CBS are Munster champions
Last Saturday, 4th February saw the CBS U19 hurling panel, their trainers, families and supporters travel to Kilmallock for the Munster final against Pallaskenry. In what was undoubtedly a close and hard fought game on both sides, the CBS were delighted to finish 1-11 to 0-12.
On the dry terrain, the game started slowly with 0-02 to 0-02 after 20 minutes. Both sides had goal opportunities with CBS’s Darragh O’Brien forcing an excellent save from the Pallaskenry goalie early on, though arguably the save of the match came midway through the first half, when Eoghan Geary showed great bravery to dive in front of a shot to deny a certain goal for Pallaskenry, where both sets of backs were on top at this stage.
CBS continued to score points before half-time, including Matthew Fitzgibbon’s accurate strike from close range and a great long range free from Luke Keating. The CBS led at the half 0-06 to 0-05. With both sides evenly matched it was a hard game to call at half-time.
Pallaskenry got on top at the start of the second half, scoring two quick points after the restart. CBS replied with 4 unanswered points, with Luke Keating once again attaining a crucial score from a long range free. The CBS were on top at this stage with some great defending by Jamie Fogarty at fullback. Arguably, the big turning point in the game was Luke Keating’s goal mid-way through the second half. A high ball into the full forward was won well by Luke, before beating two Pallaskenry defenders to finish to the roof of the net.
CBS saw out the game with grit and determination, and worked extremely hard to limit the Pallaskenry forwards. Cathal English was instrumental in this at centre back, coming out and winning some crucial frees to relieve the pressure on the team. The subs made by Mr Duggan and Mr Nash were crucial in securing the win. This was a hard fought win, with the game in the melting pot right up to the final whistle.
The CBS lads, while many of them chase another provincial title next weekend in football, can be proud of their status as Munster champions.
Congratulations to the panel and their trainers on this fantastic achievement, and who knows, maybe we’ll be reporting on the Munster double in a week’s time!