Report by Philomena Brennan
The final round of the U-16 Roinn B League took place in balmy conditions in Tom Ryall Park last Friday 8th July 2016. This was the last match to be played in the group and GBC were placed second in the group before the encounter. With three players on the injured list, the mentors had to turn to some of the younger boys to field a team, but as usual they were not found wanting in their efforts and enthusiasm for the battle.
Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze in the first half, GBC got off to a great start with a goal and a point from full forward Aaron Brennan. However, St. Patrick’s steadied up and built up a commanding six point lead and things did not look good for the locals. But with their backs to the wall, they started to contest every ball and with Stephen Keoghan and Eoin Delahunty in particular, playing well they brought the game to the visitors. Failure to clear a ball from the GBC defence led to a fortunate goal for Ballyragget and the score at half time was GBC 1-5 St.Patricks 2-7.
Notwithstanding the strong breeze against them in the second half, GBC were a different team after the restart. For long periods they held Ballyragget scoreless and managed to bring the difference to two points. With Adam O’Brien leading from defence well assisted by Simon O’Dwyer the team found their feet. Aaron Brennan, having been moved to centre back was delivering great ball to the forwards who had upped their work rate considerably with Killian Egan, Finn Lanigan and Daniel Lawlor working tirelessly to create chances.
However, an opportune free, which resulted in a goal for St. Patricks negated all the good work a much bigger and physically stronger Ballyragget team moved forward to take a grip on the game and despite the great effort from the locals secured the victory.
Full time: GBC 1-9 St. Patricks 4-10
GBC Team: J.Wallton, B.Dunne, A.O’Brien, S.O’Dwyer, E. Delahunty, K.Egan, J.O’Brien, P.Brennan, S.Keoghan, D.Lawlor, F.Lanigan, D.Cahill, S.Lawlor, A.Brennan, A.Wall,
M.Brennan, JJ Ryan, J.Butler, J.Muldowney, T.Brennan.
Scores: A.Brennan 1.07 (0.06frees), S.Keoghan 0.01(f), P.Brennan 0.01(f).