St Brigids/Eire Og 3-3 v Lamh Dhearg 0-1
The combined St Brigids/Eire Og u12 hurling squad travelled to Rossa Park on Sunday 9th October to face the challenge of Lamh Dhearg in the final of the Nipper Quinn B championship. The sides had already met on three previous occasions this year, with the team from Hannastown having secured two victories to the St Brigids/Eire Og one.
For the run in to the final the team had participated in a number of tough challenge matches against North Antrim and Division 1 opposition – the benefits of these matches were clearly demonstrated on the day of the final.
The conditions were far from ideal for marquee hurling with a strong wind and driving rain blowing straight down the pitch. Having lost the toss and with Lamh Dhearg electing to play with wind advantage in the first period the team and mentors knew they were going to face a stiff challenge in the opening 20 minute period.
However right from the outset it was clear the team had every intention of giving this final their all. Initial attacks by Lamh Dhearg were repelled with some sterling work by John Toner at full back, Phelim Lennon at centre half back and willow-the-wisp Conor Erskine at wing half back and Mark Hamill on the other wing. However the pressure on the St Brigids/Eire Og goal eventually told when Lamh Dhearg recorded the opening score of the game with a well taken point. Despite the less than favourable conditions the St Brigids/Eire Og players were beginning to establish their superiority and through concerted pressure on the Lamh Dhearg goals it was obvious scores would come. Ethan Carleton and Tom Dunford at midfield, assisted by Jack Robinson at centre half forward were gaining the upper hand in their individual exchanges. However the headwind was proving a real challenge for the team to convert their possession into scores. Lamh Dhearg were taking advantage of the conditions and after a long clearance down field and a goal mouth scramble the referee awarded a penalty. From the resultant penalty, Rory Brolly, who was having a storming game in goals, brought off a great save to keep the tie finely balanced. Peter Henvey at half-forward was manfully battling for every ball, but due to an injury was unable to finish the half.
Halfway through the first period St Brigids/Eire Og opened their scoring with a well taken point from Ethan Carleton. With the forward line now beginning to find more space and win their individual battles with Ronan Crossen and Ewan Rush in particular proving a real handful more scores looked on the cards. As the half neared a conclusion another attack and a goal mouth scramble with efforts from Sean Murray-Lopez.and eventually the stick of Ewan Rush forcing the ball over the Lamh Dhearg line. The half-time whistle blew with St Brigids/Eire Og ending the half with a deserved lead of 1-1 to 0-1.
The half-time dressing room was a buzz of excitement as the expectation of securing victory was high given the performance in the first period. However coaches Rush & Lennon were keen to keep the team focused for the second period and reminded the players no medals were given out at half-time.
The second period got underway and it was not long before St Brigids/Eire Og took full advantage of the conditions with Ethan Carleton scoring a long rage free. The half continued with St Brigids/Eire Og dominating possession and territory and laying siege to the Lamh Dhearg goal, which was beginning to pay dividends when Ronan Crossen smashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net. Alan Gordon was ever alert in attack and made sure the Lamh Dhearg did not get the opportunity to easily clear their lines.
When Lamh Dhearg did manage to move the ball past halfway, strong defending from Peter Heaney, Connla McCarthy and Tom Dunford who was now operating at centre half back and John Toner in a sweeping role ensured St Brigids/Eire Og remained on top.
St Brigids/Eire Og continued to attack, however the incessant rain, heavy underfoot conditions and some wayward shooting meant the lead remained at 7 points as the game entered the final quarter. However strong attacking play from Niall Agnew and Phelim Lennon made sure Lamh Dhearg remained firmly pinned in their own half. Substitutes Eunan Carlin and Ciara Hamill entered the fray and with fresh legs they were able to prevent any breakaway attacks from impacting on the dominant position St Brigids/Eire Og were now in. Ethan Carleton ensured the victory was put beyond doubt when another long range free found the net, follow-up by a further point to secure an 11 point victory on the final whistle. A special word of praise must also go to the younger members of the panel who did not get a run out on Sunday, but will no doubt prove worth additions to the u12 panel next year.
Much to the delight of the large contingent of parents and club supporters from St Brigids/Eire Og, who had urged the players on all morning with encouragement and strong vocal support, captain Phelim Lennon raised the Nipper Quinn shield. Victory on the day was fully deserved and testament to the work and commitment shown by the whole panel throughout the year. Well done to all involved on a fantastic way to round off the season.
Well done to Lamh Dhearg who participated in a very hard, yet very sporting encounter and gave their all in very difficult conditions.
Line-up: Rory Brolly Connla McCarthy John Toner Peter Heaney Mark Hamill Phelim Lennon Conor Erskine Tom Dunford Ethan Carleton Ewan Rush Jack Robinson Peter Henvey (Niall Agnew) Alan Gordon (Ciara Hamill) Ronan Crossen Sean Murray-Lopez (Eunan Carlin) Vincent Robinson Dylan Doran Diarmaid Molloy Ryan McArdle Brendan Murray Lopez
