Match Report of Leinster Senior Schools B Hurling Quarter Final Gorey CS v Mullingar 22/11/2012
The Leinster Senior ‘B’ Hurling Quarter final between Gorey Community School and Colaiste Mhuire of Mullingar was held in Ratheniska, Co. Laois last week. Despite the inclement weather conditions, both teams took to the field like ducks to water. The students have been well guided to date by teachers Conor Wickham and Rory McCarthy while George O’ Connor and Kevin Kennedy of Wexford GAA Offices lend their expertise also.
Despite an early Mullingar attack in the first minute, Gorey were over-powering in this clash throughout. Points from Conor McDonald, Fionn Doyle and Gavin Stamp in the opening ten minutes set the pace. Mullingar attacked the Gorey defence thanks to John Bermingham and Brendan Doyle but they were engulfed by the formidable defenders like Jason Redmond, Michael O’ Brien and Ben Egan. Up front, Gearóid Cullen and Kevin Molloy assisted Conor McDonald for two of his six points before the half ended. Eoin Conroy’s diligence in the centre back berth yielded a single score while Gavin Stamp and Michael O’ Brien also pointed. There was a late spurt of attack from the Midlander’s when Darragh Lyons played a cross-field ball to Frankie Deegan. However, his efforts were thwarted by Gorey’s goal man, Darragh Hughes. At half time, the scoreline reflected the contrast between the hurling skill sets as Gorey Community School led; 0-14 to 0-00.
The second half was slightly balanced as both teams made a large number of changes. It was Gorey who reopened their scoring account first as Conor Devitt crossed the ball to Gavin Stamp who sweetly pointed. Gorey CS substitute Tomás Morris’ pivotal impact was embodied by his single score with four minutes past. Mullingar crept back into the game when a long ball from John Bermingham scrambled past the goal line with a Darragh Lyons flick. Gorey’s Conor McDonald’s score sandwiched two Peadar Scally points with the third quarter complete. The game was flat but still featured skilled streaks of play by Gorey’s Cathal Dunbar. Darragh Lyons and Michael Scally pointed for the Westmeath men after which Michael Hamilton responded for the Wexford side. The game ended with a goal from Mullingar’s main scorer, Darragh Lyons.
This dual didn’t test the powers of the North Wexford school squad as notably no goals were sought. Nevertheless, Gorey Community School will sharpen their blades before a semi final battle in the coming weeks.
Final Score: Gorey Community School 0-18; Colaiste Mhuire 2-05.
GOREY CS: Darragh Hughes (Naomh Eanna), Ben Egan (Naomh Eanna), Sean O’ Brien (Craanford), Jason Redmond (Naomh Eanna), Michael O’Brien 0-01 (St Patricks, Camolin), 6 Eoin Conroy 0-01 free (Naomh Eanna), Daryl Murphy (St Patricks, Camolin), Fionn Doyle 0-01 (Naomh Eanna), Conor Devitt (Ballyfad), Yusuf Frih (Liam Mellows), Conor McDonald 0-09 (5 from frees) (Naomh Eanna), Gavin Stamp 0-03 (Liam Mellows), Cathal Dunbar (Realt Na Mara), Kevin Molloy 0-01 (Naomh Eanna), Gearóid Cullen (Naomh Eanna).
SUBS: Michael Hamilton 0-01 (St Patricks), Tomás Morris 0-01 (St Patricks), Lee Owley (Tara Rocks), Marc Halpin (Liam Mellows), David Kennedy (Naomh Eanna), Alan McPartlan (Naomh Eanna), Ben McGrath (Realt Na Mara), Kevin Byrne (Liam Mellows), Peter Roche (St Patricks), Eoin Whelan (Buffers Alley), Liam Condren (Liam Mellows) Rhys Owley (Tara Rocks), Michael Dwyer (Naomh Eanna), Ross Murphy (Naomh Eanna), Eoin Harris (Naomh Eanna).
COL. MHUIRE: Dylan Carroll, Darragh Eagarton, Shane Smith, Seán Lancaster, James Bermingham, Brendan Doyle, John Bermingham, Conor Duncan, Michael Scally 0-01, Seán Mularkey, Michael Murray, Peadar Scally 0-02 from frees, Darragh Lyons 2-01, Frankie Deegan, Robbie Gillan.
Report by Michael Dwyer.
Team Photo: Mr Charlie Lyons
