The Ballyskenach junior hurling team made the long journey to Rahan last Sunday to take on the local team in the first round of the Offaly Junior Cup. There was some confusion before leaving for this match, when it transpired that several members of the team failed to show up and it looked for a while as if we would have to concede the points to Rahan and make our exit from the cup as a result. However, some willing veterans of other years threw in their lot with the younger brigade and a team was put on the field to fulfill the fixture.
The team proceeded to brush aside the St. Carthage challenge to run out convincing winners with a fine 'score of 6-10 to 2-2. This was a fairly one-sided game, played on a lovely afternoon, ideal for hurling. Outstanding displays were given by an excellent half-back line of M. Ryan, D. Doughan and E. Kirwan. Behind this trio, goalie M. Franks and the full-back line C. Lalor, P. Wade and P. Flynn did everything asked of them. J. Dooley and L. O'Toole had excellent performances at midfield and the forward line combined well as a unit in their, first outing together, led by J. Higgins, with a 3-2 total. Young T. O'Toole scored some fine points and certainly looks a good prospect for the future. O. Ryan, D. Wade, J. Kirwan and M. O'Rourke also played their parts, as did subs A. Kiely and C. Kirwan.
All in all this was a very encouraging start to the season for the club and it is now up to the players to get their act together in earnest and, no doubt they can be a match for anyone in the games ahead.
Team: M. Franks, C. Lalor, P. Wade, P. Flynn, M. Ryan, D. Doughan, E. Kirwan, J. Dooley (1- 2), L. O'Toole (1-1), T. O'Toole (0-3), J. Kirwan (0-1), O. Ryan (0-1), D. Wade (1 -0), J. Higgins (3-2). M. O'Rourke.
Training continues on Sunday mornings at 11 am sharp, so if you want your place on the team be there, as last Sunday proved that, against any odds, the club can still field a capable side. No excuses can be taken for not showing up for training or matches if a small club like ours is to survive.
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