Minor A's share the spoils

Date
18 May 2013
Venue
Silverpark
Home Team
Kilmacud Crokes
Home Final Score
2-15
Away Team
Na Fianna
Away Final Score
3-12
Body

As part of what was a great week-end’s hurling in Silver Park the Minor A’s played out a draw with Na Fianna in their final league match before the break for exams.

The mentors were looking for a big improvement on the last day’s performance and the lads certainly upped their game considerably and dominated the game up until the final minutes when the Na Fianna fought their way back to snatch a draw at the death. This was the most competitive match of the league so far and the standard of hurling was very high from both sides with Na Fianna badly in need of the points in order to maintain their interest in the competition.

From the word go the pace was fast and the exchanges uncompromising. Points were traded in the opening quarter with Cian Mac Gabhann, Seán Keating, Dara Ó Gallchobhair and Mark O’Loughlin on target for the Crokes. Midway through the half Dónal Keane struck for a great goal but this was quickly cancelled by a goal at the other end from county minor, Seán Barrett. Crokes then regained the upper hand with Ciarán McIntyre to the fore and Cian Mac Gabhann giving a vintage display in midfield  and they went in at half-time 1-10 to 1-07 ahead.

The quality of hurling was maintained in the second half and Crokes continued to have the upper hand throughout the pitch but were made to fight tooth and nail for every ball. Seán Keating scored a rasper of a goal with twelve minutes to go and with only five minutes left Crokes looked in a commanding position leading by 2-14 to 1-10. The game was then completely turned around in the closing minutes with Na Fianna pressing hard. A couple of defensive errors and a lapse of concentration on behalf of the Crokes saw the Glasnevin lads score 2-2 in quick succession. A last minute point from a fortuitous free for Na Fianna saw the game end in a draw, 2-15 to 3-12.

While the lads were disappointed not to get the win they will have learned valuable lessons from this match and should take encouragement from the commitment and brand of hurling they played.

 

Team: Tadhg Murphy, Mikey O’Dwyer, Donncha Ó Murchú, Peter Herlihy, Éamon Allen, Odhrán Ó Siochrú, Ciarán McIntyre, Ronan Horgan, Cian Mac Gabhann (0-07, 6f, 1’65) Dara Ó Gallchobhair (0-02), Darragh Butler, Alex Considine (0-01), Seán Keating (1-03), Dónal Keane (1-01), Mark O’Loughlin (0-01).

Subs: Kevin Ó Flannagáin for Darragh Butler, Michael Crowley for Dara Ó Gallchobhair, Daniel Coakley for Alex Considine.

As mentioned above the Minors now have a break for a few weeks, as focus shifts to the Leaving Certificate examinations. We wish all the lads every success and the best of luck in their endeavours during the exams.