Minor Hurling – Codd Batters Chipper Vincent’s –

Gizmo reports from 3rd round championship action… Photos From Miriam Christie

Malachy Codd’s five first half points from play propelled the Minor A hurlers into the championship knockout stages and maintain their 2019 unbeaten record.

With both teams having secured a semi-final spot, this game was about setting down a marker and gaining home advantage in the knockout stages. “When we played them in the league, it was like the Battle of Clontarf “, said Skills Coach Emmett Carroll, who’s knowledge of hurling is thankfully better than his knowledge of geography. The Marino men were the visitors to PUM in the heart of the Southside’s Balsamic Vinegar belt.

Having raced into a four-point lead with a brace of points from both Codd and Darragh Kenny, Vincent’s found their range and tied up the game at 5 points apiece after 15 minutes. Living up to the billing of being a tight affair, Boden’s work rate, ability to win “Dirty Ball” and never say die attitude was always going to be the difference between the two sides. Eoin Behan, John McGuire, Pierce Christie, Sean O’Donnell & Harry Donaghy are but a few names that epitomise the ‘Die in your boots’ attitude that the management have instilled in this team. This work rate paid dividends in the second 15 minutes with Boden out scoring Vincent’s 1-4 to 0-2 and Codd bagging the final three of his five first half points. The highlight of the half being a superb solo run (the length of the pitch) from corner back Luke Mulligan-Lynch to set up Darragh Kenny for the game’s opening goal, right on the stroke of half time. Leading 1-9 to 0-7 at the break, the score line reflected Boden’s superior work rate.

The second half saw the introduction of Ryan O’Dwyer, who’s first touch found the net within the opening minutes of the restart. But Vincent’s are a good team and didn’t travel the M50 just to share their legendary sense of humour with us!!. Following a period of dominance in the middle third, Vincent’s rattled off 6 unanswered points and were getting themselves back in the match. “We need to take back control of this game.” remarked Jack Donaghy from the sideline, who recently qualified with his degree in ‘Stating the obvious.” Then, in a single act, the balance of power shifted………..with the Vincent’s corner forward bearing down on goal, he unleashed a rocket that was met by the Boss of ‘keeper Jack Lambert’s hurl, whilst diving at full stretch across the goal mouth. Inspired by his own brilliance, Jack changed his puck out strategy and all of a sudden Boden were back in control.

Following some rousing defending, hooking and blocking from Joe Maguire, Cillian Wall and Fergal Ryan, Boden broke up the pitch and Pierce Christie delivered a peach of a ball to full forward Cian Corcoran, who, after picking the sliotar from the sky, raised the third green flag of the morning. Not satisfied with just one assist, Luke Mulligan-Lynch took to his toes again and after another 50-yard run, set up Peter Gannon for goal number four. With five minutes left in the game, we were home and hosed. (At least that’s what I thought). But with five minutes of injury time as well, we conceded two late goals which maybe flattered the score line a little.

“It was a good, well rounded team performance,” said mentor Tomas Ó RiordaIn, who looks well for someone twice his age. He went on to say, “it is great to see Enda (Cashman) back from injury and flaking away with the hurl again. There’s a great spirit in this team, they work so hard for each other. Hopefully Adam, Paddy & Conor can get back fit for the semi-final in a months’ time.”

When pushed for comment about their semi-final opponents, Castleknock, Mentor Brendan Ryan said, “I don’t give a sh@te who we’re playing, now get out of my face ya clown, I’m off for a pint.”

Final Score: BBSE 4-14 St. Vincent’s 2-16

The team: Jack Lambert, Luke Mulligan Lynch, Joe Maguire, Harry Donaghy, Enda Cashman, Fergal Ryan, Sean O’Donnell, Pierce Christie, John McGuire (0-1), Cian Corcoran (1-0), Malachy Codd (0-6), Eoin Behan, Cillian Wall, Darragh Kenny (1-4), Rhys McDonnell (0-3 x F), Ryan O’Dwyer (1-0), Daire Sweeney, David Monahan, Cian Hassett, Peter Gannon (1-0), Rian Power, Adam Kelleher, David Keogh

Minor 'A' Hurlers proceed to the knockout stages after a 4:14 to 2:16 victory over St Vincents in PUM on Sunday 29th Sept 2019. Photos by Miriam Christie.#bodengaa

Posted by BodenGAA on Sunday, September 29, 2019