Offaly's Shamrocks take Eire Og Leinster Minor Club Tournament Title
December 03, 2013
The successful Shamrocks minor squad
Shamrocks (Offaly) 4-7
Starlights (Wexford) 2-5.
A great year for the underage of Offaly champions Shamrocks got even better on Saturday last when the Leinster minor title was annexed by these history making players of 2013.
Shamrocks started slowly and fell behind to an early goal and point by a good Starlight's side, but an excellent goal by Glenn Mooney, and points by Adam Delaney, Glenn as well as a wonder strike by Alan Heffernan, which nested in the top corner of the net, and a Patrick Dunican 45 ensured Shamrocks went into the break leading by 2-03 to 2-02, despite playing below their best in the opening 30 minutes.
The resumption of the second half saw Shamrocks play with renewed vigour and determination. Gary Hutchinson, the captain, was dominant at centre half back following his switch there and this laid the platform for victory. Points by Patrick Dunican a free, Johnny O Toole, Andrew Delaney and Glenn Mooney as well as a bundled goal by Adam Delaney following great initial work by Patrick Dunican and a penalty slotted home with ease by Dunican ensured Shamrocks came out victors on a 4-07 to 2-05 score-line.
This was a proud occasion for all associated with Shamrocks and the supporters played a key role when Shamrocks were under pressure. The scenes of joy were a delight to see when Gary Hutchinson lifted the Hosey cup for the first Leinster success by the club on the playing fields. Since the inception of this competition eleven years ago, it is the first time in the last 8 years that a winner has come from outside of the big population areas of Dublin, Meath or Kildare. This year both Meath and Dublin had not got their respective championships completed before the commencement of the 2013 tournament.
The post-match celebrations were continued in Teach Asca the hosts club house where refreshments were served, both teams mingled together and where Shamrocks midfielder Gary Hutchinson was named Man of the Match. The most notable feature of the squad of players is that only 7 out of the 27 named on Saturday are overage for this grade next year.
Sincere thanks to all the clubs for taking part in this years tournament, to our referees, linesmen, umpires, club stewards and ladies committee without whom this simply could not take place, we are also grateful to Comhairle Laighean for their permission to organise this tournament and their assistance". Tweet
