It was perhaps with some trepidation that supporters travelled to Freshford last Saturday as GBC took on Erin’s Own in the last round of the St. Canice’s Credit Union SHL. Defeat would ensure the team would be contesting the first round of the Championship certain in the knowledge another defeat would see them fighting to retain their recently achieved Senior status.
A victory, coupled with other results going in GBC’s favour would guarantee our young team’s continued presence in the senior ranks of Kilkenny hurling for 2020.
After suffering two previous defeats, GBC team and mentors were under no illusions as to the size of the task at hand. However from the throw-in GBC applied themselves immediately to this task and quickly set out their stall.
Tackling was ferocious and GBC quickly went into the lead. It was tit for tat for the first twenty minutes but when GBC got a goal a little bit of daylight appeared between the sides which left them four points in front at the break.
Half Time Score: GBC 1-10 Erins Own 0-9.
The second half served up a very entertaining thirty minutes and while the exchanges were even, it was perhaps some wayward shooting from their opponents that left Erin’s Own chasing the match. A goal however from the Comer men concentrated the GBC minds and a brilliant final ten minutes from the locals ensured them of their well deserved victory.
Full Time: GBC 1-16 Erin’s Own 1-13.
Scores: S. Ryan 0-6, C.Murphy 0-4 (3fs), A.Brennan 1-0, E.Egan, B.Ryan, R.Keoghan, J.Roberts, T.Ronan 0-1 each, C.Hoyne 0-1(f).
After the highs of 2018, winning the Intermediate Championship, this was a great display from players and mentors alike that has ensured GBC will be playing at the highest level in the Kilkenny Championship for 2020.
GBC’s next outing will be against Mullinavat in the first round of the Senior Championship on Sunday 22nd Sept at 4.15pm in John Locke Park, Callan.
Report by Philomena Brennan