Graigue Ballycallan’s Intermediate team returned to Palmerstown to face Thomastown on Sunday afternoon last with the memory of last year’s disappointment at the same venue still lingering. Philly Cahill had three unanswered points on the board from frees within five minutes, but GBC’s hard work was cancelled out on seven minutes, when John Joe Farrell picked up possession on the twenty-one yard line and slotted home a goal. Thomastown added three unanswered points, before Philly steadied the ship with a pointed free, GBC 0-4, Thomastown 1-3.
GBC pushed on with good points from play from Philly Cahill and Eddie Brennan, but in the 20th minute a high ball broke to Stuart Waugh who sliced open the GBC defence and blasted to the net, GBC 0-6, Thomastown 2-4. Eddie Brennan scored a good individual point from play before half time, but the half-time score of GBC 0-7 to Thomastown 2-5 set an uphill challenge for the second half. James Ryall, Philly Cahill and Eddie Brennan played some good hurling in the first half, but overall Thomastown were first to the ball and more creative throughout the half.
Paddy Kennedy opened the scoring in the second half with a fine point from near the sideline. Philly Cahill added another from play before Shane Butler landed an inspirational point from seventy yards. Ger Tehan and James Ryall stormed into the game at this stage while up front Billy Ryan and Eddie Brennan rallied the troops. The sides exchanged frees until Eddie Brennan levelled the game on fifteen minutes with a well worked point, GBC 0-14, Thomastown 2-8.
Paddy Kennedy and Eddie Brennan added further points to go two points ahead, before Bob Murphy landed a fantastic point from a long range free, a three point win, GBC 0-19, Thomastown 2-10. The team showed great character and spirit to claw their way back into the game again and again, particularly after conceding two first half goals. On their second half performance, they could put it up to Ballyragget in the semi-final.
GBC: PJ Trant, E Corcoran, D Walton, D Egan, B Murphy (0-1, f), J Ryall, G Teehan, J Murphy, S Butler (0-1), J Smith, E Brennan (0-4), P Cahill (0-10, 0-9 f), N Millea, M Hoyne, B Ryan (0-1). Subs: P Kennedy (0-2), C Murphy, V Teehan.