Weekly notes 22 May 2012

Post date: May 23, 2012 8:06:35 AM

U10s win 5 out of 5 in Na Piarsiag Blitz.

The busy Limerick suburb of Caherdavin was the setting for the latest adventure in the U10 hurling season last Sunday. The Tommy Burcheall U10 memorial tournament was the occasion and Ballina were one of 12 invited teams. It was a lovely afternoon for hurling and the boys got their campaign underway with a strong display against an understrength Blarney side. After that it was onto play Waterford representatives, Ferrybank. Ballina wre two from two now and with momentum building, they faced up to a difficult assignment in Cappamore. It was a tight first half, after which the lads led 0:06 to 0:00, but an early second half goal from the Limerick side threw the cat among the pigeons. Ballina did not panic however and pulled clear eventually. All that remained was to get past Sixmilebridge B and they were in a final. Beat them they did and a place in the final was earned. Once again it was Cappamore who stood in their way but the Ballina boys knew they would have to work hard from the beginning and they surged into a 5 goal lead by half-time. The final whistle was greeted with big smiles and cheers all around and Ballina were champions.

There were 15 boys in total and they were all stars. James Power and Mark Lyons shared the goalie spot. James was very sure under the high balls and quick to snuff out attacks. Mark is a great shot-stopper and got off his line to clear well also. The two boys also played well as forwards. David Grace was captain and what a leader he was with many huge clearances. He truly played a captain’s part. Louis Storan was a model of defensive discipline. He stuck to his man like any good corner back should and suffocated many an attack. Matthew Power gave an exhibition of positional play, catching and striking – particularly in the final v Cappamore. Beside him Patrick McCormack worked all day long for his team and took the right options all the time. In midfield, Dara King was lively and dangerous all day and when he wasn’t dispossessing his opponent, carried a real threat in attack with his pace. Sam Loughran was quite simply peerless in the middle of the field with his athleticism, silky smooth touch and his option-taking. The half forward line of Michael McMahon and Conor Rowley was hugely effective in the scoring department. Mikey had the ball in the net for a great score in the Cappamore game and grew in confidence after that. Conor Rowley, who had toiled all afternoon with little return, finally got his just rewards with his very own goal fest in the semi-final. Evan Coleman scored several goals today in a fine display and was always in the right place. Every team needs subs and Ballina had superb ones. Kian Donnelly – who saw action in every match – was right up to the pace of the game every time he came in and was a thorn in many an opponent’s side. Braoin Cleary put down a marker with a very mature and skilful display. Cian Commins, settled down to have a very big day and showed all his craft and experience to deny his opponent the ball. Last but not least, Jack McEvoy imposed himself really well all day long around the half forward line. He was unlucky not to have a few scores and never gave up. Well done to all the boys on a great day for them and for the Ballina GAA club.