Under 21 Hurlers Reach Final...

For the second year in a row our under 21 hurlers have reached the East Cork Final Last year we lost out in the decider to Castlelyons in Lisgoold. This year after a Round Robin series of game there was a repeat of the 2017 decider in the semi final in Dungourney on Tuesday evening at half 6. In the presence of a huge crowd we qualified for this seasons decider after a mighty game. We dominated the opening minutes but had registered five wides before Castlelyons had the opening point. Eventually two points from Jesse O Keefe got us off the mark.. It was 0 2 apiece after twelve minutes but then Castlelyons scored an opportunist goal to put them ahead. We had two more wides before Ryan Prendergast tore through for a great goal on the quarter hour. After this Castlelyons hit a purple spot with seven points, our only reply was a pointed free from Conor Barry.  Another free from Conor made it 1 10 to 1 4 as the thirty minutes had elapsed. Two late points from Jesse and Brian Roche meant we went in juast four in arrears, 1 10 to 1 6. After a bright start we had let Castlelyons dominate the game but the last two points we scored gave us great hope. Our lads knew they'd have to up a few gears in the second half and in fairness from the throw-in they went at it manfully. Ryan scored his second goal and when Brian slotted over the equaliser the large Rovers following were in great voice. A free from Conor edged us ahead 2 8 to 1 10. The next ten minutes hectic as points were traded, we went ahead three times but were pegged back each time. Castlelyons stayed in contention with pointed frees - four in succession. A point from play by Conor, following great work by Kieran Kearney and Patrick O Flynn, put us up one 2 12 to 1 14. Next came a crucial and well worked score. A good block down saw us move the sliotar up to  the forward line. After a lovely three-man passing movement Jesse goaled, four points up with ten minutes to go. Now the momentum was with us and white flags from Griffin, Jesse-from an impossible position, and Conor from a free stretched our lead to seven points, 3 15 to 1 14. Castlelyons hit over three quick points but Conor Barry had the final score in the fourth minute of added time to leave us winners of a great game by 3 16 to 1 17. It was great second half display from the entire team from Ben in goals right through the team which got a deserved victory.  When pressure came on everyone responded and Conleith Ryan helped out defending as well as being up front. Well done lads and a special word of thanks to Fergus Collins & Co. who have put a big effort in with this team. The second semi final between St Catherines and Carrigtwohill will be played on this coming Saturday evening September the 7th.

Team & Scorers Ben Hogan, Jordan Mannix, Shane Walsh Captain, Matthew Quinn. Paddy O Flynn, Ryan Prendergast (2 0 ), Jake Tobin, Shane O Connor, Eoin Roche,  Conor Barry (0 8, 7 frees), Brian Roche (0 2), DJ Cahill (0 1), Kieran Kearney, Conleith Ryan,  Jesse O Keefe (1 4). Sub Griffin O Keeney ( 0 1).