DKIT hurlers reach All-Ireland Championship semi
March 01, 2010On Thursday evening DKIT Hurlers achieved what they have be working towards all year, by beating Blanchardstown in the All- Ireland quarter final of the Fergal Maher cup, and as a result secured their place in the Championship weekend in Galway on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March.
Due to confusion over the starting time neither teams got the preparation they would be used to, but this didn't stop DKIT laying down their intentions from the very beginning. The team started brightly with Blanchardstown not getting a chance to get time on the ball. DKIT worked relentlessly, applying pressure in all parts of the field and as a result received just rewards. Peter Durnin (Kiltale) got the first score from a placed ball, which was followed by a point from, play from Adrian Wallace (Knockbridge) and two frees from Derek Horan (Shannon Rovers). DKIT were dominating at all parts of the field, and only allowed Blanchardstown to score three points throughout the first half. DKIT continued their dominance and showed some great displays of skill, passing and scoring throughout the first half. Their hard work rate was evident with all six forwards scoring in the first half with Gavin Kerrigan (Knockbridge), Eoin Marsh (Kilmessin), Danny Maguire (Kiltale) and Noel Kirby (Kildalkey) also contributing to the scoreboard. Malcolm Doyle (Kilmessin) gave a man of the match performance and showed his influence and dominance at mid-field by scoring a fine point after a great run. Dundalk was on top for the first half and left a great marker for Blanchardstown to try and reach. They showed why they are All-Ireland League Champions.
Half time score
DKIT 1 -10
Blanchardstown 0-3
In the second half everyone felt that DKIT dominance would continue from the first half, but Blanchardstown were not going to throw the game away without a fight and this was evident in their play. They made a number of positional changes, and it definitely had an impact. DKIT seemed to go to sleep in the second half though their backs definitely earned their worth. The second half seemed like there was a change in roles, with Blanchardstown dominating the game. DKIT continued to work hard but failed to convert their scoring chances, with a large number of wides throughout the game. Blanchardstown switch of their full back to full forward worked to their advantage, giving full back Daithi Watters (Dunboyne) a tough time of it. Daithi was supported well by Mark Wallace (Knockbridge) at corner back, who as always showed his class and pure stubbornness to clear his lines a number of times. Michael Walsh (Bray Emmets, captain) at corner back, John Shiels (Raharney) and Padraig Kelly (Kiltale) at half back as always made their contribution by continuously putting their player under pressure and holding their players scoreless. James Connolly (Naomh Moninne) in goals, kept his backs on their toes, pulling off some great saves, which made the difference at the end of the game. Blanchardstown full forward, seemed to have a hand of glue and no matter how much pressure he was under, he was able to catch the ball and this resulted in two goals from play. Dundalk managed four points in the second half which were the difference in the end with Durnin scoring two, Padraig Keogh (Kildalkey) one and Danny Maguire continuing his scoring with another point from play. The second half gave our lads a shock but this will stand to them in the upcoming matches, knowing that they can't stand back and have to continue to their best ability throughout the game if they are going to win the Championship weekend.
Fortunately the teams' large lead from the first half stood to them and allowed them to secure their place in the Championship Final weekend. They now go on to meet Tallaght IT in their semi final on the Friday morning, in Kenny Park, Galway.
Full time
DKIT 1-14
Blanchardstown 3-4
Thank you to all who came out to support the team and management on Thursday night. This is really appreciated and hopefully some might make the trip to Galway. Thank you to the committee for their continued hard work and dedication to the cause. Thanks also to Sinead Dunne and Student Services for all their hard work in getting everything organised for the team for the weekend in Galway. We are also very grateful for the help and assistance of Diarmuid Cahill, whose unrelenting passion for Gaelic Games is without question. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to team manager Shane Darcy for his enthusiastic approach to Gaelic Games at DKIT. His devotion to our Games is infectious and without doubt is the driving force behind the hurlers' success to date. Finally a word of appreciation to the talented group of hurlers who have proudly worn the DKIT jersey this year - after the league success last November, the team have marched on in the right direction and their place at the Fitzgibbon weekend is fully merited. Best of luck to all involved with the team next weekend and hopefully Shane and the lads can take home another piece of silverware for DKIT.
All Ireland weekend
Congratulations to DKIT Senior Hurling team who have reached the All Ireland Championship semi final against Tallaght IT. These finals will take place at NUI Galway as part of the colleges Hurling Championship finals weekend. Teams from both Fitzgibbon Cup and Ryan Cup will also be showing their skills, and competing to be the best college team in the country.
We wish the college team and their manager Shane Darcy all the best and hopefully the team will be bringing home more silverware to the college. Tweet
