Ballycastle Gaels crown a great year with county U-16 hurling title

Ballycastle Gaels 1-20 Sam Maguires 1-5

BALLYCASTLE Gaels capped off a marvellous 2018 on Sunday when they took their 4th trophy when defeating Sam Maguires in the County U-16 B 1 HL final at Mahon. Ballycastle got off to a very good start with early points by Gearoid Roche. Jerry Collins (2) and Sean Daly had points for the Dunmanway side. The Ballyhooly-Castletownroche amalgamation got on top in the half backline and midfield sectors.

A series of points by Dan Roche, Darragh Whelan and Patrick Sheehan saw them move 0-7 to 0-3 clear after 15 minutes. Sam Maguire’s lacked penetration up front. A long delivery out of defence by Sean Sugrue found Patrick Sheehan who goaled in the 22nd minute. Jerry Collins had a point for the Carbery side. Gaels finished the half very strong and four more points by Dan Roche (2) Darragh Whelan and Cathal Wilson opened up a commanding lead at the break 1-11 to 0-4.

On the resumption Sam Maguires tried very hard to get back in contention. They created a few chances but solid defending by the Gaels defence and some good saves by Fionn Hess denied the West Cork side. Sean Daly had a goal for Sam Maguires in the 47th minute. Ballycastle had some very good points and the outcome was never in any real doubt.

This win marked four titles for Ballycastle Gaels. They faced Sam Maguires in both the county championship and league finals and were successful in deciders. They also took the Rebel Og North Championship and League titles. Throughout the playing season the Gaels were unbeaten in hurling in league and championship.

After the game Eoghan O’Connor (Co Rebel Og) vice-chairman presented the cup to the winning captain Noah O’Brien. BALLYCASTLE GAELS: F Hess, J Gowen, L Burdett, N O’Brien, E Twomey, S Sugrue, D Cooney, A O’Leary, C Wilson 0-1, C Crowley, P Sheehan 1-2, D Whelan 0-3, D Roche 0-12 (7f), G Roche 0-2, S O’Riordan. Subs: B Geary for D Cooney, M Burdett for E Twomey, B Lombard for D Roche.