Great win for Hollypark hurlers in 2007 Cumann na mBunscol final
Hollypark B.N.S 3-02 -v- Scoil Lorcán (Monkstown) 1-05
In front of a large attendance at Parnell Park, St. Patrick’s Hollypark, with no fewer than thirteen Kilmacud Crokes players, were slow to settle and Scoil Lorcán’s Daithí MacMathúna had the ball in the net after only two minutes. This did not deter Hollypark, however, who levelled matters after eight minutes, when Michael Herlihy gave the Scoil Lorcán goalie and captain Cathal Ó Dúlachain no chance with a low hard shot from close range. Hollypark then enjoyed a purple patch with further goals from Conor Hayes (12mins) and Neil Gorey (16mins). To their credit, Scoil Lorcán fought their way back with three unanswered points from Colm Ó Cróinín before Neil Gorey rifled a free over the bar for Hollypark as half-time approached. This left Hollypark four points to the good on a scoreline of 3-1 to 1-4 at the interval.
In the second half, both teams fought tooth and nail for the all important scores. Despite both attacks carving out a number of scoring opportunities, defences prevailed until Scoil Lorcán reduced the arrears to three points with a point after nine minutes. This followed good play from Scoil Lorcán’s sole Kilmacud Croke’s player, wing-back Dara O’ Gallchóbhair. Just as it looked as if the tide might be about to turn in favour of Scoil Lorcán, up stepped the Hollypark captain, Neil Gorey, who soloed three quarters the length of the field before sending the ball over the bar for the defining score of the match. Not only did this lift the Hollypark team, but it severely dented the confidence of the gallant Scoil Lorcán boys. A late point from Scoil Lorcán was not enough as Hollypark ran out deserving winners by 3-2 to 1-5.
Besides an excellent performance from Carl Wallace in goal, Hollypark had an outstanding defence throughout. Full-back, Daibhid Corish was as solid as a rock with many lengthy clearances. He was ably assisted in the corners by Graham Healy Hayes and Stephen Doyle (one of only two 4th Class boys on the team). The half-back line, with Brian Leahy and Thomas Campion on the wings, also gave little away and Matthew Geraghty was particularly impressive at centre back. The mid-field pair of Peter Fay and Neil Gorey were always in control. In particular, Neil gave a captain’s performance throughout. All the forwards played their part. The half-forwards of Michael Herlihy, Dónal Keane and Stephen Barr presented Scoil Lorcán with many difficulties. Also, when Dónal was moved back to defence, he let nothing past as he tore into every ball. The Hollypark full forward line was ably led by Ronan Horgan, whose dedication at training really paid off on the day. Conor Hayes, with his well taken goal, Gregory Buckley and Shane Whelan also caught the eye with impressive performances.
Teams:
Hollypark:- Carl Wallace; Graham Healy Hayes, Daibhid Corish, Stephen Doyle; Brian Leahy, Matthew Geraghty, Thomas Campion; Neil Gorey (Capt.) (1-2), Peter Fay; Michael Herlihy (1-0), Donal Keane, Stephen Barr; Gregory Buckley, Ronan Horgan, Conor Hayes (1-0).
Subs:- Shane Whelan for Buckley (half-time), Conor Perry, Cathal Keane, Peter Herlihy, Ruairi Geraghty, Conor Clancy, Sean Keating
Manager:- Dara Burke (Kilmacud Crokes)
Scoil Lorcán (Baile na Manach):- Cathal Ó Dúlachain (Capt.), Séamus Ó Riain, Cian Ó Broin, Sean Ó Dúlaing, Daithí Ó Murchú, Colm Ó Cróinín (0-4, 2 65’s, 2f’s), Dara Ó Gallchobhair (Kilmacud Crokes), Cillian Ó Séanáin, Ruaidhrí Ó Giolláin, (0-1) Diarmuid MacDónaill, Daithí MacMathúna (1-0), Eoghan Ó Naoire, Lúc Ó Giolláin, Colm Ó Lúing, Jake Ó Maoileoin.
Ionadaithe:- Eoin Ó Dornáin, Lomáin Ó Beaglaoich, Daithí de Barra, Ruairí Ó Dughaill, Pádraig Ó Fionnalaigh
Lucht Bainistíochta:- Paula Uí Mhurchú (Cuala), Edel Uí Ghallchobhair (Kilmacud Crokes), Gráinne Uí Lúing (Cuala)
(report by Liam Coughlan)