Report by Philomena Brennan
The U-21 Hurling Championship Semi-Final took place in MW Hire Park, Dunmore on Saturday last. The match against Conahy Shamrocks was played under lights and while credit has to go to the ground staff for having the playing surface in excellent condition, the weather conditions could only be described as horrendous. Sweeping rain and high winds made hurling next to impossible and both sides have to be commended for the performances they put in.
Conahy Shamrocks won the toss and elected to play with the benefit of the gale. Marking on both sides was tight and every score earned from play would prove vital. GBC went ahead in the 23rd minute and shortly afterwards, got the only goal of the game which was to prove vital in the end.
Half Time: GBC 1-7 Conahy Shamrocks 0-8
The second half saw GBC with the wind, but with conditions deteriorating rapidly, the benefit was eroded as it made shooting for scores very difficult. It was tit for tat and with only minutes remaining Conahy were only two points in arrears. GBC fought hard for the last ten minutes and were rewarded with two further points which saw them take the spoils and earn a County Final appearance against Bennettsbridge. This game will take place in Nowlan Park on Sunday 16th Dec at 1.30pm. What a finish to 2018 it would be if these boys could add this title to the Intermediate Cup. Let’s get the blue and white out once more and show them our support on Sunday.
Full Time: GBC 1-12 Conahy Shamrocks 0-11
Scores: A.Brennan 1-3 (2fs), S.Ryan 0-5( 2 Fs), S.Hennessy 0-2, C.Hogan 0-1
Panel: S.Keoghan, G.Doheny, T.Ronan, L.O’Brien, C.Flynn, E.Egan (C), T.Dunphy, K.Egan, F.Lanigan, S.Hennessy, J.Roberts, A.O’Brien, S.Ryan, C.Hogan, A.Brennan, D.Cahill, S.O’Dwyer, A.Corcoran, O.Egan, E.Delahunty, P.Brennan, E.Walsh, C.Prendiville(inj)