. Half time score Shamrocks 0-8, Courceys 1-6.
The second half was evenly contested, our fullback line defending superbly, led by stern full back Cathal Kidney. We were continually 1 or 2 points down, but continued to play our hearts out, with huge performances from Senán Collins and Mark Hitchmough, and Barry Mulqueen and Dave Andrews continuing to compete fiercely around Midfield. Some astute substitutions helped Shamrocks to maintain their intensity, and it has to be said ,without the unerring accuracy of Andrew O’ Grady, we wouldn’t have achieved the draw. Full time score, Shamrocks 0-18, Courceys 2-12. Extra time, with the light fading, was tense, but our lads have proved in the past they have great heart. Coby O’Grady came on for Seán Kidney who played himself to a standstill and the other 4 subs also played their part into the end. Andrew O’Grady, who had his best game in general play for a long time, secured our narrow win with two last difficult frees. Full time score AET: Shamrocks 0-23, Courcey Rovers 2-15.
This was the culmination of a sad few days in our Parish, with the sudden death, due to a tragic accident, of our much-loved and revered Curate Father Con Cronin. Our prayers and thoughts with him in Heaven, as he must have been looking down on us with his usual beaming smile.
And then this Sunday, we delighted in the Gold Medal Boxing win of Kellie Harrington, followed up with Cork’s tremendous extra-time win over Kilkenny in the All Ireland Hurling semifinal in Croke Park.
Coming up, very quickly, next Saturday evening, is our next round championship hurling game against Ballygarvan in Carrigaline 7.15pm. Bring it on!
Team: R.Twomey, S. Kelleher, C. Kidney, J. Tuohy, S. Collins, M. Hitchmough, S. Kidney, B. Mulqueen, D. Andrews, C. Hayes, N. Hayes, S. Andrews, H. Andrews, A. O’Grady, J. Boylan. Subs: C. O’Grady, D. Barry, S. Downey, F. O’Neill, J. Lynam.
Manager: A. Geary. Coach: D. Nolan. Asst. Coach, M. Jordan. Selectors: J.Ronayne, K. O’Grady, L. Shanahan. Medical: K. Lynam
