Parnells bow out in quarter-final

TRALEE PARNELLS

TRALEE Parnells were hosted by Setanta hurling club in Carlow town, after a month of hard training, fundraising and preparing the logistics of the trip it was great to finally get going to our first national Feile competition.

The players and mentors travelled by bus for the first two games in Johnstown Kilkenny. On Friday evening Tralee Parnells played Fenians of Kilkenny Tralee Parnells had a slow start which meant Fenians were 1-3 to no score up after five minutes, Parnells got to within two scores of the Kilkenny side, but couldn’t close the gap final score was 2-7 to 1-3.

Next game against Buncranna of Donegal this was a tough game against a physical side, but Tralee Parnells matched them physically and won on score line of 2-5 to no score.

On Saturday morning Parnells travelled to Tinryland GAA in Carlow to play Setanta their host club the final group games proved to be tough low scoring encounters, Setanta had lost their previous two games and battled hard and played well in front of home supporters, Parnells backs were outstanding and the players coolness under pressure got Tralee Parnells over the line. Tralee Parnells won the game with a last minute free from Tadgh Reen the final score was 0-3 to 0-2.

Next up was a quarter-final match against St Kevin’s Milford of Cork who were Cork Feile B Champions who had scored 15-42 in their previous three games. An inspirational team talk from Ollie Broughton before the game meant Tralee Parnells were well up for this game.

The lads played very well in the first half, but the scoring threat of the Cork team meant they won on a score line of 3-10 to 1-1. St Kevin’s went on to win the competition easily and their mentors acknowledged that Parnells gave them their toughest test over the weekend.

Thanks to a magnificent panel of players who excelled on and off the field over the weekend and thanks to mentors Dermot Reen, Michael Cassidy and Ollie Broughton. Thanks to the parents who travelled and gave great support in all the games.

Thanks to businesses who contributed financially and to all those who helped with the fundraising and planning of the weekend.