Minor Hurlers win West Cork Championship
A superb team display gives the Kilmacabea club their first silverware of the season when they defeat Gabriel Rangers in the final of the minor hurling in Skibbereen on Tuesday 16th August. In a very competitive game between two evenly matched teams the game was decided by a few key moments, the early goal by Declan O’Sullivan to settle the team, the pointed frees by Eamon O’Sullivan just before halftime to give a three point half time lead, two further points by Eamon O’Sullivan at the end of the 3rd quarter and a period of stalemate which was followed by a superb save by Diarmaid O’Callaghan.
On a fine evening it was ideal for hurling. Both sides were testing each other in the early stages and while the Kilmacs opened the scoring with a fine point from Eamon O’Sullivan, Gabriels were making the early running and had the advantage on the score board and Diarmaid O’Callaghan was equal to their test in goal. The decisive moment in the game was the goal from Declan O’Sullivan in the 6th minute. This gave the Kilmacs the edge and they were able to push on and by the 11th minute had extended the lead to 6 points. As happens Gabriels then had their period in charge and came back into the game and by the 26th minute the Kilmac lead was down to 1point. Two key scores by Eamon O’Sullivan gave the Kilmacs a small advantage at half time on the score of 1-10 to 0-10. There was no score for the first 12 minutes of the second half as the game flowed from end to end with neither side able to convert possession. The Kilmacs had missed a penalty but eventually Eamon O’Sullivan put over points in the 12th and 15th minute to break the stalemate. The game continued to be competitive but the Kilmacs were in the position of advantage and with numerical advantage towards the end were able to see off the challenge.
The final score was Kilmacabea 2 – 14 Gabriel Rangers 0 – 12.
The cup was presented to captain Finnán Tobin by Noel Coakley of the Rebel Og West Cork Board.
Diarmaid O’Callaghan had a super game in goal, dealing ably with everything that came his way and making several outstanding saves at crucial times in the game. Martin Collins and Liam Thompson were excellent in the last line of defense with nothing getting past them. Niall Hayes(1-0) was master at center back and finished the game off with his goal at the end. Finnán Tobin and Euan Tobin worked hard either side of him and never let up. Liam Cahalane(0-1) had his usual effective game at midfield. Eamon O’Sullivan(0-11) at center forward led the attack with all his undoubted skill scoring some fine points. Kevin Hayes and Oisin O’Sullivan worked hard either side of him even if it didn’t always come off. Richie O’Sullivan(0-2) was a constant threat when in possession and the Gabriels defense conceded numerous frees in their efforts to halt him. Declan O’Sullivan(1-0) worked hard and was always in the thick of things. Kevin Whooley, Denny Hayes, Liam O’Driscoll, Odhran Connolly all came on and did their bit especially when the pressure was on in the second half. Kevin O’Donovan and Aidan Williamson were also part of the panel. The satisfaction of this victory is that it was the players themselves who had committed. Earlier in the season it looked as it the team would struggle for numbers but once the group got together they realized that they could be competitive.
When these teams played at U14 level the score was not recorded such was the difference in favour of the Westerners so it proves that things can be overcome no matter what the appearances.
Front Row L-R Declan O'Sullivan, Aidan Williamson, Odhran Connolly, Liam O'Driscoll, Oisin O'Sullivan, Diarmaid O'Callaghan, Kevin Whooley, Richie O'Sullivan.
Manager Derry O'Callaghan with TJ Collins, Tom Hayes and Michael Tobin
U16 championship Hurling Final Vs O'Donovan Rossa on Thursday 25th August at 7pm in Rosscarbery
No comments:
Post a Comment