More Leinster hurling medals for St Sylvesters players
Four St Sylvester's (Pobail Scoil Iosa) players were part of the Dublin North Colleges under 15 team that defeated Kilkenny CBS yesterday in theLeinster Colleges A Final, Paul McBride in midfield, Simon Owens (an under 14 player) Conor Dwyer at corner back and Philip Browne in goal. In a previous round they defeated the famous St Kierans of Kilkenny. To defeat two Kilkenny teams has to rank as a major achievemnt for these north Dublin hurlers
Mr McQuillan, Philip Brown, Paul McBride, Conor Dwyer, Simon Owens
The game started with our backs being put under pressure for the first 10 mins and they all responded greatly. Conor Dwyer was under severe pressure with many balls targeted at his corner. After a few exchanges Conor began to exert his authority on that position including one excellent catch. His competitiveness which is a feature of his game meant that he rose to challenge in no uncertain terms. "Good , hard, honest and competitive" were the words used by Dave McBride to describe his performance.
Philip Browne was not given much to do throughout the game but he had one really quick pull in the first half to clear his lines . His puckouts were a major factor in the game as each one , including those into the wind which put us in attack . Our forwards made great use of this and were ahead until Kilkenny scored a goal late in the first half. Philip stood up well to a Kilkenny forward as he entered the small square but the forward mis-struck the ball catching him out.
Paul worked well at midfield giving ball into our hard working forward line. At half time we were one point down . It is worth pointing out the ontribution played by in the second half by our centre back Eoin "Whelo"Whelan from Oliver Plunketts who after a quiet first half made an excellent contribution in the second half. This included a long distance point after Philip Brown pucked low to Paul who failed to control but flicked to the hands of whelo who scored from half way.
Kilkenny gave up on pucking ball to left corner forward where Conor Dwyer had dominated from early in the game. The other player worth noting was the Dublin Colleges centre forward Sean Ryan from Na Fianna whose ability to catch the ball under severe pressure was a major contribution in the victory, especially as he plays under 14 for his club.
Our own Simon Owens who has been on the panel all year is also an under 14 player . Simon was not introduced today but made a great contribution in the game against Westmeath especially considering he is a year younger than most players in the competition.
A special word to the enthusiastic Mr McQuillan whose words at half time would have driven any young lad through a stone wall for a ball. His enthusiasm and love for the game was obviously contagious this May afternoon in Dr Cullen park with four Sylvesters players returning with valued Leinster A medals.
This achievemnent is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the many hurling mentors including Dave McBride, Anthony Manning, Bernard Boran and Mel McIntyre.
Congratulations, keep the faith...........enjoy
Brendan Bannigan
