UNDER 20 HURLING:
Ferrybank’s Under 20 hurlers were crowned Eastern Champions last Sunday afternoon in the SETU Arena with a hard-fought win over a gallant Erin’s Own side, winning on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-10. The team had to survive a late scare, as Erin’s Own came with a late rally in the dying moments of the game to close the gap, but Ferrybank held on to claim the win.
Aided by the breeze, Erin’s Own opened the scoring with a pointed free, but a point from play from Caolán MacCathmhaoil levelled it up. A '65 from Erin’s Own edged them ahead, but a fine pass from Caolan found Conor Haley, who sent the sliothar between the posts to level it up. Ferrybank quickly settled, and almost got in for the opening goal when Jay Bagge found Fionn McGarrity, but his low shot went narrowly wide. Ferrybank edged into the lead with a fine score from a tight angle from Fionn McGarrity, but like for like, Erin’s Own levelled it up with another point.
Ferrybank had another good chance for a goal with Fionn McGarrity causing a few problems up front, saw another shot go narrowly wide. However, it was a case of third time lucky for the team, as a pass from Sean Adeyemi found Conor Haley who soloed through and hit an angled shot to the top corner of the net giving the goalkeeper no chance to put Ferrybank into the lead, when they never let go.
Points from Jay Bagge and Caolán MacCathmhaoil extended the lead, the latter’s score involved several passes from defence up to the forward line and the midfielder split the posts. With the team on top, Ferrybank were guilty of squandering a few chances to extend the lead, and this allowed Erin’s Own to reply with two quick points to close the gap. Ferrybank's defence gave little away, limiting Erin’s Own to little goal threat, with Sean Byrne, Harry Flanagan, and Sean Adeyemi protecting Kyle in the goal. Both sides exchanged points in the closing moments of the half, with Conor Haley getting his second point, to ensure a 1-06 to 0-6 lead at the break.
The second half started a bit scrappy, and it took six minutes for the first score to be registered, a point from Conor Haley. Another point from Fionn McGarrity pushed the lead out to five, and Ferrybank seemed to be gaining control of the game. A pointed free from Erin’s Own kept them in the hunt, but quick points from Fionn McGarrity and Conor Haley pushed it out to six-point game.
Erin’s Own almost got in for a goal, but Ferrybank eventually cleared a goalmouth scramble, and with the ball worked up to Jay Bagge, who found Caolán MacCathmhaoil with a pass, and he split the post with a fine score. With the game nearing its conclusion, a busy Fionn McGarrity up front got his fourth point from close range to open a seven-point lead. A close range free from Erin’s Own was sent over the bar. However, after the restart, the hard-working Sean Adeyemi went on a run, and calmly put the ball over the bar. With time virtually up, Erin’s Own finally breached Kyle Daly in the Ferrybank goal with a consolation three-pointer. From the puckout, Erin’s Own got possession and put the ball over the bar for a point to reduce the gap to three. However, the final whistle soon sounded and the team ran out deserving winners on the day.
Captain Izaak Richards accepted the cup on behalf of the team, much to the joy of the selectors, players, and supporters. Thanks to Robbie Carew, Cormac Heffernan, and Greg Murphy for preparing the team, and to the players who worked hard and got their reward, and to the supporters who have come along to the matches and supported the players throughout.
TEAM: Kyle Daly, Sean Byrne, Harry Flanagan, Sean Adeyemi (0-01), Izaak Richards, Jacob Richards, Lochlann Flanagan, Caolán MacCathmhaoil (0-03), Jack Hoban, Jay Bagge (0-01), Evan Mullally, Conor Haley (1-04), Fionn McGarrity (0-04), Paddy Mackey, Calum O’Sullivan, Dean Clarke.
U16 FOOTBALL:
The combined Ferrybank / Erin’s Own U16 football team will play Ballinacourty in Abbeyside this Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm in the County Shield Final. Best of luck to the team and management. All support is greatly appreciated on the night.
AGM:
Ferrybank GAA club will hold its annual general meeting in St. Mary’s Boys’ National School this evening (Monday, November 24th) at 7pm. All members are invited to attend. Newcomers are welcome.
