The u12 hurling team had their second league outing of the season on Monday night with a home tie against O’Donnell’s. For the combined Eire Og/St Brigids team this was their second meeting with O’Donnell’s – the first in the slightly more plush surroundings of Croke Park on Easter Tuesday.
On this occasion the lads from Eire Og/St Brigids claimed the victory with a display of great team commitment and some very good skills. Played in the usual go-games format we fielded a panel of 17 players on the night, with 11 players on the field at time. Played over 3 20 minutes periods this provided a good opportunity for all players to get plenty of game time. Once again the conditions were perfect for hurling – the pitch surface in excellent condition and blessed by a warm spring evening.
The home team dominated the first period and at times laid siege to the O’Donnell’s goal – and early on opened the scoring through a fine goal from Ethan Carleton. Conor Gilligan was strong around midfield with Callum Coepland & Jack Robinson proving solid rocks in defence. Ewan Rush and Michael Rogan, playing up-front, were causing the O’Donnell’s defence numerous problems.
In the second period St Brigids/Eire Og continued to pressure and added two further scores through Alan Gordon and Mark Hamill. O’Donnell’s began to force their way back into the game, however Joe Finnegan was in sparkling form in goals and pulled off a number of great saves including one which would have not been out of place on All Ireland day. However O’Donnell’s managed to breach the defence with a well taken goal towards the end of the period.
With a rotation system working well all players were getting an opportunity to star with the likes of Jack McBurney, Ciaran Mooney and John Duffy contributing well to the overall performance. With the third underway Phelim Lennon was working well in a central midfield role and was rewarded with a well taken point. Joe Finnegan, now operating outfield added a 4th goal from a high dropping “65”. However O’Donnell’s did not give up easily and responded with a goal and well taken point to narrow the gap. The home side finished strong with Ethan Carleton adding a point and Gareth Flynn finding the net.
This was a fine performance by all 17 players and augers very well for the future development of the squad.
Training continues on Thursday evening at 6:30pm and Saturday at 2pm – both in Musgrave Park. All players need to attend at least one of these sessions. The South Antrim league will continue over the coming weeks and a series of challenge matches will also be arranged.
