The senior hurlers were on the road early for this 10am throw-in away to Naomh Mhuire, Ros Earcain. Goals win games and despite a very spirited effort, we were guilty of conceding goals, which were avoidable and as such came out on the wrong end of the result.
The first half was a very tight, competitive affair. Naomh Mhuire took the initiative, striking three consecutive points but we responded well and played our way back into the game. We pushed forward more and as we increased the tempo, Naomh Mhuire began to concede frees which Stephen McGivern duly converted to level the game. Naomh Mhuire edged in front before a long-range point; from inside his own half, by Chris Gallagher levelled the game for the second time. We then had the opportunity to go in front in the 23rd minute. The referee awarded a penalty; Don Whelan stepped up and while he hit a rasping shot, unfortunately it fizzed inches wide of the post. Two further points put Naomh Mhuire back in front but points from Don Whelan and a 65 from Chris Gallagher left the sides level at the break 0-6 to 0-6.
We went in front for the first time on the restart when good play down the right side finished with a well-taken point from Don Whelan. However, the Dreen men then took control, three points were followed with the first goal of the game, there was a bit of confusion in the box and the sliotar finished in the back of the net. Stephen McGivern fired over a point from a free but Naomh Mhuire had the fire in their belly and added three further points before two quick fire goals virtually assured them of the victory. We never gave up and battled hard with points from Chris Gallagher (65) and Don Whelan (3f) but a brace of pointed frees left Naomh Mhuire the victors 3-14 to 0-12.
Click here for photos of the game.
