St. Malachy's GAC Castledawson club notes
August 27, 2014
Youth Hurling Report August 2014
Paddy Henry writes: 2014 has proved a very exciting and successful year for Castledawson under age hurlers having had the opportunity to play in the All-Ireland Hurling Feile followed by participation in the U12 hurling league. On a number of consecutive Wednesday nights the boys travelled to places such as Dungiven and Ballinascreen, traditional hurling clubs within the County, and more than held their own against more experienced opposition. The experience gained from playing in the Feile earlier in the year was clear to see as many games with settled by only a score or two.
At the end of the league having played each club in Derry, we were pitted against Roe Valley O'Cahans who like ourselves, are a relatively new hurling team. Earlier in the year, we had run out as narrow winners in a closely contested match in Castledawson. However on a mild Wednesday night, our lads played at a level which O'Cahans were unable to match. Despite missing important players such as Shea McKenna, Paddy Craig and Eoin Gorall there were opportunities for new faces such as brothers Aidan and Enda Mullan to experience competitive hurling in an important game. On the night there were some exceptional performances with John Connery netting a hat trick from full forward and Dara O'Kane taking some great long range scores. The full back line of Pearse and Aidan was rock solid, whilst Dylan and Cormac started numerous attacks throughout. Enda Mullan and Emmett Keenan showed great levels of determination in attack and ensured the ball remained in the danger zone. By half time we were already 9 points ahead and our lead was extended early in the second half following a couple of great scores from Callum McGrogan. With Sean Cassidy sweeping across midfield, our wing backs were able to continually drive forward to assist our forwards.
The game was finished off in style when a pass from Emmett Keenan was finished by John Connery to leave the score 5-5 to 1-1.
The 20th August 2014 will be remembered as a special night for the young hurlers of Castledawson.
Panel: 1. Ronan Mullan 2. Pearse Keenan 3. Aidan Mullan 4. Cormac Mullan 5. Dylan McGreevey 6. Dara O'Kane (capt) 7. Sean Cassidy 8. Callum McGrogan 9. Enda Mullan 10. John Connery
11. Emmett Keenan 12. Shea McKenna 13. Paddy Craig 14. Turloch O'Neill 15. Eoin Gorall
16. Cameron Craig.
