Report by Martin Delahunty
Graigue Ballycallan 2-9 Mullinavat 0-13
Graigue Ballycallan U16s finished out a hectic League campaign when they travelled south on Bank Holiday Monday evening to play Mullinavat. Still struggling with injuries they set out to finish on a high note after succumbing to their first league defeat to Danesfort in the previous days. This game had taken a lot out of the lads and it showed in the early exchanges where Mullinavat were on top and had the better in many sectors on the pitch.
But despite the oppositions authority on the pitch it was the Graigue defence which was keeping them in the game with massive displays from Stephen Keoghan, Craig Lawlor, Jason O’Brien, JJ Ryan, Eoin Delahunty and Mark Brennan. The teams weren’t raising a sweat on the scoreboard workers but neither team were found wanting in effort. So half time was welcomed by the Graigue selectors and with a 1 point deficit there was lots to discuss in the short break. Optimum work rate was going to be key and a little more composure were the wise words used and the lads certainly rose to that challenge.
But despite the oppositions authority on the pitch it was the Graigue defence which was keeping them in the game with massive displays from Stephen Keoghan, Craig Lawlor, Jason O’Brien, JJ Ryan, Eoin Delahunty and Mark Brennan. The teams weren’t raising a sweat on the scoreboard workers but neither team were found wanting in effort. So half time was welcomed by the Graigue selectors and with a 1 point deficit there was lots to discuss in the short break. Optimum work rate was going to be key and a little more composure were the wise words used and the lads certainly rose to that challenge.
Finn Lanigan started to get on top at the squares edge and it was from a terrific catch and lay off to Oisín Egan that the green flag was raised for the first time. Keoghan struck a few long distance frees and Oisín again netted after some fine play from Scott Lawlor but Mullinavat would not lie down and they tagged on some well worked points to keep within firing distance but once again the defensive unit which has been so reliable and consistent throughout this campaign, protected the ‘house’ and held out for a deserved 2 point win on a scoreline of 2-9 to 13 points. Won’t be remembered for a free flowing classic hurling encounter but no matter as this meant a fifth league win from 6 and the lads now have the opportunity to fight for a little silverware with a League Shield Final now scheduled against Rower Inistiogue for next Friday evening.
So back to the training pitch and the physios bench and the mentors will be hoping to have a full panel to choose from for this decider before they break for 6 weeks for exams and the Irish scholars heading to An Gaelteacht. Well done to all involved!
Panel – Jack Walton, Craig Lawlor, Eoin Delahunty, JJ Ryan, Jason O’Brien, Stephen Keoghan, Daniel Lawlor, Paddy Brennan, Simon O’Dwyer, Dan Cahill, Scott Lawlor, Oisín Egan, Finn Lanigan, Jack Butler, John Muldowney, Euan Mc Loughlin, Sam Jackson, Bill Jackson, Mark Brennan, Shane Comerford, Eamon Corcoran,