Boden Captain being presented with the Shield Trophy by Liam Mullen
Minor A’s were invited down to James Stephens GAA on Sunday 29th June to participate in the Paddy Mullen Memorial Minor Hurling Tournament. Ballyboden were drawn in Group 1 alongside home favourites James Stephens and Killimordaly (Galway). Matches were 20 minutes aside with a 5 minute break – weather was glorious if you were a sun seeking spectator – not so great if you were a minor hurler. First match was against Killimordaly and Ballyboden played into a stiff breeze in the first half. Super first half display in terms of getting fast ball into the inside line coupled with a dominant Boden full back line ensured we went in with a 2 point lead at halftime. Second half the lads pressed home the advantage ensuring there were 11 separate scorers overall and a clean sheet by full time. Ballyboden 5:16 Killimordaly 0:10 – the result guaranteed a place in the Shield Semi-Final.
Next up were James Stephens – the boys went toe to toe with them for the majority of the first half – a penalty right on the stroke of halftime flattered James Stephens as they went to the break leading by 5 points. The second half belonged to James Stephens as energy levels dropped and their class shone through. They ran out comfortable winners on the way to the Final on a scoreline Ballyboden 1:08 James Stephens 3:19.
Into the Shield Final against Blackrock (Cork) Ballyboden were seeking to retain the Shield which we won when the tournament was last played in 2023. Ballyboden tore into Blackrock from the get go and raced into a commanding lead at halftime 3:07 to 1:01. The last 20 minutes was a tense and fraught affair as injuries, exhaustion and rolling subs led to a frenetic race to the line. Blackrock rocked Ballyboden with a quick fire brace of goals to give them some self-belief. Ballyboden responded by knocking over a few points to keep them at bay. Blackrock came again and hit another brace of goals to narrow the gap to a point as the finishing line came into sight. Ballyboden dug in bravely and emerged victorious Ballyboden 3:13 Blackrock 6:03.
James Stephens met local rivals Danesfort in the Final. Danesfort had beaten Blackrock and Mungret (Limerick) in Group 2. James Stephens won the local bragging rights on the day.
Fantastic day out – a great day of competitive hurling. Many thanks to all at James Stephens for the invite and wonderful hospitality. Special thanks to all the parents who travelled down to support.
