Glory for Haunis Hurlers
November 10, 2014
Ballyhaunis CS (Mayo) 4-13
St. Enda's (Galway) 2-6
by Eleanor Harrison in Ballyhaunis GAA Grounds.
The Ballyhaunis Community School senior hurlers started their Connacht GAA Post Primary schools campaign off with a brilliant win over St Endas of Galway City. Captain Aidan Henry lead the team out. The opening score came from midfielder Niall Robinson. St. Endas soon came back with a point but Brian O'Neill and Calum Gardiner pointed two in a row for the haunis lads. Again St Endas replied with another point. Sean Kenny and Ryan Kilbane both struck two great points from frees. Things were looking good for Ballyhaunis and in the 16th minute corner forward Eamonn Phillips rattled the St.Endas net. Wing forward Ryan Kilbane picked up a yellow card and not too long after St.Endas midfielder was given a second yellow and sent off after a nasty strike on Niall Robinson. The opposition scored a goal before the half time mark and Calum Gardiner replied with a magnificent point after a genius handpass by Michael Frayne. At half time the score totalled 1-6 to 1-2 in favour of Ballyhaunis.
The second half started off with a bang with a point coming from Sean Kenny. Just after, Ryan Kilbane scored a tremendous goal bringing us up to the 34thminute. St.Endas hit three more points between the 34th and the 40th minute. Other well taken points from Sean Kenny, Bobby Douglas and Brian O'Neill put us well on top. The Ballyhaunis defence was impeccable with players like Mark Phillips, John Cassidy and PJ Burke making sure nothing went past super goalkeeper Cormac Phillips. Another two goals from Bobby Douglas and Brian O'Neill secured a great win for Ballyhaunis.
Captain Aidan Henry showed great leadership along with players such as Shane Crinnigan and Adrian Boyle making a great impact. Ryan Kilbane, Brian O'Neill and Calum Gardiner all gave man of the match performances today. Ballyhaunis CS now face Mercy College Woodford and St Killians of New Inn in their remaining group games.
Ballyhaunis CS: Cormac Phillips, PJ Burke, Mark Phillips ,John Cassidy, Adrian Boyle, Calum Gardiner(0-2), Michael Fryane, Adian Henry, Niall Robinson (0-1), Shane Crinnigan, Sean Kenny (0-3), Ryan Kilbane (1-2), Eamonn Phillips (1-0), Bobby Douglas (1-2), Brian O'Neill (1-3). Subs: Eoin Delaney, Dara Crawley, Uneeb Nasser, Sean Herr.
