Result: 3 23 to 1 16
Ballyboden Senior A hurlers got the season underway on Saturday 27th February and welcomed Tullaroan from the Marble County for round one of the Leinster League.
Boden started brightly and a goal by David O’Connor from a very tight angle was the highlight of the first quarter that saw the home team lead 1-4 to 0-4. Good puckout ball was being won and this provided a good platform for the forwards. The ever-industrious Matty Weldon was to the fore in the middle of the field ably assisted by the man with the famous name, Liam McCarthy. Most balls that found their way past midfield were hoovered up by Malachy Travers who made sure the Tullaroan attack had to work hard for chances. Further points from Paul Doherty, Finn McGarry and the ever-reliable Paul Ryan kept daylight between the teams. Tullaroan were limited to scores mainly from the placed ball, including a fine strike by their full-forward after 25 minutes that found the Boden net. Half-time score : Boden 1-14 to Tullaroan 1-7.
The home team were in no mood to relax at the start of the second half and had signalled their intent with a fine goal by Paul Doherty after three minutes. Further points by Eoghan O’Neill, O’Connor and Ryan gave Boden a healthy advantage and one they would not relinquish. Tullaroan probably had their best spell at this point and launched quite a few attacks, with Kilkenny legend Tommy Walsh in command. The full backs Jamie Desmond and Rob Leddy were in no mood to concede however and along with the excellent Conor Robinson at wing back put a stop to most of the Tullaroan threats. The last quarter saw Boden add a series of fine points and victory was sealed in the closing minute by a trademark Paul Ryan topspin shot to the net from a close-in free. Final score : Boden 3-23 Tullaroan 1-16.
Back Row left to right : Naoise Maguire, Adam Jermyn, Jamie Desmond, Paul Ryan, Matty Weldon, Eoghan O’Neill, Paddy Ryan, David Curtin, Liam McCarthy, Conor McCormack.
Front Row left to right : Ronan Dooley, Paul Doherty, Rob Leddy, Malachy Travers, Conor Robinson, Brendan Treacy, David O’Connor, Finn McGarry.