Report by Bill Cuddihy
Graigue Ballycallan intermediates recently came up short against an impressive Conahy Shamrocks following a below par performance in Freshford. The winners laid the foundations for victory in the first half putting in a strong half hour against a strong breeze. Graigue were always facing an uphill battle and although they still had a great chance in the last ten minutes, a strong Conahy finish ensured the points would go back to Jenkinstown.
GBC promised a lot in the opening few minutes with Shane Butler and Conor Murphy pointing to send the Kilmanagh team into an early two point lead. However, Conahy quickly replied to go ahead before another Murphy free and a massive 100 metre free from goalkeeper PJ Trant saw the sides go in level at 0-4 apiece. In a poor and scrappy game of hurling scores would be crucial as always and it was Graigue who pointed first in the second half through Conor Murphy, but Conahy began to take control of the match and were in front on 37 minutes. An exchange in points made it level at 0-7 each with Willie O’Connor and Conor Murphy getting GBC’s scores. Further scores from Eddie Brennan, Philly Cahill, Ciaran Hoyne and Michael Hoyne kept Graigue in touch, but a Conahy goal with 5 minutes remaining effectively ended the game as a contest as Conahy ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-11.
Overall this was a below par performance from GBC who must now look ahead to the meeting with arch rivals Tullaroan. There were strong performances from James Ryall, Eoin Corcoran, Ger Teehan and Ciaran Hoyne at midfield but it wasn’t enough.
The team was: P.J Trant(0-1), Eoin Corcoran, Pat Robinson, Darragh Egan, Bob Murphy, James Ryall, Ger Teehan, Eamonn Egan, Ciaran Hoyne(0-1), Willie O’Connor(0-1), Shane Butler(0-1), Eddie Brennan(0-1), Conor Murphy(0-4), Michael Hoyne(0-1), Billy Ryan with subs Philly Cahill (0-1) and Niall Millea