Southern Gaels 3-7 Delvin 4-5
Southern Gaels were defeated by the minimum in what was an enthralling Under 13 hurling final contest played in Rochfortbridge on Saturday.
Delvin made the early running and opened with three points in the first quarter. Their defence was well marshalled by Patrick Gill and they forced Gaels into hurried shooting resulting in a number of wides.
However, the Athlone side recovered well in the second quarter and driven on by Sam Meegan scored 3-2 without reply. Meegan, operating at centrefield, accounted for 2-2 of the score as he dominated proceedings. Aodhán Fallon added a third goal as Southern Gaels controlled matters. However, a late rally by Delvin saw Dara Clune net from close range to leave the halftime score at Southern Gaels 3-2 to Delvin’s 1-3.
Ryan Denning, Delvin’s most potent forward, opened the scoring in the second half to reduce the deficit, but scores from Daniel Crosbie and Aodhan Fallon extended Gaels lead again. Delvin then introduced a number of subs in the third quarter and it saw them regain control of the game.
Goals from Aaron Poynton and ‘man of the match’ Ryan Denning saw the victors level the game with ten minutes remaining. The last ten minutes were contested in a welter of excitement as each side strove for victory.
Gaels seemed to have gained the ascendancy as points from Senan Kelly, Adam O’Brien and Sam Meegan pushed them ahead, but a Delvin point from Denning left them just two adrift with three minutes remaining. As the north Westmeath side pushed for victory it was Denning who again obliged with a goal, with two minutes, to secure the title for his side.
Gaels worked hard to snatch a draw but to no avail. Delvin were well served by Patrick Gill and Liam Coyle in defense with Conor Clune and Michael Fitzgerald also contributing throughout. However, it was the marksmanship of Ryan Denning which ensured victory.
Gaels had sterling performers in Cian Mannion, Sam Meegan, Daniel Crosbie and Aodhán Fallon. It was a highly entertaining game throughout with great skill and endeavour from both sides and all players can be proud of their performances in providing a game displaying all that is good about hurling.
Frank Brennan was an excellent referee and the venue was in top class condition for this wonderful occasion.
Southern Gaels; Nathan Quigley, Cillian Lee, Cian Mannion, Tom O’Keeffe, Shane Cahill, Daniel Crosbie (0-1 ), Conal Lambe, Ryan Cunningham, Sam Meegan (2-3 ), Senan Kelly (0-1 ), Adam O’Brien (0-1 ), Robert Connor, LJ Kelly, Aodhán Fallon (1-1 ) and James Cahill. Subs; Ben Gilligan, Eoin Hardiman and Fergal Kelly.
