Graigue Ballycallan Intermediates squared up to Tullogher Rosbercon on Saturday night last in what was a potentially season-defining contest. The first half was very evenly contested, with Eddie Brennan and James Ryall chaperoning Walter Walsh and efficiently limiting his effect on the game. Eddie was clinical in his score taking, while Niall Millea contributed three points in the first twenty minutes.
“Man down” has traditionally been a rallying call to urgent action and when Niall Millea was dismissed in the twenty second minute, fourteen team-mates responded emphatically to a man. That sending-off was a severe setback, particularly considering how well Niall had been playing and his misdemeanour, while technically justifiable, was more unfortunate than anything else. The half-time score was GBC 0-6, Tullogher Rosbercon 0-6.
The second half was scarcely a minute old, when Dara Walton delivered a ‘forward’s ball’ into Billy Ryan, who flicked it to the net for a tonic start. Points flowed for GBC in quick succession making the score GBC 1-12, Tullogher 0-7, twelve minutes in. Mid-way through the half, Walter Walsh rifled to the net, following a fantastic save from PJ Trant. The lads didn’t panic however and two good points from Bob Murphy and a couple of pointed frees from Eddie set the GBC supporters at ease once more.
It took an unexpected setback to bring out the fighting spirit and determination of this team. If that can be reproduced in future encounters, rewards will surely follow.
Final Score: GBC 1-17, Tullogher Rosbercon 1-9.
GBC: PJ Trant, D Egan, G Teehan, E Corcoran, E Egan, J Ryall, D Walton, N Millea (o-3, 2fs), E Brennan (o-7, 6fs), B Murphy (o-3), S Butler (0-1), C Prendiville, B Ryan (1-1), M Hoyne (0-1), W O’Connor (0-1). Subs: P Cahill, S O’Dwyer, C Murphy.