SOUTH LIBERTIES GAA CLUB NOTES
A busy weekend for our under 21’s started on Friday night with the presentation of the medals for the East & County football championship wins in 2018. A great turn out on the night and a big thanks to county player Peter Nash for coming along and presenting the medals to the lads.
Next up for this years U21 hurlers was the county 13 aside final on Sunday morning in Kilbreedy. In the final we faced fellow East Division side Caherline ensuring that the winners would be the first side from the East division to win this championship. On a bitterly cold morning with a strong breeze blowing down the field we knew this was going to be a big challenge. Deciding to play against the elements in the first half we opened the scoring with a good point from Brian Garry. Caherline hit back with a point of their own but two points from play from Shane Brosnahan the second one which started in our back line and after some great short passing up the field saw Shane’s shot from the right hand side directly into the now strong wind sail between the posts for probably the score of the game. Again Caherline hit back with two points and John Hickeys point gave us a lead of 0-4 to 0-3 midway through the half. Brian Garry’s second point of the game increased our lead and in the run up to half time two well struck frees from Shane Brosnahan saw us lead at halftime on a score line of 0-7 to 0-4. As the heavens open the players took respite from it in the dressing rooms during the halftime break.
As the second half started we won possession from the throw in we created a good goal scoring chance but Mark Walsh was off target after a pass from Brian Garry. This let off seemed to lift Caherline and they went up field and scored two points to leave the minimum between the sides. A Shane Brosnahan pointed free got us on the scoreboard for the first time in the second half. With battles going on all over the pitch our defence led by John Noonan stood firm. Points were again exchanged and it was turning out to be a free taking contest. Three more frees from Shane Brosnahan took us to 0-11 with 10 minutes remaining but four pointed frees from Caherline saw them level the game for the first time since early in the game at 0-11 each. The last 10 minutes saw both teams fight tooth and nail for possession. We were again awarded a free from distance which Shane Brosnahan duly converted. With three minutes remaining Shane Brosnahan took his tally to 0-10 with another well struck free. Caherline threw everything at us for the remainder of the game but Brian Nash won possession a number of times when high balls into the square as Caherline searched for the goal that would win the game.
With that the final whistle sounded to round off a great weekend for the club as we held out for the win on a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-11.
A great all round performance with Brian Nash in goals solid all day, our defence of Stephen Noonan, Micheal Meaney, Jack Fitzpatrick,Kieran O Brien and captain John Noonan leading by example, midfielders John Hickey and Matthew Gaule who worked their socks off all day and on a day that was hard for forwards Gabriel Burke O Dwyer, Shane Brosnahan, Niall Gannon ,Mark Walsh and Brian Garry did trojan work defending from the front.
Hard luck to Caherline who put up a brilliant fight to the end and i’m sure will see silverware with this talented bunch of players very soon.
Thanks to referee Michael Browne and his umpires and to Staker Wallace who had the pitch in great shape despite the wintery weather.
Team Brian Nash, Stephen Noonan, John Noonan, Micheal Meaney, Jack Fitzpatrick, Kieran O Brien, Matthew Gaule, John Hickey(0-1), Gabriel Burke O Dwyer, Shane Brosnahan(0-10, 0-8 frees), Niall Gannon, Mark Walsh, Brian Garry, Darragh Godfrey, Killian Reynolds, Conor Godfrey, Patrick O Donnell. Injured squad members Brian Ryan, Conor McNamara and Daniel Hurley.
U6 to U12 hurling
Please note that there will be no hurling academy this Saturday March 16th and it will resume on Saturday March 23rd 9am to 10.30am.
Lotto
Results from draw on Tuesday 5th
Numbers 2,6,8,16
No Jack pot winner
Lucky dips
Brian Keane Knockea
Helen Hourigan Carrigmartin
Mary O Dwyer Snr. Roxboro
Jake & Una Hartigan Day Care Centre group
Eoin Quilty Bushy Island
Olive Quinlan Cahernorry
Next weeks Jackpot €7,700
Draw will take place on Tuesday March 12th at the Cats Cradle.