St. Martin’s U13s show great hurling qualities
St Martins U13s performed exceptionally well at the Lisdowney 7s last Saturday. In an evenly contested 1st round against Danesfort the lads played to the final whistle and ran out winners by 2-11 to 3-4. Two opportunist goals from Jack Murphy and some good teamwork from Ronan Shore, Daragh Quinlan and Dan Doyle opened up the Danesfort on a number of occasions to score some good points. With Adam Agar and Justin Manning clearing a lot of ball the lads stayed on top to the end.
Our next match was against Graigue Ballycallan. The warm conditions ensured that the full ten man panel were needed and Tristan Roche, Paul Murphy, Tommy Butler and Harry Kealy all contributed to a great team effort. St Martins started strongly and went into a two goal lead after goals from Daragh Quinlan and Dan Doyle. Unfortunately, we missed some other chances when we were on top which was to prove costly in the end. A highlight again in this match was the point scoring and two wonderful sideline cuts for points by Dan Doyle. As the 2nd half wore on, Graigue fought hard and a penalty and a goal in the last minute of the match saw them run out winners on a scoreline if 4-3 to 2-7.
While the lads ( and selectors ! ) were devastated with the defeat, the quality of their hurling and effort in both matches augurs well for the future. In what has been a difficult year for them at U14 grade, the future looks bright for this group of players if they keep training and hurling.
St. Martins minors overcome Clogh Ballacolla
St Martins minors travelled to Laois on Thursday evening and produced a good performance to see off the tough challenge of the host side.
Martins lead at half time 0-10 to 0-9. In the third quarter they made a burst for home scoring 2-1 without reply which was to prove vital. A total of 17 wides would prove to be a concern but overall the saints were the deserved winners.
Final score; St Martins 2-18 1-19 Clogh Ballacolla
St Martins: Jason Shore, Diarmuid Murtagh, John Joe Kelly, Loughlin Hogan, Conor Dowling, Richard Teehan, Eoin Murphy, Brandon Sheehan, Brian Cody, Colm O’Neill, Tommy Quirke, Shane Dowling, Finn Dowling, Robert Reid, Mark Cody.
Subs: William Trousdell, Steven Walsh, Ronan Tynan & Ciaran Brennan.
New Date for Field Day………. 3rd August
Minor hurlers show signs of improvement
St Martins Minors began their championship preparations mixing the good & the bad in a 60 minute performance that was hard to asses.
For the first half they played against the wind and put together some smart moves that saw them lead 2-7 to 0-7 at the break.
After the break the home side seemed to be motoring when they tacked on a goal a few points but again they faded as is the norm with this team. After giving away numerous frees & showing some ill discipline they let the village back into the game with some sloppy defending leaking two goals.
On the plus side their attack looked much slicker than in previous matches but a lot of work needs to be done ahead of the first round of the championship on September 14th.
Final score; St Martins 3-18 2-8 James Stephens B
St Martins: Jason Shore (C), Diarmuid Murtagh, David Walsh, Loughlin Hogan, Conor Dowling, Richard Teehan, Eoin Murphy, John Joe Kelly, Brandon Sheehan, Mark Dowling, Robert Reid, Tommy Quirke, Shane Dowling, Mark Cody, Colm O’Neill.
Subs: Aidan Egan, Fionn Dowling, William Trousdell, Sean Maher, Conor Cody, Ciaran Fitzpatrick (All Used)
Ref: Podge Butler =
St. Martin’s GAA well represented in Dublin at the weekend.
Last Sunday was a great day in Croke Park for all in the County. St Martins played Fingallians in an U-12 challenge match in Swords before the bus headed for the Leinster Final. A superb day was had by all with two fine displays from both the Minors & Seniors. The club like heartily congratulate our own Sean Kelly who was a selector with the Kilkenny Minor team that won its 2nd Leinster Title in a row.
St Martins would like to thank St Fingallians for the hospitality afforded to them after the match.
Field Day updates
Dowling Family Cup 2014
St. Martins U12’s continued their busy schedule when hosting Bennettsbridge in the Dowling family Cup last Sunday morning. In ideal conditions both teams served up an outstanding show full of all the best that this great game has to offer. There have been many great games between the two sides over the last few years and this latest instalment didnt disappoint.
After a good start with two early points St. Martins got on top and added some great scores. Bennettsbridge battled back bravely and to their credit got some great scores of their own. After an action packed second half with the action swinging from end to end our lads held out for a well deserved victory and a delighted captain Bill Dowling and vice captain Conor Egan received the Dowling Cup from his Grandfather Tom.
Refreshments kindly sponsored by the Dowling family were then served and enjoyed by all. The many visitors were also highly impressed with the new car parking facilities and of course the pitch which was as usual in perfect condition.
Special thanks to all who helped out to make the day a great sucess, also to the lads parents who make the effort to get the lads to training and matches, indeed large attendances have been a feature of the year so far and of course to all the panel who have worked very hard all year and victory in The Dowling Cup was just reward for all their effort.
PANEL:
Jack Farrell, Sean Farrell, Conor Egan, Kyle Walsh, Aaron Meany, Rory Buggy, Bill Dowling, Matthew Shortall, Josh Dempsey, Tristan Roche, Shane Fahey, Shane O Neill, Russell Kealy, Luke Burke, Cillian Byran, Lorcan Agar, Tommy Flynn, Patrick Brennan, Aidan kelly, Josepy Reid, Thomas Lawlor, Oisin Kelly and Mick Brenann.
A date for your diary………… Bord na n’Og Field Day
St Martin’s Bord na n’Og are hosting a family field day on Sunday 20th July 2014 in Muckalee GAA Pitch at 2pm.
A Fun filled family day is planned with lots of activities including our U-6 hurlers making their debuts in a mini game & there will also be games at U-8 & U-10 level.
Your support will be greatly appreciated. More updates shortly.
U12 Hurling squad welcome Offaly visitors
Ballinamere from Offaly were welcome visitors to well appointed Coon last Saturday. The heavy showers failed to dampen spirits and the large attendance were treated to a fine display from start to finish, indeed Michael Duignan former Offaly hurler and Sunday game analyst was very impressed with the ability of both panals. Thanks to Ronan Ruane for organising the game and to all who helped on the day.
PANEL: Jack Farrell, Sean Farrell, Thomas Lawlor, Tristan Roche, Tommy Flynn, Matthew Shortall, Joseph Reid, Rory Buggy, Conor Egan, Josh Dempsey, Shane Fahey, Shane O Neill, Oisin Kelly, Aidan Kelly, Russel Kealy, Cilian Byran, Patrick Brennan, Bill Dowling, Luke Burke, Kyle Walsh, Lorcan Agar, Aaron Meany, Michael Brennan.
Best wishes for upcoming State exams.
We would like to wish all of our members and their families who are involved in State exams next week the very best of luck and hopefully all of their hard work will prove to be worth it.
Remember to eat well, rest well, and try not to get too stressed. You will be back in the field before you know it.
