Report by Niall Egan
Our U13’s took to Lisdowney on Saturday the 25th of July in perfect hurling conditions for the annual Lisdowney 7’s Tournament. Our first round game saw us meet a strong Dicksboro side. A keenly fought first half meant scores were at a premium, with the ‘Boro opening the scoring before Oisín Egan and Paddy Brennan put GBC one point up. Paddy was unlucky to have a goal disallowed before the half time whistle. Discksboro got the final score of the half to leave it 2 points a-piece at half time.
Dicksboro began the second half swiftly, scoring 4 points in the first 5 minutes. Our boys threw everything at them, but a strong ‘Boro backline repelled any attack and stood tall to win out deserved winners 0-08 to 0-02. Scorers: O. Egan 0-01, P. Brennan 0-01.
Our next match was crucial in order to see another day out at this tournament. We took on Camross of Laois in round 2. The boys started briskly with great ball being sent into Oisín Egan at full forward who scored 1-2 giving GBC an early lead. However, Camross fought hard and got back into the game scoring 1-1. Important scores from Scott Lawlor and Oisín before the break gave us a half-time score of 2-3 to 1-1.
The second half saw some great play by both sides giving spectators an entertaining match. Camross powered into the second half banging in a goal and knocking over a couple of points. GBC responded with three points from Oisín to put the game all square at 2-6 a-piece. From here in the GBC Boys showed massive character. Dan Cahill, who was steady as a rock all day, pulled off a point-blank save to keep the scores level. Some tough defending from Eoin Delahunty, J.J. Ryan and Kevin Ging kept Camross at bay. In the middle of the field consistent tackling and clever balls were sent into the forwards and goals from Paddy (2) and Scott saw us run out triumphant winners in the end on a score line of 5-6 to 3-7. Scorers: O. Egan 2-5, S. Lawlor 1-1, P. Brennan 2-0.
In summary, a good day’s hurling was had by all. Dan Cahill brought off some tremendous saves and all day, his long-range puck outs were a great asset. Defenders J.J, Eoin and Kevin proved tough and tenacious. Mid-fielders Scott, Brendan Dunne and Jack Walton ran their legs off and their work rate was commendable! Finally forwards Paddy, Oisín and John Muldowney made a great combination in taking on some lovely and well–needed scores on the day. We look forward to meeting Naas of Kildare next Saturday in the Shield Quarter Final.