The replay between O’Loughlins and Danesfort in the under-21 preliminary round took place last Sunday in Danesfort.
Like the first match between the two, the weather conditions had a starring role in the game. However, the winds did not work to Danesfort’s advantage this time as O’Loughlins were clearly the stronger team throughout the game.
This week the layout of the O’Loughlins team worked exceedingly well and the big names really stepped up and pretty much annihilated the Danesfort side.
O’Loughlins got off to a great start, after 15 minutes of play the ‘Gaels men were ahead by seven points with a score of 1-5 to 0-1. It was Paddy Delaney who put the sliothar in the back of the net. Mark Kelly, Johnny Carney and Mark and Conor Bergin scored the points.
Conor Bergin put two more points on the board before Robbie Welsh brought Danesfort to three points. Alas, a ‘65 and a point from Mark Kelly countered this final attack. It was clear in the first half that O’Loughlins were a cut above their opponents and while they had the wind against them, Danesfort missed at least four points and a goal opportunity at the end of the first half which may have lost them the game. The score at half time was O’Loughlins 1-9 to Danesfort’s 0-3.
The second half saw the O’Loughlins boys launch a brutal attack, scoring 1-5 before Danesfort put a score on the board. The goal came from a magnificent shot at goal from Mark Bergin from a free and the points were scored by Mark Kelly and Conor and Mark Bergin.
Oisin Daly was the first scorer for Danesfort in the second half with a point after a sideline pass from Richie Hogan. Danesfort then seemed to get a handle on the game and went on to score five points to O’Loughlins one before the final whistle blew. The scorers were Richie Hogan, Oisin Daly, Cathal O’Neill and Robbie Welsh.
The final score was O’Loughlins 2-15 to Danesfort’s nine points.
This was a game where some hurlers really stood out and shone in the otherwise dreary day. Mark Bergin was the best man on the field. He pretty much controlled everything which happened around mid-field, and displayed a great eye for his other team mates, as well as being the highest scorer on the day. Conor Bergin, as always, had a steady game and showed great skill on the ball throughout the game. Johnny Carney and Stephen Murphy also gave great performances.
For Danesfort Gavin O’Keeffe had a great game and really cleaned up a lot of ball at centre back. Oisin Daly also kept his head held high and stayed playing right to the final whistle. It was unfortunate for the Danesfort side that they had little possession throughout the match and many of their players never got a chance to prove their worth.
