U16s great performance in A Hurling semi final

On 20 minutes Stephen Keogh, our rock like full back and one of our most consistent players all season was forced off with an injury prompting a large scale reorganization and almost immediately Lucan went up the field and goaled from a 21 yard free. That goal proved to be the difference at half time as the teams turned at 0-6 to 1-6 in favour of the visitors.

Lucan started the second half brightly and tacked on a few points before we could get going however as the game entered the last quarter it was still anyones to win as all that remained between the sides was that first half goal. However, in the last 10 minutes Lucan’s experience showed as they goaled again to put the game beyond us.

So a huge disappointment for all involved in this team and while Lucan are a very good side with much more A Championship experience than us we are gutted that we did not win. However while the mantra of this team all through has been ‘No Moral Victories’ huge advances have been made by all the players this season. Derek Morris in goal has proven himself to be a confident shot stopper, the full back line of Oisin Klinkenbergh, Stephen Keogh and Niall Gilson let nothing by easily, combining physicality, skill and stickyness. Our half back line of Kevin McLoughney, Garreth McGrath and Brian Shalloe constantly took the game to our opponents and aided by the excellent covering skills of Eamon McIlgorm could not be faulted.

In midfield we have our Countymen and the inspirational leaders of the team. Thomas Richardsons driving straight runs, point scoring and free taking, Conor Meaneys soaring catches, deftness of wrist and drive are the heartbeat of this team. The half forwards are physically strong and a hard grafting trio of John Peacock, Andrew Smith and James O’Callaghan. Kevin O’Flynn, David Kennedy and Kevin Fanning gave it their all up front again. Our subs Conor Quinn and Conor Ryan battled hard for us despite knowing they had the U15 final next afternoon.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colm O’Connor for all the dedication, commitment and work he put in this year, Eddie McLoughney for his help, advice and support and Martin Meaney who has endowed these players with the proper hurling skills. I would like to thank all those who helped and supported us in whatever way they could especially Declan Morris, Danny O’Connor and Paudi Duffy. Mel McIntyre (and the Intermediates who may be missing a few!!).

Finally to the players who gave us absolutely everything throughout the season. We need to take this, not as an ending but rather as a start, a setting out point for an assault on the Minor A Championship in 2 years time.