Update by Philomena Brennan
The GBC u-14 hurling league continued into Round 6 when the locals travelled to Gowran to play a very strong Young Ireland’s team who, to date, had been performing very well. Conditions were very poor with wind and rain making it difficult for all.
Young Ireland’s got off to the better start scoring 2 points from play. However, a well worked goal from Killian Egan settled GBC and with Lee Ronan adding two fine points from play the locals went into the lead. This was short lived as Young Ireland’s scored a goal which gave them renewed confidence and for the last ten minutes of the first half GBC defence was under severe pressure and conceded another goal.
Half-time Score: GBC 1-2 Young Irelands 2-4
The second half commenced with GBC facing into the wind and things did not look promising for the local boys when Young Ireland’s stretched their lead to seven points. This was the incentive GBC needed and with the half-back now gaining the upper hand GBC turned in a fantastic team performance to begin the battle back. Stephen Keoghan scored a great goal and added a point from play. Oisín Egan was making great runs and was rewarded with a point. Adam O’Brien was commanding the full-back line and with time ticking away Aaron Brennan pointed a free to draw the match. This was a very determined performance from GBC and they really deserved their share of the spoils.
Full-Time Score: GBC 2-7 Young Irelands 2-7.
Panel: Jason O’Brien, Kevin Ging, Adam O’Brien, Alex McCluskey, Eoin Delahunty, Aaron Brennan, Simon O’Dwyer, Eamonn Corcoran, Finn Lanigan, Oisín Egan, Killian Egan, Alan Wall, Daniel Lawlor, Stephen Keoghan, Lee Ronan, Paddy Brennan, Scott Lawlor, JJ Ryan, Mark Brennan, Fionn O’Halloran, Jack Walton.
Scores: Killian Egan 1-1, Stephen Keoghan 1-1(0-1f), Aaron 0-2(2f), Lee Ronan 0-2, Oisín Egan 0-1.
The final round of the league was played in ideal conditions in a sunny Tom Ryall Park, Kilmanagh. Their opponents were Tullogher-Rosbercon. From the start it did not take long for GBC to stamp their obvious superiority on the game. GBC were in control in all positions on the field and quickly went into a commanding lead. The forwards were taking their opportunities well and went in at half-time GBC 7-4 Tullogher-Rosbercon 2-3.
The second half continued in the same vein and the match gave GBC the opportunity to increase their scoring average. Several of the younger members of the panel were given game time and valuable experience at playing with their older colleagues.
Final Score: GBC 11-13 Tullogher-Rosbercon 5-7
Panel: Jason O’Brien, Kevin Ging, Adam O’Brien, Alex McCluskey, Eoin Delahunty, Aaron Brennan, Simon O’Dwyer, Eamonn Corcoran, Finn Lanigan, Oisín Egan, Killian Egan, Alan Wall, Paddy Brennan, Stephen Keoghan, Daniel Lawlor, Scott Lawlor, JJ Ryan, Mark Brennan, Fionn O’Halloran, Jack Walton, Luke Cullen and Stephen Robinson.
Scores: Killian Egan3-8(1-0f), Stephen Keoghan 5-2(0-2f), Alan Wall 1-1, Paddy Brennan, Oisín Egan 1-0 each, Daniel Lawlor and Scott Lawlor 0-1 each.
With all their rounds of the League concluded, GBC occupy second place on the table. They now await their opponents in the League Quarter Finals. In the meantime training continues and the team mentors have arranged challenges to maintain their momentum. The team will also take part in the Leinster Feile on the 21st June which will be hosted by GBC in Kilmanagh.