The Southern Gaels’ intermediate team were the first club into action in 2022 as they contested their opening League fixture.
In a wind-swept Pairc Chiarain they easily overcame the visitors from north Westmeath with an excellent team performance. Playing with the aid of a strong wind, in the opening half, they built up a solid lead.
The side traded scores in the early stages and were a goal and a point apiece after ten minutes. Gaels dominated thereafter and finished the half ahead by 3-13 to 1-1.
The home side had an excellent defensive unit where Jonathan Keogh was assured in goals while Diarmuid Martin, Trevor Farrell and Brian Dolan excelled throughout.
In the second half Castlepollard began well and recorded the first three scores as Darragh McCormack pointed three frees. However, Gaels responded well with points from Eamon Martin, Dermot Treacy and Darragh Kelly. A well taken goal from Alex Devaney Riordan mid-way through the half consolidated the Gaels domination and secured their victory.
An encouraging factor for Gaels was that fourteen of the starting side were all products of their underage programme with four of the substitutes introduced also from their development squads.
Debutants to adult hurling Cian Geary, Eamon Martin, Alex Deavany Riordan and Eoin Hardiman all got on the scoreboard. In addition, Evan Farrell and Chulainn Dowd only in their second season played vital roles in the forwards. Paul Hogan and Ryan Fallon, other debutants, were introduced as was Brian Bermingham a new-comer to the club. These youthful players in addition to Sean Fox and Andrew Ruane show the progress of the club in recent years and bodes well for the future.
Clothing Clearance Sale
Thank you to all who ran and supported the club’s clothing clearance sale last weekend generating welcome funds.
There are still many bargains in men’s clothing available and the unit in Irishtown beside Eva’s Barbers will open again this weekend, on Friday from 4pm-8pm and on Saturday from 12pm to 5pm.
County Underage Teams
A number of the club’s players were involved with county squads over the weekend. Johnny Martin, Diarmuid Murtagh, Conn O’Hara, Dano Mc Monagle and Luke O’Connell were involved with the minor hurlers who unfortunately lost to Down while Dean Byrnes and Anthony Mannion played with the Under 16 hurling team who drew with Laois.
Mentors’ Night
At the club’s recent Mentors’ night the programme for the year to come was assessed and all present were familiarised with procedures for training and games.
The club has a large number of qualified coaches from hurling counties throughout Ireland in addition to many locals.
Their experience and expertise is essential in providing top level coaching to all the club’s young hurlers ensuring they enjoy their time spent with the club.
All coaches are looking forward to an exciting 2022 and all juvenile hurling is resuming next week.
