UNDER 20 HURLING:
The Under 20 Hurlers captured the Whites Bar Eastern Final with a 4-13 to 0-14 win over a gallant St. Mary’s team in Dunhill last Saturday afternoon. At this time of the year, goals win matches, and in this game, four second-half goals at key moments was the difference.
The opening half was very close, with little to separate the sides, as the teams were level on six occasions, with the excellent Shane Oates proving accurate with his shooting, by contributing five of the six points, with Jay Bagge chipping in with a fine point from an acute angle. In that opening half, Kyle Daly had to be at his best with a crucial save from close range. Minutes later, Ruadhri McGarrity almost got Ferrybank a goal but his low shot was saved by the St. Mary’s keeper. Ferrybank’s defence held firm in the opening half, despite losing Paddy Mackey at full back with an injury, but Caolan Mac Cathmhaoil, Conor Daly and Sean Byrne kept goal chances to a premium. At half-time, the sides were level at 0-6 each.
Both teams traded points after the break from placed balls. Two quick points from Shane Oates opened up a two point lead for Ferrybank. Once again though, two points from play from St. Mary’s levelled the game up for the eight time. However, the game changed in the next five minutes, as Ferrybank hit 1-03 without reply. Firstly, a fine catch from Shane Purcell who drove through the St. Mary’s defence, and passed it off to Jay Bagge who was bundled to the ground when about to shoot, and a penalty was awarded. Shane Oates stepped up and planted the ball to the top corner of the net. Quick points soon followed from Ruadhri McGarrity, who received a pass from Pawel Tomczuk to split the posts, Shane Oates fired over another placed ball, and from Pawel following a fine individual solo run.
Moments later, St. Mary’s almost got a goal of their own, but, yet again, Kyle Daly pulled off another fine save to keep his goal intact. From one chance to another, a second Ferrybank goal soon arrived, when Shane Oates picked up a loose ball and drilled a low shot on his left side into the corner of the net to open an eight point lead. Both teams traded points, and into the closing minutes, Jay Bagge and Ruadhri McGarrity exchanged passes, and Jay drilled the ball to the roof of the net from the edge of the square for goal number three. Straight from the puckout, a long ball into the St. Mary’s defence saw Callum O' Sullivan strike the ball on the ground into the corner of the net to seal the win.
Fittingly, it was Shane Oates who finished off the scoring with another point, as the final whistle sounded. Captain Shane Oates collected the cup from Eastern board Chairman Michael O' Brien, and to cap off a great day for the number 7, he also took the Man of the Match award from John Jeff Murphy following a fantastic haul of 2-10.
A great win for the team, which everyone contributed to the win, with the defence determined to not concede a goal, midfielders working hard in setting up the scores, for the forwards who duly obliged when it mattered. A special word to manager Cormac Heffernan who worked hard with the team over the last couple of months, and to Robbie Carew and Cormac O’ Driscoll with their assistance. It’s now onto the County Final against Kilrossanty, which will take place next Saturday, December 2nd in Walsh Park with a 1:30pm throw-in.
Thanks to all the supporters who came along on the day, and cheered on the team on a chilly afternoon
PANEL: Kyle Daly, Sean Byrne, Paddy Mackey, Conor Daly, Caolan MacCathmhaoil, Lochlann Flanagan, Shane Oates (2-10), Izaak Richards, Dean Clarke, Ruadhri McGarrity (0-01), Pawel Tomczuk (0-01), Shane Purcell, Jay Bagge (1-01), Cian O' Gorman, Sam Barry, Lee Clarke, Callum O' Sullivan (1-00), Daniel Griffin, Kyle Finn-O' Brien.
DINNER DANCE:
Not long to go now for the Ferrybank GAA and Camogie Club Dinner Dance which takes place on Friday, December 8th at 7pm in the Woodlands Hotel. Tickets cost €55, which includes a drinks reception on arrival, followed by a three course meal. Tickets can still be purchased, but we would strongly advise you to contact Gillian Power, Kevin Kehoe, Niamh Ahearne, Martin Freeman or Robbie Carew ASAP as numbers must be confirmed to the Woodlands this week.
Music will be provided by No Hot Ashes, while D.J. Stephen Murphy will spin the discs late into the night. Overall, a great night is assured, and no doubt it will cap off a great season for the club, at all levels from Adults to Juveniles in both Hurling/Camogie/Football. So order your tickets ASAP, and we look forward to seeing you there.
WLCSP GRANT FUND:
Ferrybank GAA club was successful with its application for funding to the tune of €1,000 from the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) Small Funds Community Grant for 2023. A special word of thanks to Kevin Kehoe for his hard work in securing this grant on behalf of the club.
BOBBLE HAT:
With winter now setting in, and the chilly days here, why not purchase the new Ferrybank GAA Bobble hat. Adult size €20, kids size €15. To place your order, please contact Robbie Carew 0852074288.
