by Sean Ó Tuama
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Shamrocks 2-11, Ballygarvan 0-11
The Patrons who travelled to Ballygarvan’s Liam McCarthy Park on Thursday night last were treated to an excellent game of football with both teams full of running and enterprise. However, it was the youthful lads in green who deservedly took the spoils on the night where all the players competed manfully and scored the important goals that ensured success.
Seven members of the Diarmuid O’Murchu Under 21 squad that has qualified for the 2025 South-East Final were on duty. Their contribution was very telling and they are providing a very strong and promising platform for both team and Club going forward. Shamrocks started well and were ahead 1-6 to 0-5 at the break with midfielder Andrew O’Grady grabbing a vital goal. Ballygarvan strengthened their side in the second half with some valuable substitutions but Shamrocks were winning a lot of fifty-fifty balls and turnovers and our defenders were not found wanting with youngsters David Herlihy and Kieran May to the fore. Shortly after Canice Caffrey being introduced he converted a penalty kick to record one of the most important scores of the game. This goal kept a resurging opposition at bay. With five minutes remaining Shamrocks were defending a three point lead but true to form our forwards led by veteran Captain Senan Collins kicked three beautiful points. Shamrocks were worthy winners. Sam Foy showed some great form at midfield and Cian Lynch was always lively and sharp and Keeper Cristeoir Corkery keeping a clean sheet.
Team: Cristeoir Corkery, Kieran May, Cathal Kidney, Robert Barrett, David Herlihy, Fionn Herlihy, Coby O’Grady, Sam Foy, Andrew O’Grady, Josh Bartlett, Darren Scriven, Barry O’Mahony, Cathal O’Donovan, Senan Collins (Capt.), Cian Lynch. Subs used – Canice Caffrey, Mark Jordan, David Barry, Shane Downey, Gary Ronayne, Jack Wilson and Cillian O’Connell.
The next game will be a Junior Hurling League tie on Saturday April 19th (Holy Saturday) at 3pm in Carrigaline versus Carrigaline. Our team is undefeated in the league with two wins so they will go to Carrigaline fully determined to make it three. Credit the players, they are responding well to training and no doubt the fruits of this will manifest itself in more victories. Best of luck to all our players and mentors for this game and Easter.
Johnny Tuohy representing Shamrocks at the Carrigdhoun GAA Junior Championship Draws, held during the week April 7th
