UNDER 13 CAMOGIE:
Pride of place this week goes to the Ferrybank U13 Camogie team who defeated a gallant Dungarvan side in the Shield Final at SETU Arena, Cariganore on Sunday morning. On a dry morning for the game, both sides got down to action, and the girls made a great start to the game with goals from Sinead and Karimat, with Zara proving accurate with some nice points, ensuring Ferrybank went into the half time break with a 2-03 to 0-03 lead.
However, the girls from the west came out in the second-half all guns blazing, and reduced the gap to a point with a goal of their own. With the game in the melting pot, Ferrybank’s young team held their nerve, and kept playing their game, and began to get back on top with further scores from Sophie B, Sinead D, and Isobel. Further points from Sinead D and Taylor ensured the girls ran out worthy winners in the end.
A great win for this young side, who have come on in leaps and bounds throughout the year, putting in a lot of hard work, and this was shown last Sunday with some excellent striking, and more importantly working as a team. Joint Captains Ava, and Ella accepted the Shield on behalf of the team amid joyous scenes.
Like all good teams, there has to be good coaches, and a special word of praise and thanks to Derek, Karen, Roisin, and Damien who have assembled a great panel of players, and have improved them immensely, week in week out, and crucially, the majority of this team will be available for next season.
It was back to the GAA grounds after the game, where the team tucked into a nice bit of food from Gentiles, and Four Star Pizza. Fair play to the Gaelic Mothers and Others for kindly sponsoring the meal for the team. No doubt, the first of many trophies awaits this young bunch of players.
TEAM: Ella, Aine, Sophie B, Caoimhe, Manuella, Lilly C, Sinead, Isabelle, Lilly D, Sophie F, Natalia, Ameilie, Zara, Mia, Gracie-Mai, Taylor, Eabha, Amira, Lilly W, Holly, Karimat, Maria, Ria.
INTERMEDIATE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP:
No luck for the Intermediate hurlers on Sunday afternoon where they were defeated by Crotta O' Neills in Castletown/Ballyagran GAA grounds in Limerick. Crotta O' Neills made the better start with the opening two points from play, but a minute later, a long ball from Luke Flynn into the Crotta O' Neills’ square seemed to evade everyone and the ball went into the net (though Ruadhri McGarrity might have a say in getting the final touch on the ball). A point from Mark O’ Brien settled the side down, but two quick points from Crottas reduced the gap.
The Crotta forward line were causing the Ferrybank’s defence a few problems with their pace, and they got rewarded with a goal, which opened a three point lead. Points from Mark O’ Brien (2) kept Ferrybank in the hunt, as the first-half wore on. However, Crotta’s defence were on top, giving very little away, while at the other end four unanswered points opened a gap to six points
A badly needed score from Ruadhri McGarrity, followed by another score from Mark O’ Brien kept the lads in it, but like in earlier plays, Crotta O Neills quickly struck three points to have a 1-12 to 1-6 lead at the midway stage. Two quick points from Mark O’ Brien early in the second-half reduced the gap to four points. Moments after, Crottas were almost in for a second goal, only for a superb point blank save from Jo-Jo O’ Driscoll at the expense of a converted '65. Despite battling away, the forward line were finding it hard to get many chances for scores, with Mark O’ Brien contributing the scores, while the defence was working overtime, with Cormac Heffernan holding firm at the back.
A couple of pointed frees from Crottas extended the lead, but towards the end of the game, a quick free from Mark O’ Brien found Darryl Griffin who evaded his marker, and drilled a low shot into the end for a good goal.
No complaints on the day, and we wish Crotta O' Neills the best of luck in the next round, and thanks to Ballyagran GAA club for hosting the game. That completes the Intermediate hurlers’ campaign for 2023, and now the attention will turn to senior status for next year.
Looking back, it’s been a fantastic year for the team, winning the County League Division 3 title, and more importantly winning the inaugural Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship on September 9th, which won’t be forgotten. This success must be commended to Paddy Mullally, Stan Heffernan, and Fintan Power who took over the team at the start of the year, and brought a lot of belief into their game. The hard work has paid dividends as the season went on, thanks lads for all your help. To Tom Foster and Mille O’ Groman for the Physio and First-Aid, Andrew for being the kit man, and to all the supporters who travelled everywhere showing their support for the players.
PANEL: Cormac O’ Driscoll, John Ahern, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil, Damien Ahern, Izaak Richards, Cormac Heffernan, MJ Sutton, Seamus Burtchaell, Ryan Tierney, Luke Flynn (1-00), Darryl Griffin (1-01), Neil O’ Sullivan, Mark O’ Brien (0-11), Ruadhri McGarrity (0-01), Robbie Carew, Shane O’ Sullivan, Pawel Tomczuk, Maciez Tomczuk, John Collins, Eimhin Burns, David Atkins, Shane Oates, Lee Clarke, Tom Burtchaell.
COUNTY DUTY:
Well done to Jacob Richards on his call up to the Waterford U16 Development squad for the coming year. Jacob has had a great year with the U15 and minor teams, and his hard work and performances have now been fully merited.
UNDER 20 HURLING:
Our Under hurlers are scheduled to be in action next weekend either Saturday 18th/Sunday 19th November against Erin’s Own. No venue, date or time has been confirmed, so keep an eye on our social media platforms.
DINNER DANCE:
Not too long to go before the Dinner Dance which takes place on Friday, December 8th at 7pm in the Woodlands Hotel. Tickets cost €55, which includes a drinks reception, followed by a three-course meal. Music on the night comes from No Hot Ashes, while D.J. Stephen Murphy will spin the discs late into the night.
Please order your tickets ASAP from Gillian Power, Martin Freeman, Robbie Carew, Niamh Ahearne, Kevin Kehoe. We will look forward to welcoming you there on the night, and it will cap off a great year for the club.
