St Brigids u12 hurlers, combined with Eire Og, got their season of to a start on Monday night with a highly competitive encounter with St Teresa’s on the Glen Road. St Brigids/Eire Og had a total of 14 players available for selection and the game played under go-games rules, consisting of two twenty minute periods and a final 10 minute period. The format worked very well for both teams and allowed the coaches to rotate the players to ensure everyone got plenty of hurling.
During the first period St Brigids/Eire Og dominated the early play with John Toner, Jack Robinson and Gareth Flynn controlling the defence for the visitors. In the middle Ethan Carleton and Conor Gilligan were particularly strong, with Ethan netting two well taken goals to push St Brigids/Eire Og into the lead at the end of the first period. Up front Ewan Rush and Alan Gordon were a constant threat on the home goal.
As the second period got underway St Teresa’s had a number of strong attacks, but Joe Finnegan and Callum Copeland and Mark Hamil stood firm and repelled numerous attacks. Around the middle Phelim Lennon was covering a lot of ground and displaying some great skill as he pushed the visitors forward. However St Teresa’s persistence was rewarded with three goals to take a lead into the final 10 minute period.
On the resumption of the third period Jack McBurney and Ciaran Mooney began to cause the St Teresa’s defence a number of problems. However, on a breakaway attack St Teresa’s increased their lead with a fourth well taken goal. The team from St Brigids/Eire Og were not about to capitulate and dominated the final five minutes with Ryan McArdle and Rory Crossen taking a grip on things at the back. With great commitment they managed to turn possession into scores and two well taken goals from Conor Gilligan and Jack Robinson resulted in a well deserved draw in what turned out to be a very entertaining and competitive encounter. Well done to St Teresa’s who were very sporting and welcoming hosts.
Well done to the full panel of players on the night: Joe Finnegan, Ethan Carleton, John Toner, Phelim Lennon, Ciaran Mooney, Gareth Flynn, Jack McBurney, Conor Gilligan, Ewan Rush, Jack Robinson, Alan Gordon, Mark Hamil, Ryan McArdle, Rory Crossen, Calum Copeland
Next up the lads face O’Donnells at Musgrave Park on Monday 26th April at 6:30pm. All players to meet at 6pm.
Training continues at 6:30 on Thursday at Musgrave Park.
