Report: By Philomena Brennan:
As we fast approach the State Exam season and match play has been suspended for all those who are sitting the up-coming Junior and Leaving Certificate, it is perhaps an opportune time to report on the club’s U-16 team season to date.
In 2014 this group of boys had a great year which culminated in a Roinn B County Final appearance, losing out to a highly fancied Bennettsbridge team.
This year, due to inclement weather the season kicked off late and their first League appearance was away to Danesfort. The weather had played havoc with any pre-season training but the winter spent in Kilkenny taking part in the Club’s Boxercise programme had ensured that fitness levels had been maintained.
The boys performed well against a highly fancied Danesfort team and ran out winners after a very entertaining game.
Final Score: GBC 1-20 Danesfort 1-12.
Scores: O. Egan 1-5, A. Brennan 0-6(5 fs), K. Egan 0-3, P. Bennan 0-2, F. Lanigan 0-2, S. Keoghan 0-2(2fs).
Next up was the Rower-Inistioge in Kilmanagh. GBC found the going very difficult in this game and were behind for the most part. It was not until the second half that they got their heads in front and ran out eventual winners by four points.
Final Score: GBC 1-8 Rower-Inistioge 0-7
Scores: S. Keoghan 0-3(1f), O. Egan 1-0, A. Brennan 0-2(2f), F. Lanigan 0-1, P. Brennan 0-1, D. Lawlor 0-1
Their third outing was against their south counterparts, Slieverue. Again, with home advantage, GBC struggled in the first half, only leading at half time by two points. However, the local lads turned in a fantastic second half and with some great team-work on display, went on to record a third victory.
Final Score: GBC 1-13 Slieverue 1-5
Scores: A. Wall 1-0, A. Brennan 0-3(2fs), O. Egan 0-3(1f), F. Lanigan 0-2, S. Keoghan 0-2, P. Brennan 0-1, E. Corcoran 0-1, JJ.Ryan 0-1
It was then on to Urlingford to face old rivals the Emeralds. This proved to be a very tough encounter and despite falling behind early on, GBC battled hard and clawed their way back into contention mid way through the second half. However, their opponents’ ability to take their goal chances proved costly for the locals and though battling to the bitter end, GBC were unable to take any points from this encounter.
Final Score: GBC 1-10 Emeralds 4-10
Scores: A.Brennan 1-3(2fs), O. Egan 0-4, K. Egan 0-3
As it now stands GBC have six points from their four games played and with two games yet to be played are still in contention to make the final stages of the league. So all to play for still!
During the campaign to date, the boys were delighted to welcome back Eamon Corcoran from a serious injury. He came on against Slieverue and was looking forward to resuming his usual position in the GBC defence, however, Eamon was most unfortunate to suffer a further injury during training shortly after that match and will be out of action for the foreseeable future. The mentors and all his team mates wish him a speedy recovery.
Finally, the management team would like to wish Aaron Brennan, Killian Egan, Finn Lanigan, Daniel Lawlor, Adam O’Brien, Simon O’Dwyer, Lee Ronan and Alan Wall all the best in the Junior Cert.
Panel: D.Cahill, B.Dunne, A.O’Brien, S.O’Dwyer, L.Ronan, A.Brennan, J.O’Brien, K.Egan, E.Delahunty, S.Keoghan, F.Lanigan, D.Lawlor, A.Wall, O.Egan, P.Brennan, E.Corcoran, JJ.Ryan, S.Lawlor, J.Walton, J.Muldowney,M.Brennan