Report by Philomena Brennan
The eagerly awaited u-14 Roinn B Hurling Championship Semi-Final took place in Tullaroan on the 4th October last. Conditions were ideal and a large contingent of supporters looked forward to a competitive encounter with near neighbours, John Lockes of Callan.
John Lockes got off the mark quickly with two points from placed balls. A lovely point from nippy corner forward Paddy Brennan saw GBC get on the score-board which was quickly followed by a similar score from Oisín Egan.
With the GBC defence under pressure from the Callan boys, another free was conceded which was duly converted. A free from Aaron Brennan brought the teams level and shortly after, Killian Egan put the locals ahead with a fine long range point. The half-back line began to get on top with Eoin Delahunty, in particular making great clearances. Daniel Lawlor, getting the better of his opponent, scored a great goal which left the boys three points clear. Approaching the half-time break GBC were awarded a free and the well struck effort by Aaron Brennan dropped into the Callan goal and when the whistle sounded for half-time, GBC went in six points clear.
Half-time Score: GBC 2-4 John Lockes 0-4
When proceedings resumed, GBC went into the attack straight away and a quick pointed free from the accurate Aaron Brennan set the tone for the second half. The GBC defence, starting with the ever vigilant Jason O’Brien in goal, got into their stride and denied the John Lockes side easy scores. Adam O’Brien at full back, ably assisted by Kevin Ging and Alex McCluskey was dominating the full-back line and his long deliverances put pressure on the Callan defence. This pressure quickly paid off and from a quick attack GBC was awarded a penalty. The resultant goal from the Aaron Brennan strike put a respectable ten points between the sides. The half back line of Killian Egan, Eamonn Corcoran and Eoin Delahunty were dealing with the Callan attacks admirably and with the half forwards Oisín Egan, Alan Wall and Daniel Lawlor sending in low ball to the full-forward line, GBC went on a scoring spree. The mid-field pair of Finn Lanigan and Aaron Brennan was dominating their markers. Paddy Brennan and Stephen Keoghan added a further goal and two points and the hard-working Simon O’Dwyer continued to cause the opponents problems with his runs at the defence. With the result nearly assured, the team mentors made some substitutions and Lee Ronan and Scott Lawlor played their part in a wonderful victory for GBC and a place in the County Final where their opponents will be Bennetsbridge.
Final Score: GBC 4-13 John Lockes 1-6.
Panel: J. O’Brien, K.Ging, A. O’Brien, A. McCluskey, E. Delahunty, K.Egan, E. Corcoran, A.Brennan, F.Lanigan, A. Wall, O. Egan, D. Lawlor, S.O’Dwyer, S. Keoghan, P. Brennan, S. Lawlor, L. Ronan, B. Dunne, JJ. Ryan, J. Muldowney, J. Walton, M. Brennan, S. Robinson.
Scores: A. Brennan 2-6 (1-6 f, 1-0 pen) P. Brennan 1-3, D. Lawlor 1-0, S. Keoghan 0-2, O. Egan, K. Egan 0-1 each.