Offaly Cumann na mbunscoil hurling final
Date 21st May 2024
Venue – St Brendans Park
St Brendans PS / Gaelscoil na Laochra faced off against Dromakeenan in the Hurling final.
Both teams came into this match unbeaten and the pressure was on the boys as they went for a famous 4-in-a-row. The atmosphere was fantastic as both sides followed the piper around the field to the cheers of their supporters. The ball was thrown in and both sides tackled and blocked with great energy. St B / Gna L took the lead with a great point from inside forward Joey after 3 minutes. Then on 5 minutes a great ball into the forward line was collected by Conall who dispatched the ball to the net. Dromakeenan then found their groove and got a goal on 8 minutes followed by a free. After 10 minutes it was all square 1-1 to 1-1. Then a free from Ryan Kelly who followed up with a lovely 65 and a point from play pushed Birr ahead. Dromakeenan showed great resilience in scoring next. Birr were starting to win the middle third with lovely scores from forwards Cathal and John with Michael and Harry supplying some great ball. Backs were steady with Billy , Ryan Molloy and Nathaniel very solid and keeper Sam hitting some great puckouts.
Halftime and chance to breath- Birr led 1-5 to 1-2
Second half and Birr came out flying with Tadhg winning great possession. Cathal scored a point to be quickly followed by a goal from Tadgh and goal machine Conall. Birr were now rampant and Justin found himself in a free role and kept giving great ball inside. Scores followed from John , Cathal , Ryan and sub Shane. Dromakeenan kept fighting but the senior Birr players were now dominant and the subs who came on brought new energy to the team also. Final whistle sounded and supporters from St Brendans and Gaelscoil na Laochra ran on to congratulate their players on a fantastic second half display and a great win!
The captains received the Fr Vaughan cup from Mr Joe Cleary. Proud captains Cathal Mooney and Michael Conneely thanked their coaches especially Mr Kennedy and also the referee, Cumann na mbunscoil / Dromakeenan and Birr GAA. Then the boys returned to the school via Pilkingtons shop to celebrate.
