PEIL SINSIR: Our Seniors 2016 Championship hopes were dashed by Coolkeno on the green swathe of the County grounds in Eachroim U Bhroin on Saturday evening. ire g were on the wrong side of a 2-10 to 0-10 score-line. The result it might be said represented a triumph for the more traditional style which has been employed with such success by Tipp on their way to the All-Ireland Semi Final over the modern short-passing obsessed style.
Without wishing to take in any way from Coolkennos excellent performance one would hazard that there were many who would argue that our defeat was, to quite an extent, self-inflicted. For the Clocha Liatha followers the unfolding of this hari-kari over the hour was excruciatingly frustrating.
The Greystones squad showed an impressive athleticism as they went through their warm-up routine at the town end of the pitch. The manner and speed with which these exercises were being effected inspired one with a feeling of optimism. Unfortunately, however, we were soon to learn once again that there is more to football than aerobic fitness and athletic prowess.
A wind which had the potential to have had a significant bearing on the proceedings blew down the valley from Annacurra. ire g played against this wind in the first half.
Our lads were into the game straight away and soon had the upper-hand. During this period they were moving in an aesthetically-attractive passing-movement and by the 15 min mark had built up a 3 point lead.However, even at this early stage worrying signs were evident in their play: movements were breaking down because of over-elaboration and over-hasty badly-executed delivery. Further a work-study expert would have been perturbed at the amount of energy being expended in executing each score.
In the first-half and indeed throughout the game the Greystones lads showed a certain reluctance to have a pot. This was difficult to understand particularly when one considers that on a number of occasions the forwards accomplished the more difficult task with accurately-delivered 30 to 40m kick-passes. On the other hand the opponents had a more cavalier approach and had a good return on their long-distance scoring attempts, scoring 6 more points before the break in a period where ire g failed to score. Crucially also they got in for a goal in circumstances reminiscent of that of the goal scored by Donegal in their defeat of Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final of 2012. An ire g attack broke down, a soloing opponent exited at speed from the mass of players and had, when confronted by the defence the luxury of being able to pass to a team-mate standing gloriously alone 10 metres out on the right of our goal. The outcome was inevitable.
Greystones were 6 points (1-7 to 0-4) down at the break but their followers had not yet thrown in the towel. They nurtured the hope that the wind would come to the teams rescue in the second-half. Vain was their optimism, not only was it well in to the second half when we scored our first point but Coolkenno added a second well-worked major near the 45 minute mark.
Hugely disappointing but as the experts say there is more to be learned from defeat than victory. So hopefully the experience gained on Saturday will stand the team in good stead for the rest of the season and in 2017.
Timid buoch don fhoireann for the enjoyment that they have given us to date and we compliment them for their dedication and commitment.
CAILN: Our U-12 girls had a successful outing in the first round of their championship at home on Saturday. After a nail-biting exciting match, the outcome of which was in doubt till the final whistle, ire g defeated Barndarrig 2-6 to 2-4. Despite having played against a strong breeze the Greystones girls were ahead by a point at half-time. Barndarrig started the second-half with all guns blazing and were, thanks to a good goal, 2 points ahead with 10 minutes to go. The game again turned the locals way thanks to an Abbie Smullen goal and point (2-5 in total). The final few minutes were nerve wracking as both teams missed chances.
Aisling Roche was the only other scorer in this enthralling game of football. Emily Walsh played very well in goals and Camille Madden, Ellie OMalley, Sophie Keddy and Sarah Doyle were prominent in defence. Aisling Roche, Ellen Phelan, Aleesha Campbell, Katie Power and Ella OReilly were the pick of the forwards. Jayne Merren and Maedhbh ONeill held the upper-hand in centre-field.
This team is playing the next round at home on Saturday at 12.30.
U16 HURLING: A great win for the North District Under 16 hurlers this week against Michael Dwyers in Ballinakill. The team, made up of players from ire g Greystones, Kilcoole GAA Club & Newtown Gaa followed up last week’s win v Avondale/Arklow Rocks combination with a win tonight on a scoreline of 4-16 to 2-05. This was our final league game and ensures we finish in top 4, thus assuring our place in the Under 16 A Championship in September. Our league campaign saw us win 4 games, draw 1 game and losing 2 (to Carnew & Bray Emmets), so overall a very satisfying campaign.
The scoreline this evening probably flattered us a little, as it was a very keenly contested game and Michael Dwyers have quite a few very talented hurlers. However, we were probably that bit stronger up front and had some strong performances at the back and from our goalkeeper on the night.
Team : Oisin Curry, Cillian Keane, Brian Shortt, Drew Campbell, Glen Ryder, Joe McDonald, Leo Hanney, Glen Dunne, Conor Odlum, Eoin Dorgan, Thomas Moorehouse, Luke Dorgan, Denis Burke, Shaun Cranley & Fionn Mansfield.
Missing were Marwan Machalaani (injured), Shane Ryan (holidays), Luke Thompson (away) and Neil Browne (injured)Well done lads, and onwards and upwards now to the challenges of Championship hurling.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Club marquee social night on Sept 17th, eve of All-Ireland football.Tickets a mere 10 available athttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/end-of-season-social-night-tickets-27311834432
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