On Saturday at the Shinrone venue our junior A team put on a great exhibition of points scoring to defeat a gallant Carrig and Riverstown 3-17 to 3-4.
This was one of the sides better performance of the year so far and its pretty obvious that S. Keeshan (trainer) is whipping this outfit into a useful side with major improvement in every match.
A feature of the game was the fast and open play that the team indulged in from start to finish and the combination of the forward line was a delight to watch.
However lets not get carried away yet, it’s a long year ahead with plenty more improvements to be made but at least for once we seem to be going in the right direction.
Bill Lalor was safe once again between the posts fronted by a sound full back line in B. Ryan, K. Russell and M. Ryan. C. Murphy, O. Ryan and E. Kirwan started a bit shakey but settled down many very well to contribute greatly to a fine victory. N. Murphy and J. Dooley at centre field had their moments but the forward strength was too much for Carrig.
L. Flynn had a nice game until he was replaced. Donal Franks has added great punch to the forwards with his distribution of the ball and his contribution of 2- 7 was a major factor in the game.
Jack Feehan also played some nice hurling and T. O'Toole had an outstanding game at full forward as did Padraig McLouglin whose combination with Donal Franks completely upset the oppsite back line.
Liam O'Toole also did well but one imagines he does not relish to confines of comer forward, no doubt Liam will impress as the year goes by and we look forward to plenty of scores from this fine hurler in the matches ahead.
A.Franks replaced L. Flynn late in the game and scores a fine point.
The team was as follows:- B.Lalor, M. Ryan, K. Russell, B. Ryan, C. Murphy, O. Ryan, E. Kirwan. M. Murphy, J. Dooley, L. Flynn, D. Franks, (capt), J. Feehan, Padraig McLoughlin, T. O'Toole, L.O'Toole. Subs: A. Franks (for Flynn), J. O'Donnell, G. Kirwan, M. Flynn, P. Wade, S.Touhy, T. Delaney.
This team has now won the group and awaits the quarter final so a full turn out at the training sessions is now vital for the games ahead.