Report by Bill Cuddihy
Graigue Ballycallan were in fine form last Sunday as they began their 2015 intermediate campaign, with a deserved win against Thomastown in a rematch of the previous year’s quarter final. The Kilmanagh side began at a blistering pace, racing into a four point lead during the opening seven minutes.
Conor Murphy opened the scoring with a free and then Michael Hoyne and Shane Butler added two points apiece, before Murphy scored another, this time from play. Thomastown opened their account with a free, but GBC responded in the form of a point from Conor Murphy. However, Thomastown came storming back with a goal from Jonjo Farrell in the 13th minute. After gaining possession from 30 metres out, he rounded his man before blasting home to make the score 0-5 to 1-1.
Despite this setback Graigue were still playing good hurling and added further points through Ciarán Hoyne(2), Conor Murphy(2) and a gem of a point from Billy Ryan to go in at half time ahead by three points, 0-11 to 1-5.
Graigue got off to a sensational start to the second half scoring 1-4 without reply from Conor Murphy. The goal came following a long run by wing back Ger Teehan who then hand passed the ball to Murphy, who rifled home from 20 metres. Further scores from Murphy who finished with a personal tally of 1-12, as well as some excellent resolute defending from the likes of James Ryall, Pat Robinson, Ger Teehan and Darragh Egan, as well as the workrate of midfielders Ciarán Hoyne and Eamonn Egan and forwards Willie O’Connor, Eddie Brennan, Shane Butler and Michael Hoyne ensured that the Kilmanagh side would run out deserving victors by eight points, 1-17 to 1-9.
Graigue Ballycallan will be happy with this performance as they played good hurling, worked tirelessly hard and took their chances when they presented themselves to run out deserving winners. They can now look forward to their next clash against Conahy Shamrocks knowing they are in good form.
The team was: P.J Trant, Darragh Egan, Pat Robinson, Eoin Corcoran, Ger Teehan, James Ryall, Bob Murphy, Ciarán Hoyne(0-2), Eamonn Egan, Willie O’Connor, Shane Butler (0-1), Eddie Brennan, Billy Ryan(0-1), Michael Hoyne(0-1), Conor Murphy (1-12) with subs Padraig Dunphy, Thomas Ryan, Jason Dermody, Niall Millea, John Cleere, Padharic Tynan, Gearoid Murphy, Peter Boland, Philip Heafey, Eoin Robinson, Sean Tynan, Philly Cahill, Vinny Teehan.