Minor Hurling Championship Quarter Final, 01/11/2014

John Locke Park was like a scene from “Waterworld” on Saturday last when GBC minors took on a highly rated Callan side on their home ground. Graigue started brightly and had a point from Philly Cahill (65) and one from midfield from Colum Prendiville, within six minutes of the throw in before Callan opened their account with two pointed frees.

Callan added three further points (2fs) before half-time, whereas despite a good team effort, GBC failed to register a score after the sixth minute. Half-time score Callan 0-5, GBC 0-2.

The wind and rain worsened as the match progressed. GBC were on top all over the field and points from play by Dylan Lanigan and Eamonn Egan, followed by a pointed free by Philly Cahill brought the teams level at full-time. The backs were immense throughout the half to such an extent that their opponents weren’t allowed a single score.

Five minutes into the first period of extra time, a high ball dropped in to the edge of the GBC square. A Callan forward was well placed when the ball broke to fire a low shot to the net, Callan 1-5, GBC 0-5. On a day when scores were very hard to come by due to the conditions, at this stage the gathering black clouds seemed to spell trouble for the GBC boys. Philly Cahill pointed another free before the break, leaving the score Callan 1-5, GBC 0-6 at the break.

GBC somehow managed to muster the energy to put in their best ten minutes of all in the second period of extra time. Five minutes in, they still trailed by two points, a dangerous lead! Cometh the hour, cometh the man!! Podge Dunphy got the ball in his hand from a Philly free, turned his man and picked his spot low in the back of the Callan net – magic!

After that there was no way that these lads were going to give an inch. They held on for the sweetest of victories GBC 1-6, Callan 1-5. This was an all out team effort and every player involved contributed equally, 100%. In his after-match congratulations, the Callan mentor said, “there’s no point in beating Callan if ye don’t go on now and win it out”, can’t argue with that!

GBC: B Cuddihy, T Dunphy, R Keoghan, T Ronan, C Flynn, P Cahill (0-3 fs) E Walsh, E Egan (0-1), S Hennesy, D Lanigan (0-1), C Prendiville(0-1), B Ryan, J Lawlor, P Dunphy (1-0), S Ryan.

Subs: D Maher for S Ryan (inj), G Davis for S Hennessy (inj)