Report by Philomena Brennan
The eagerly awaited Roinn B Hurling County Final took place in John Locke Park, Callan on Saturday last. The Graigue-Ballycallan boys have been on the road since their first training session in late February and up to their County Final appearance had played nearly forty games, between the League, Championship, tournaments and challenges. Throughout the year, under the stewardship of their management team the boys made great progress and through sheer hard work, dedication and no small amount of self-belief they earned the right to represent the club in the championship final.
While conditions were dry in Callan, after the previous day’s downpour, a swirling wind would stamp it’s authority on proceedings. Their opponents were the highly fancied Bennettsbridge who had the League and Feile scalps under their belts and GBC were under no illusion as to their under-dog status.
The local boys were slow to settle and their opponents quickly built up a 1-3 lead with the assistance of the wind. Aaron Brennan opened the GBC tally with a well taken free and shortly afterwards added another after the dangerous Paddy Brennan was fouled. Now gaining confidence, GBC were tightening up the defence and Paddy Brennan scored a point from play, with OisÍn Egan following suit. Another Aaron Brennan free saw the sides go into the break trailing by three points.
After half-time GBC dominated the first five minutes but this dominance did not reflect on the score board and a quick break from the Bennettsbridge defence resulted in a somewhat fortuitous goal. With Killian Egan and Adam O’Brien playing heroically in the backs, the GBC forwards put immense pressure on their opponents and were very unlucky not to convert their chances. Aaron Brennan put over two more points from frees and one from play. This was to be their last score and despite a final ten minute spirited effort the Bennettsbridge side were to prove too strong and went on to be eventual winners on a score of GBC 0-8 Bennettsbridge 3-7.
Panel: Jason O’Brien, Kevin Ging, Adam O’Brien, Alex McCluskey, Eoin Delahunty, Aaron Brennan, Eamon Corcoran, Oisín Egan, Finn Lanigan, Alan Wall, Killian Egan, Daniel Lawlor, Paddy Brennan, Stephen Keoghan, Simon O’Dwyer, Jack Walton, Lee Ronan, Scott Lawlor, Brendan Dunne, JJ Ryan, John Muldowney, Mark Brennan, Stephen Robinson.
Scores: Aaron Brennan (0-6, 0-5 frees), Paddy Brennan and Oisín Egan 0-1 each.
At the homecoming reception in the clubrooms later in the evening, the boys were given a great reception by parents, families and club officials alike. Club Chairman Pat Hayes congratulated the boys and their mentors for getting to the final and while victory eluded them he expressed the club’s pride in their performance. Dave O’Neill, Vice-Chairman, urged the boys to continue to strive to improve their skills by listening to their mentors.
Great praise goes to the team management of Mark O’Brien, Thomas Ryan, Thomás McCluskey and Martin Delahunty. Their commitment to this group of boys throughout the year was absolute. A big thank you to the first-aid team of Mary Keoghan and David Brennan who tended to all knocks and bruises. The Club Executive and Committee supported both management and team during the year and organised a wonderful reception for players and families after the final. And big word of thanks to the parents, whose support is vital for both club and juvenile teams to continue to make progress. And finally, to the boys, enjoy the break and we look forward to welcoming you all back in early spring and we look forward to continued success in 2015.