U14 hurlers finish Div1 in style
U14H Div1 St Sylvester’s 5 – 11 Castleknock 1-5 “RESPECT ………” It’s not the number of times you get knocked down that counts but the number of times you get back up again. All year, despite some very good performances, this team has suffered some big defeats in the rarefied atmosphere of division 1 hurling.
It’s been a long time coming but all the sweeter for that. Division 1 is a hard place to survive in with a small panel. Yesterday we had the addition of a full brigade of seven players from the under 13s for our final match of the year and our last chance at redemption.
The tempo was set from the start with Jordan Lawless, Paul McBride and Conor Dwyer joining in wholeheartedly in the early exchanges. Paul scored some beautiful long range points from play and frees. His ability to find space in possession is wonderful and his work rate was phenomenal. Conor Dwyer’s touch with the hurl was a joy to behold and he enjoys the battle. He put in a great shift. The warrior himself Jordan lawless has added really impressive speed to his game. He was unstoppable yesterday at centre half back and full forward.
The other two half backs were Simon Owens and Hugh Murray from the under 13s. They were teak tough strong and relentless and they looked like they enjoyed defending. (Dublin footballers take note)
Joe Bannigan played at corner back and his opponent never touched the ball. He was our front winning and clearing out. Cian McCann is a no frills, get close and personal full back in hurling and football, every week. He is Mr Reliable and first name on the team sheet. Brendan Sheppard is not the biggest corner back but he is the bravest. He was winning all the exchanges until he had to go off injured. In goal Philip Browne’s claw homed in accurately on all incoming missiles and his clearances were nuclear strength. Karl Stacey played in the forwards and defence and gave his trademark all action performance, versatile and skilful.
Alan Kavanagh can play anywhere on the team He has the proverbial “engine”, athletic ability, speed, and a lovely touch with the hurl. Dillon Doyle is the most improved hurler on the team after the summer training of Colm O’ Connor and he’s wholehearted and honest. Jack Hazley was in the thick of everything that happened in the forward line yesterday. He is the heart of the team and a fine hurler with a natural ability. Colm Byrne was injured yesterday but played anyway. He was fantastic. He scored a magnificent goal but it was his work rate and effort that were really special.
Eoin Manning was unfortunate not to score a goal from a great strike on the 21 metre line.
Andrew Cunningham, Thomas Colclough, Colm Bourne, Cillian Haverty and Eoin McCarthy from the under 13s all came on and played their part with skill and determination.
To everyone who played yesterday, who trained all through the summer, who helped to train and manage the teams and who came back to play after each defeat, …………….respect.
