Bill runs riot
2-9 1-3
ARKLOW ROCK PARNELLS (ARP) and Western Gaels served up an enjoyable and well fought game in the Division 2 under-11 hurling final of the All County hurling mini League, played in Ballinakill on Saturday morning last.
The early throw-in time of 10.30am made little difference as both teams and their small bands of parents, family, mentors and supporters were present and preparing from before 10am. Both teams had a good spread of hurlers who are obviously being coached well in the skills of the game.
The Arklow side had a couple of big strong lads who were also good hurlers and in underage “a good big one” who can hurl has the advantage over a good smaller player. And in Bill Connors ARP had the outstanding player on the field.
Even at this stage Bill can hurl equally well off either side and was responsible for all of his teams nine points. The long-striking Finn O’Leary in the centre of the defence was another big asset in the Rocks favour.
The Gaels played very well in the opening half but were unfortunate to miss out in the scoring stakes being just off the mark with fine efforts from Alex Toolis, Finn Whelan, Rory Glennon, Sean Byrne and Callum Dempsey.
The defence was stubborn from goalkeeper Cormac Smith out with Ben McGrath, Layla McGrath, Maebh Doyle, showing very well. The Rocks led by 1-4 to no score at the break with the points coming from Bill Connors and Sean Kavanagh netting the goal with a first time pull on the ball from close in.
Western Gaels came out fighting in the second half and within six minutes had pulled the lead back to two scores.
Jack Flanagan got them going with a goal straight away. Points from frees by Finn Whelan and James Mooney and another from Rory Glennon had them just one point in arrears.
They had managed to keep Bill Connors quiet up to now but when Bill got going again, he knocked out five points (three from frees) and Dylan Forde finished the scoring with a goal.
From goalkeeper Thomas Bracken out all players made their contribution to this Arklow win. Sylvester Bourke, Diarmuid Casey, Sean Farrell, Faolan Carroll, Ryan Mellon, Edward Breslin and Darby Guilfoyle all played their parts.
Western Gaels also made full use of their panel and Dylan Callaghan, Kayden McMahon, Leo Struyken, Grace Gallagher and Cillian Taylor were all on the field and played their part.
Pat Dunne, Cathaoirleach of Bord na nÓg, presented the trophy to the joint captains of ARP Finn O’Leary and Bill Connors.
ARP: Thomas Bracken; Diarmuid Casey, Sean Farrell, Faolan Carroll, Darby Guilfoyle, Ryan Heald, Eoin Byrne, Senan Byrne, Dylan Forde (1-0), Edward Breslin, Finn O’Leary, Bill Connors (0-9), Sylvester Burke, Sean Kavanagh (1-0), Ryan Mellon. Jack Curran.
WESTERN GAELS: Cormac Smith; Ben McGrath, Layla McGrath, Maebh Doyle, Sean Byrne, Callum Dempsey, Alex Toolis, Finn Whelan (0-1), Rory Glennon (0-1), Dylan Callaghan, James Mooney (0-1), Kayden McMahon, Leo Spruyken, Jack Flanagan (1-0), Cillian Taylor, Grace Gallagher.
Con O’Ceadaigh (Kilcoole)