INTERMEDIATE HURLING:
It wasn’t to be for our Intermediate Hurlers last Sunday evening, as Dunhill emerged victorious in the Gerry Kennedy Crash Repairs Eastern final on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-08 at a wet and miserable Walsh Park.
Ferrybank found it hard to get into the game from the start, as Dunhill controlled the opening half, where most of the damage was done. With the opening score of the game going to Dunhill in the opening seconds, Mark O' Brien levelled things straight away with a fine score. Dunhill were winning the breaks, and their midfield/half-back line were on top, and quickly hit four unanswered points to open up a lead. A badly needed point from Neil O’ Sullivan kept Ferrybank in the hunt, but Dunhill’s forward line were causing a few problems, and almost got in for a couple of goals, and three more points from them quickly opened up a seven point lead. Quick points from Luke Flynn and Mark O’ Brien reduced the gap, and with the team getting a bit more possession, the forwards were finding it hard to get anything out of the Dunhill defence. Again, another burst of unanswered scores from Dunhill, which saw them put another five points on the scoreboard ensured they had a healthy 0-13 to 0-04 lead at the break.
The opening period of the second-half proved crucial to the game, as Ferrybank hit five wides on the spin, which no doubt would have brought them back into contention, considering scores from both sides were at a premium in that half. Just after the water break, Ferrybank got a lifeline as Sam Lawless was hauled back in the square, and from the penalty Mark O' Brien dispatched the sliothar to the corner of the net, to reduce the gap to six points. Unfortunately, Mark O’ Brien had to retire with injury. As the game began to peter out, with Dunhill ensuring that they were going to protect their lead, points were traded with Shane Oates, Luke Flynn and Sam Lawless finishing off the scoring as the final whistle sounded.
The team just didn’t fire on the day, and found it hard to get the scores to keep them in contention, but overall, they have had a great campaign, and getting back to an Eastern Final was a complete bonus, and if they can take all the positives from this Championship for next year, there is no reason why they can’t be back bigger, better and stronger.
Credit to the management team of John Keane, Jamie O' Meara, Marty Freeman, Nicky Ryan and Shane Dineen who left no stone unturned in preparing the team. First Aiders, Tony, Maxi and Sparky, thanks for all the help, and to the team who put in a huge effort all year round, and gave it everything in all matches. Thanks to all the supporters who travelled to support them during the Championship.
TEAM: Cian Martin, Ben Fitzpatrick, Naoise MacCathmhaoil, Davy Atkins, MJ Sutton, Shane O’ Sullivan, Ryan Tierney, Luke Flynn (0-02), Kevin Hurley, Neil O’ Sullivan (0-01), Mark O' Brien (1-02), Cormac Heffernan, Sam Lawless (0-01), Oisín MacCathmhaoil, Robbie Carew, Shane Oates (0-01), Graham Coady, Damien Ahern, Darryl Griffin, John Ahern, Seamus Burtchaell, Greg Murphy, Paul Carew, Tommy Burtchaell, Charlie Atkins, Lee Clarke, Tommy Carew, Stephen O' Kane, Alex Kinsella. We wish Dunhill the best of luck in next week’s County Final.
INTERMEDIATE CAMOGIE:
Our Intermediate Camogie side were narrowly defeated by Gailltír in their second game of the Hooper Dolan Insurance sponsored competition last Saturday evening, going down on a scoreline of 4-07 to 2-11. A late goal from the visitors secured the points on offer.
Ferrybank had got off to a good start in this game with points from Valerie O’ Brien and Niamh Ahearne before Áine Prendergast struck for a fine goal to put Ferrybank 1-05 to 1-01 ahead. The girls were unlucky not to have got a second goal when some good build up play saw Niamh Ahearne's shot come crashing back off the crossbar, and the ball was cleared away to safety, while at the other end Amy Boden in goal had to be alert, as she cleared away a dangerous Gailltír move for a sideline ball. Further points from Valerie O’ Brien (2) and Niamh Ahearne ensured a 1-07 to 1-03 lead at the break.
An early second half point from Valerie O’ Brien extended the lead, but Gailltír came right back into contention with a goal and a point in the space of a couple of minutes to level it up. With the game up for grabs, two further points from Niamh Ahearne and Valerie O’ Brien put Ferrybank ahead, but some slack defending left Gailltír in for a third goal. Two further points saw the visitors quickly open a three point lead. In fairness to the team, they kept plugging away, and another point from Valerie O’ Brien reduced the gap to two. Ferrybank hit the front in the last five minutes, when a driving run from Áine Prendergast saw her angled shot go high into the top corner for a goal, and put Ferrybank a point up. However, the lead was short lived, as straight away from the puckout, saw Gailltír go on the attack, and the ball was moved into the goal area, and put into the back of the net. Try, as they did, Ferrybank’s late attacks were kept out by the Gailltír defence, and the visitors held out for the win.
No doubt, the three second half goals, at key stages proved the difference in the end, as the girls worked and tried hard, and were unlucky not to come away with at least a point, as they missed a couple of clear chances during the game.
UNDER 8 & 10 CAMOGIE BLITZ:
Last Sunday morning saw the club host an Under 8 & 10 Camogie blitz. With the weather holding up, over 120 Girls from Gailltír, Clonea, Butlerstown and Ferrybank took part, and played out some exciting matches, with plenty of skills on display.
Our own under 8 & 10's excelled on the day, and thoroughly enjoyed the matches, showing great effort during each game, and no doubt, the training is now paying dividends. Credit to the mentors for all their help and encouragement from day one. A huge thanks to Karen O' Connor who organised this blitz for the club, ensuring everything passed off smoothly, with all pitches set up, and all matches running to schedule. Thanks also to the coaches, referees, first aiders, parents and volunteers who helped out, where a great and successful day was had by all.
UNDER 6 HURLING:
Another great turnout last Saturday morning for our Under 6 boys and girls, where over 30 people took part, and enjoyed plenty of fun and games. It also included the presentation of hurley grips, which were kindly donated by Dalton Electrical, and well done to Darragh, Ria, Jake, Bobby, Anna, Logan and Alex who were the winners of the King Coffee challenge.
DÉISE DRAW:
We had one winner in last Wednesday's Déise Draw, and congrats to Pat Lawless who won €250 in the draw, once again, thanks to everyone who has purchased tickets for the draw. Next draw takes place on Wednesday October 13th.
