Roinn A semi-final. Palmerstown Best Display to Date
18/5/2015
St. Canices 1-11. Gaelscoil. 0-6
We beat a strong Gaelscoil team today and reversed our 5 point defeat to them in the league, and far more importantly, qualified for the Roinn A final again. This will be our 10th final since our first one in 2004.
Before the (very late) start of the game, a heavy downpour made hurling conditions far from ideal. We lost the toss and played against the cross field breeze to the road goal in the first half. From the start, it was evident our boys were ready for this contest. Our half time lead of 0-6 to 0-3 should really have been greater. Our half back line was superb- led by Rory at centre back. A thumb injury from a soccer match 'warm up' at little lunch did little to curb his contribution. He completely outhurled his bigger and stronger opponent and set the tone for our win. No less effective were his two wing men- Mikey and Sean. When this pair get to Nowlan Park, with its wide expanses, there'll be no stopping them.
The last day we played Gaelscoil, we conceded four goals. We asked for an improvement today from our back three; and what an improvement! Not only did we not concede a goal, but we protected our goalkeeper and he had only one save to make- a brilliant stop from a tricky ball nearing the end. Well done to Stephen at full back, and his 'minders', Niall and Tom. Also, as well as that save, Charlie's puck outs gave us a huge advantage throughout the match.
In the second half, Gaelscoil rallied as expected and closed the gap to one point with two converted frees. And then, the decisive score: good defensive work saw a clearance well won on the left wing by the impressive Brian Manogue, a long strike towards goal, a bouncing ball, an advancing goalkeeper , and a deft flick from the intelligent Harry Shine- what a finish, what a player.
That score gave us some breathing space, but credit to the Gaelscoil lads, they never relented. They added the next point to close the gap to three.
From there to the end, it was all Canices. The character that's in this team really shone through- we scored the last 5 points without reply!
Eoin O Neill was outstanding in midfield- age and size handicap makes NO difference to this lad- what a player. His partner. David Walsh, gave another exhibition. He fought brilliantly when the ball went into the huddle, his ground striking was super and his positioning throughout was first class.
Up front, Patrick Fitzgerald , a new convert from corner back, led the attack like a veteran. His decision making; his ability to keep the ball moving; his toughness etc etc are all elements that's making the difference in our attack.
James in the first half, and Harry in the second showed real class. Timmy was a tower of strength at full forward and unlucky not to raise a green flag or two( he's keeping them for the final!) Brian was really effective today both at corner and wing forward. His free taking, and general play were top class. And Cillian Hackett again was terrier like in the corner- he got on the score sheet and also brought others into play with his intelligent play. Eoin Dalton contributed handsomely when he came on- he crossed a couple of dangerous balls and showed his considerable skill.
Our A men now join our B men in the final in Nowlan Park. Our opponents will be either Thomastown or Mooncoin- both formidable teams. We have about ten days to prepare. We showed today that we have what it takes to be considered top sportsmen: to be able to perform to our best under pressure against top opposition. A similar attitude in the lead up to, and in the final, would give us a great chance to retain the Roinn A championship.
Referee/ Umpire: Paul Hunston
C Delahunty
N. Rowe S Dermody T. Carroll
M. Clifford(0-3 2f)R. O. Connor S. Maher
E O Neill . D. Walsh
H. Shine (1-0) P. Fitzgerald J. Carroll
C. Hackett (0-1)T. Clifford (0-3)B. Manogue(0-4f)
E. Dalton. Zac McHardy. Eamon O Reilly AB Smith Finn O Brien
C. Nolan A. Dorney
M Raggett. K. Moore O. Timmons
St. Canices 1-11. Gaelscoil. 0-6
We beat a strong Gaelscoil team today and reversed our 5 point defeat to them in the league, and far more importantly, qualified for the Roinn A final again. This will be our 10th final since our first one in 2004.
Before the (very late) start of the game, a heavy downpour made hurling conditions far from ideal. We lost the toss and played against the cross field breeze to the road goal in the first half. From the start, it was evident our boys were ready for this contest. Our half time lead of 0-6 to 0-3 should really have been greater. Our half back line was superb- led by Rory at centre back. A thumb injury from a soccer match 'warm up' at little lunch did little to curb his contribution. He completely outhurled his bigger and stronger opponent and set the tone for our win. No less effective were his two wing men- Mikey and Sean. When this pair get to Nowlan Park, with its wide expanses, there'll be no stopping them.
The last day we played Gaelscoil, we conceded four goals. We asked for an improvement today from our back three; and what an improvement! Not only did we not concede a goal, but we protected our goalkeeper and he had only one save to make- a brilliant stop from a tricky ball nearing the end. Well done to Stephen at full back, and his 'minders', Niall and Tom. Also, as well as that save, Charlie's puck outs gave us a huge advantage throughout the match.
In the second half, Gaelscoil rallied as expected and closed the gap to one point with two converted frees. And then, the decisive score: good defensive work saw a clearance well won on the left wing by the impressive Brian Manogue, a long strike towards goal, a bouncing ball, an advancing goalkeeper , and a deft flick from the intelligent Harry Shine- what a finish, what a player.
That score gave us some breathing space, but credit to the Gaelscoil lads, they never relented. They added the next point to close the gap to three.
From there to the end, it was all Canices. The character that's in this team really shone through- we scored the last 5 points without reply!
Eoin O Neill was outstanding in midfield- age and size handicap makes NO difference to this lad- what a player. His partner. David Walsh, gave another exhibition. He fought brilliantly when the ball went into the huddle, his ground striking was super and his positioning throughout was first class.
Up front, Patrick Fitzgerald , a new convert from corner back, led the attack like a veteran. His decision making; his ability to keep the ball moving; his toughness etc etc are all elements that's making the difference in our attack.
James in the first half, and Harry in the second showed real class. Timmy was a tower of strength at full forward and unlucky not to raise a green flag or two( he's keeping them for the final!) Brian was really effective today both at corner and wing forward. His free taking, and general play were top class. And Cillian Hackett again was terrier like in the corner- he got on the score sheet and also brought others into play with his intelligent play. Eoin Dalton contributed handsomely when he came on- he crossed a couple of dangerous balls and showed his considerable skill.
Our A men now join our B men in the final in Nowlan Park. Our opponents will be either Thomastown or Mooncoin- both formidable teams. We have about ten days to prepare. We showed today that we have what it takes to be considered top sportsmen: to be able to perform to our best under pressure against top opposition. A similar attitude in the lead up to, and in the final, would give us a great chance to retain the Roinn A championship.
Referee/ Umpire: Paul Hunston
C Delahunty
N. Rowe S Dermody T. Carroll
M. Clifford(0-3 2f)R. O. Connor S. Maher
E O Neill . D. Walsh
H. Shine (1-0) P. Fitzgerald J. Carroll
C. Hackett (0-1)T. Clifford (0-3)B. Manogue(0-4f)
E. Dalton. Zac McHardy. Eamon O Reilly AB Smith Finn O Brien
C. Nolan A. Dorney
M Raggett. K. Moore O. Timmons