Report by Philomena Brennan
The 2016 season for the Graigue-Ballycallan U16s opened with a challenge in March against their neighbours John Lockes in Callan. It gave the new mentors of Mark O’Brien, Michael Egan and Martin Delahunty an opportunity to see what the year would bring. Mark and Martin had previously worked with this group of boys at U14 level which saw them manage the boys to reach a Roinn B County Final where they made a gallant effort before succumbing to a stronger Bennettsbridge side. Numbers at this grade have always being a problem with only five boys playing up to their age.
After the challenge the management decided to enter the U16 Piltown Tournament. The boys played Mooncoin and Thomastown in their group where two hard earned victories saw them qualify for the semi-final. They were drawn again the much stronger Emeralds team but gave a fine account of themselves only loosing by four points. This event set them up nicely for the League. The opening match in the league against a very strong Danesfort team was to witness, perhaps their best performance of the year as they comprehensively beat their opponents. Victories against Slieverue and the Rower followed and coupled with a walk-over from a Laois team the boys headed the group going into the exam break.
It must be stressed at this stage, that injuries to two of their stronger panelists hindered the remainder of the season. At no stage to follow had the management the opportunity to select from a full injury free panel. Consequently after the break the team suffered setbacks against Emeralds and Ballyragget.
However, thoughts then turned to the preliminary round of the Roinn B Championship against Barrow Rangers. Anyone who witnessed the first half of this match would not have backed the locals to triumph as they were shocked by four unanswered goals. However, as hard work and dedication has always being the hallmark of this group of boys, they battled back to take the honours and set up a quarter final against Ballyragget. As previously mentioned, injuries would prove to be their downfall and they exited the championship after a brave performance.
The management wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication the boys displayed all year. They wish the 16 year olds Aaron Brennan, Killian Egan, Adam O’Brien, Lee Ronan and Alan Wall all the best as they move up to the minor grade. They would also like to thank the following who assisted them at various stages throughout the year: Mary Keoghan, Collette Walton, John Cuddihy, Paul Muldowney, Adrian Ronan, Tom Hogan, John Hoyne, Maurice Ronan, Stephen Delaney, Eamon Butler and Philomena Brennan.
U16 Panel for 2016: Daniel Cahill, Brendan Dunne, Adam O’Brien, Simon O’Dwyer, Lee Ronan, Aaron Brennan, Jason O’Brien, Killian Egan, Eoin Delahunty, Stephen Keoghan, Finn Lanigan, Daniel Lawlor, Alan Wall, Oisin Egan, Paddy Brennan, Eamon Corcoran, JJ.Ryan, Scott Lawlor, Jack Walton, John Muldowney, Mark Brennan and Jack Butler.