Well done to the Minor A Hurlers who had a fine win over Thomas Davis in the First Round of the Championship. Report to follow. Photo by Miriam Christie

Minor A Hurlers off to Championship flyer – Gizmo reports from 1st round clash

The wait is finally over……………. the tough training, the gym sessions, the friendly (!!) matches, the tactics, the numerous meetings, the Caic Tarbh…………. it’s now or never. Like a rolling sea mist, Ballycullen was cloaked in a nervous energy for the opening Championship game against our good friends and neighbours, Thomas Davis. The mist quickly lifted when, after a tentative start, Daragh Kenny landed a brace of identical points from 50 yards out along the left touchline. This was quickly followed by points from near unmarkable corner forwards of Kelleher and Hassett.

Thomas Davis were fighting hard for every possession and firing diagonal balls into the corners only to be mopped up by Luke Mulligan Lynch and “International” hurler Sean O’Donnell. Cleverly working the ball out of defence is the bedrock for every Boden attack. The vision of Cillian Wall and Malacy Codd in the half back line was outstanding as they delivered a variety of passes into the path of the colossus that is Adam Kelleher. There is no greater sight than watching him bearing down on goal, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. He’s like a white Usain Bolt with a stick in his hand. It wasn’t long before the green flag was finally raised.

Thomas Davis rare forays into the Boden defence were met with a ferocity (actually, boarder-line psychosis) from Joe Maguire and Conor Lowe. A panic set into the Davis shooting and at one stage it looked like they couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat. As ever, Jack Lamberts accurate puck out assisted in building a commanding lead before Fergal Ryan raised another green flag. With further points from Behan and John McGuire, it was looking like game over at half time.

In fairness, Thomas Davis found their accuracy in the 2nd half and began to eat into the Boden lead. But their revival was short lived thanks to the unbridled savagery (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) of John McGuire, Pierce Christie and Eoin Behan. The sheer volume of “dirty ball” that they win is the backbone of this team’s success. Setting up further scores for the marksman that is Fergal Ryan and a smashing brace of long-range efforts from Sweeper, Malachy Codd. Yes, you can take the lad out of the forwards, but you can’t take the forward out of the lad…….

The early introduction Ryan O’Dwyer from the bench added to Thomas Davis’s aerial woes. But hurling is a tough physical game and the introduction of the Daire Sweeney and Harry Donaghy was due to unfortunate injuries to Kelleher and Behan. David Monahan and Rian Power, when introduced, slotted seamlessly into the intense work rate of the team. One might think that so many changes may rock the boat but Corcoran and O’Dwyer steadied the ship by retaining possession around the half forward line. With key men off the field, Pierce Christie assumed the role of General and marshalled his troops home by keeping the numbers in defence and changing tack to more long-range efforts. Finishing on a score line of BBSE 2-18 Thomas Davis 0-11, there will be tougher challenges ahead on the long and winding championship road. But one thing is for certain, there are 20 capable lads playing as one indestructible unit.

Thanks to the huge support that turned out for the game. It’s heartening to see the old folk like Ray McKenna and John Ryan ‘getting out of the house’ and getting a bit of air on a Sunday morning.

Finally, a very special word for Adam Kelleher, Patrick Dunleavy and Enda Cashman who are all side-lined with long term injuries. Get well soon lad’s, stay fit and get back to your best.

Up next is Cuala on 15th September. Thanks to Miriam for the photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/106312906@N07

The team: Jack Lambert, Luke Mulligan Lynch, Conor Lowe, Sean O’Donnell, Cillian Wall, Joe Maguire, Malachy Codd (0-2), Pierce Christie (0-1), John McGuire (0-2), Darragh Kenny (0-3), Fergal Ryan (1-3) , Eoin Behan (0-1), Adam Kelleher (1-4 (3xF)), Cian Corcoran, Cian Hassett (0-2), Ryan O’Dwyer, Daire Sweeney, Harry Donaghy, David Monahan, Rian Power.

Mal Codd keeps his eyes on sliotar…

Pearce Christie breaks away….