Tournament report by Philomena Brennan
The annual u-14 Declan Byrne Tournament took place in Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanagh on Saturday 16th August. This long running juvenile tournament attracts a lot of interest from u-14 teams throughout the county and beyond. This year was no different with seven teams from Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow taking part. St. Patrick’s of Ballyragget, John Lockes of Callan, Clara and Kilmacow made up the Kilkenny contingent. Ballingarry from Tipperary and Ballinkillen from Carlow completed the line up. Conditions on the day were good and as usual the pitches were in excellent order. A large crowd of locals and visitors were in attendance and their vocal support added to the occasion.
The local GBC boys faced their near neighbours and rivals John Lockes in the first game and against a much bigger opposition our lads hurled with conviction from the start and quickly build up a commanding lead. With both the defence and midfield in command the forwards made great use of each delivery and while John Lockes tried hard they just couldn’t create the chances needed to get closer to GBC.
Final Score: GBC 3-18 John Lockes 0-3.
Scores: Simon O’Dwyer 3-2, Killian Egan 0-6, Oisín Egan 0-4, Alan Wall 0-2, Stephen Keoghan, Aaron Brennan, Paddy Brennan and John Muldowney 0-1 each.
This victory put the boys into the cup competition where they encountered Ballinkillen of Carlow. This team were not unknown to GBC as they had found it difficult to overcome them in the Leinster Feile back in July. Scores were slow in coming in this match and it took ten minutes before GBC settled and began to play well. Ballinkillen’s defence was on top for the most part but GBC did not relent and the full forward line converted what chance came their way. The boys took the lead which they were not to relinquish and despite a Carlow rally GBC went on to record another fine victory.
Final Score: GBC 6.08 Ballinkillen 2.02
Scores: Stephen Keoghan 2-1, Killian Egan 1-3, Paddy Brennan 1-1, Daniel Lawler, Simon O’Dwyer 1-0 each, Aaron Brennan 0-2(1 65, 1 f), Alan Wall 0-1.
With two victories under their belt GBC were now in the final for the cup. Their opponents were St. Patricks of Ballyragget who had comprehensively beaten Young Irelands of Gowran in their semi-final. Buoyed by great local support the boys faced up to their opponents with great determination and while conceding an early goal they each fought to win their respective positions and quickly drew level. GBC did not give their opponents any time on the ball and St Patricks quickly adapted their game plan when their forwards were denied possession. GBC went into the break two points down. Things did not look too good five minutes into the second half as the locals went five points behind but from then on until the end GBC out-hurled their opponents at all positions and in a welter of excitement brought the match to extra time.
Score: GBC 0-11. St.Patricks 2-5.
Extra time consisted of five minutes per half. Again both teams gave of their all and in the end only two points separated the sides, with the visitors coming out on top.
Final Score: GBC 0-15 St. Patricks 2-11.
Scores: Stephen Keoghan 0-6(6 fs), Aaron Brennan 0-5(5fs), Oisín Egan, Simon O’Dwyer, Paddy Brennan, Alan Wall 0-1 each.
This display from the u-14s really lifted their spirits after they had suffered two heavy defeats recently. Jason O’Brien in goal was impressive and denied St. Patricks a certain goal. The full back line saw Adam O’Brien make countless great catches and he was very well supported with the tight marking Kevin Ging and Alex McCluskey. The half backs Eoin Delahunty and Eamonn Corcoran hurled bravely throughout and Aaron Brennan commanded the centre-back position. Brendan Dunne was introduced for the injured Eamonn Corcoran and was a dynamo in defence. The mid-field pair of Finn Lanigan and Oisín Egan was tigerish in their blocking and delivered fine ball to the forwards. Killian Egan at centre forward shipped countless heavy tackles and was instrumental in winning several frees which the on form Stephen Keoghan converted on six occasions. Alan Wall and Daniel Lawler went forward at every opportunity and were rewarded with some fine scores. Simon O’Dwyer was a revelation at corner forward and took his goal chances every time. Paddy Brennan showed a great turn of foot and caused the Ballyraggett defence problems every time he was on the ball. Scott Lawler, Lee Ronan, John Muldowney, Mark Brennan, JJ Ryan and Jack Walton all contributed when introduced.
A big thank you to the u-14 team management of Mark O’Brien, Thomas Ryan, Tomas McCluskey and Martin Delahunty for all their hard work in organising the participating teams and to Paul Muldowney for co-ordinating the smooth running of the tournament on the day. The pitches and grounds were, as always in excellent condition and great credit must go to the Ronan family. And great praise goes to the ladies in the kitchen who worked tirelessly all day catering for the teams and their supporters. Finally, congratulations to the winners of the cup, St. Patricks, Ballyragget and to the winners of the shield, Kilmacow.
We have a large selection of photographs form our U14 Declan Byrne Tournament 2014
To view them go to –> Gallery then –> Bord na nÓg Photos