League campaign concludes with defeat

Last week we played the final game of our division 3 league campaign when we welcomed Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels to Grange. In a hard fought encounter we tasted defeat on a scoreline of 0-10 v 0-5.

We had some very encouraging performances especially in defence where we gave little away against a lively forward line. We worked the ball well ourselves at times and got some well taken scores but overall we struggled to make an impression on the scoreboard due to a mixture of bad decision making, shot selection and good pressure from the visitors. We would hope that this game and our previous performance against Kildorrery will stand to us against St Johns in the first round of the county on 12th May at 2pm in Doneraile.

BATTLED HARD

Overall the league was difficult for us as 4 of the 5 teams we faced were clubs’ 2nd teams and in many cases they fielded several players who will line out at a much higher grade come championship time. While we battled hard in every game the greater strength in depth of our opponents was too much to match. The only game of the league where we faced a team of similar grading to ourselves was against Doneraile in round 1 where we managed a very creditable draw to register our only league point of the campaign. Moving forward now to the county championship we will face St Johns and Ballincurra in our group, with 2 of the 3 teams advancing to the next stage. In recent weeks we have welcomed back a number of players from injury so we are hoping to give a good account of ourselves in the county championship.

Team: Gavin Dawson, Liam Dorgan, Kevin Murphy, Mark Timlin (0-1), Luke Burke, John Magnier, Padraig Dolan, Darren Roche, Devon Roche (0-1), Jordan Kelleher, Ronan Hoskins, Niall McCarthy, Bryan Sheehan, John Carmody (0-1), Gavin Carmody (0-2). Subs: Peter Stapleton, Christopher O’Donoghue, John Roche, Kieran Kelleher, Sean O’Connor, Colin Shealy.

GET WELL SOON COLIN

Last Friday night we also played a challenge game against Araglin in Grange. This was another useful workout and we got valuable game time in to some lads who were out of action for some time.

After a sluggish first half we found ourselves 6 points down at half time but a much improved second half display saw us reduce the deficit to the minimum at one stage before a couple of late scores saw Araglin over the line. The game was spoiled by another injury sustained by Colin Shealy in only his second game back after a previous long term injury. We wish Colin a speedy recovery.

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES

Grange v St Johns on Sunday, 12th May at 2pm in Doneraile. Grange v Ballincurra on Saturday, 25th May at 7pm in Lisgoold.

GOLF CLASSIC

After the success of last year’s event, this year’s staging of the Grange GAA Golf Classic will take place on Friday, 5th July at Mitchelstown Golf Club. Please save the date. Team of 3 including meal after your round will be €150. Sponsorship of a tee box or green will be €50. More details will be circulated shortly.