Brave performance by U14s in county final
Na Piarsaigh 4-4 Galtee Gaels 0-1
In a challenging game, played in windy conditions at the Claughaun grounds on last Sunday, Galtee Gaels U14 footballers made a brave bid to win a county title. They succumbed to constant and unyielding pressure from a more balanced and stronger Na Piarsaigh fifteen but they did not make it easy for their opponents.
Na Piarsaigh took advantage of the crossfield wind to pop over two early points from the right wing. Galtee Gaels settled quickly and played well defensively and at the first water break the score remained unchanged. The wind was of no advantage, taking balls over the left sideline where Thomas Moriarty and Conor were effective in keeping tabs on powerful forwards. Sean O’Donnell, at fullback, coped well under a lot of pressure and was well supported by Patrick Moriarty and Tommy English. Galtee Gaels were patient in working the ball out of defence but as soon as they went on the attack found the going very, very difficult.
After the water break Na Piarsaigh, with a quick movement down the wing, caught the defence out of place and, while their initial shot was parried, they had the support to raise a green flag. True to form this team took up the challenge and played some attractive football. Midfielders, Cian Ryan and Cian Hogan, contributed more and created some scoring chances. A Cian Ryan free was blown off target before a few more shots were equally off target. The persistence of Robbie Ryan won a free on the end line, which Eoghan Fitzgerald converted. Just before the short whistle the strong support play of the opposition was rewarded, with an extra man in front of goal they succeeded in getting the ball over the line. It left Galtee Gaels with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Sean Gallahue and Paul Quane, moved out in the second half, played much more of the ball. The tireless Cian Hogan continued his first half performance, covering acres with Cian Ryan. However, they were unable to get into scoring range. Robbie and Olin Ryan showed their defensive qualities with the ability to block shots from bigger opponents. But it was only a matter of time before Na Piarsaigh added to their tally with 2-2.
Galtee Gaels: Edward Moriarty, Thomas Moriarty, Sean O’Donnell, Patrick Moriarty, Tommy English, Maurice Fitzgerald, Conor McNamara, Cian Hogan, Cian Ryan, Olin Ryan, Sean Gallahue, Robbie Ryan, Paul Quane, Eoghan Fitzgerald, William Fitzgerald. Subs: Patrick Cronin, Liam O’Donnell,
Cathal O’Mahony, Haulie Gallahue, Liam Bourke, Liam O’Donnell, Cormac Kearney, Ben Walsh, Kevin O’Mahony, Padraig Casey.
SEPTEMBER CLUB LIMERICK DRAW RESULTS
The September Club Limerick Draw took place Saturday, September 26. Over €20,000 in prizes were won. The top monthly prize of €10,000 went west to Rathkeale to Fr Willie Russell. Sinead Howard, Bruree, won the second prize of €3,000 and Andrew Walsh, Garryspillane, won the third prize of
€2,000.
Local winners included John and Mary English, Ballylanders (€250). Noel Frewen, Ballylanders was among the €100 prize-winners and also Rachel and Laura Morrissey, Galbally.
No luck for our Galtee Gaels’ members this time round but there are many monthly draws coming up. If you wish to join and support Galtee Gaels contact any club official or go to the Limerick GAA website. The full list of winners is published on that site or visit the Galtee Gaels social media page. Thanks again to all our Club Limerick Draw supporters.