Posts Tagged ‘Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All Ireland Championship’

« Older Entries

The End of Another Great Year

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship has concluded with Galway claiming the title of All-Ireland Champions for the second time in five years. This year’s action packed championship will live long in memories with high drama and superb hurling witnessed throughout.

The Tribesmen, with star trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and team captain Barry Daly, came to the fore in overcoming the challenge of a gallant Limerick side at the semi final stage before dispatching Dublin on a score line of 3-14 to 1-10 in the All-Ireland Final to take the Cross of Cashel west of the Shannon.

In Leinster, Dublin defeated Wexford to claim provincial honours en route to the All-Ireland decider. Captained by Bord Gáis Energy Ambassador and 2011 GAA/GPA All Star Liam Rushe, the young men from the capital came up short against a Galway side that was in scintillating form on the day.

Up North, in what was a rematch of the 2010 Ulster final Antrim saw off the challenge of Armagh and captured the Ulster Championship before the Dubs ended their hopes of All-Ireland glory in the All-Ireland semi final.

Down in Munster, Limerick overcame the odds and captured their first provincial crown in nine years by beating Cork after extra time. In a game that characterised this year’s championship, both teams gave everything and showcased hurling of the highest quality.

Following his performances against Limerick and Tipperary, Cork’s Aidan Walsh had the honour of collecting the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year award drawing a line under the season.

As we look forward to 2012, make sure to keep up to date on all the news, gossip and other information throughout the winter months here on breakingthrough.ie and on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Still Ticking Away – Kevin Downes

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

First off, congratulations to Aidan Walsh on winning this year’s Bord Gáis Energy

Breaking Through Player of the Year.  

Aidan was superb in this year’s Munster final, scoring eight points, including that fantastic last minute equaliser. He was up against players of serious talent but I don’t think anyone can begrudge Walsh. He is a fantastic player and hopefully hurling fans will be seeing more of him in the future.

A big congratulations is also due to to Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling ambassadors, past and present, Liam Rushe, Paul Murphy, Richie Hogan and Padraic Maher, who were this week named in the 2011 GAA Hurling All-Stars. The four lads are fantastic players and worthy winners.

This week I have asked Limerick’s Kevin Downes to write a blog on his season just gone.

 

Kevin had an eventful year with both the Limerick senior side and the U-21s including that fantastic Munster Championship win. It will be interesting hearing Kevin’s outlook on Limerick hurling at the moment which is certainly going in the right direction.

I’ll leave you in his capable hands, 

Joe

There hasn’t been much time to dwell on either the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship or the Senior Championship over the past couple of months, as I have been ticking away with my club Na Piarsaigh and that has also gone pretty well with us winning a county title!

Thankfully my hand injury cleared up and after losing two County Championship finals in a row, it was great to finally get a winners medal. We are now in the mix for the Munster Championship so fingers crossed my season won’t be finishing any time soon.

I suppose looking back on the county season; it was somewhat of a mixed bag. The Senior Championship started off with the disappointment of that one point loss against Waterford but we managed to get it together and pulled off good wins against Wexford and Antrim before losing to Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

With a bit of luck on the day, I believe we could have beaten both Dublin and Waterford. We learnt a lot about ourselves this season, especially following the losses so I have no doubt we will come back even better next year. This Limerick team is young and full of up and coming talent, so I think we will take great confidence from this year’s Championship as we look to push on and improve next season.

Obviously there has been quite a bit of change off the pitch over the past while. It was disappointing losing Dónal O’Grady. We knew he was only in the job for the year but I think everyone was hoping he would stay on. In saying that John Allen who is coming in is a brilliant manager and I have no doubt he’ll do well in bringing this team forward.

As for the Bord Gáis Energy Championship, winning the U-21 Munster Championship was definitely the highlight of the year. It was a cracking game of hurling and to come out the right side of such a close game is fantastic for Limerick hurling and something the players will always remember.

Unfortunately, we went on to lose against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final by two points which was a huge blow. We were full of confidence going into the game following the Munster final win but it just wasn’t to be on the day. They say you make your own luck in hurling, so I guess there is plenty of work still to be done.

Thankfully, there is a large number of last year’s team that will be eligible for next season so hopefully we can push on and stake a claim for the Cross of Cashel.

Until then, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this Munster Championship with Na Piarsaigh and keeping our run going as long as possible.

Hopefully I’ll chat to you all again next season,

Kevin

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Joe Blogs | No Comments »

Cork’s Aidan Walsh Crowned Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011


Cork’s Aidan Walsh has been selected as the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year for 2011 and today, in Cork, accepted his award of a specially commissioned trophy, plus a voucher for €1,000 courtesy of Bord Gáis Energy.

The dual star from Kanturk was picked from a shortlist of seven that included Galway trio Niall O’Donoghue, Niall Burke and Barry Daly who all played a pivotal role in helping Galway lift the Cross of Cashel trophy for the first time since 2007.

Also in the running for the award were Dublin captain Liam Rushe who led his team to the All-Ireland Final and Limerick duo Shane Dowling and Declan Hannon who picked up provincial medals in a hugely positive year for hurling in the Treaty County.

However Walsh’s outstanding performances throughout the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Munster Hurling Championship were without doubt stand out moments for the Rebel faithful. His haul of eight points against Limerick in the Munster Final was one of the finest individual performances witnessed throughout the 2011 GAA year.

Playing at wing forward, the CIT student exerted his aerial prowess to great effect and scored all eight points from play including an incredible long range effort in the dying seconds to send the game into extra time. Unfortunately for the 2010 Young Footballer of the Year it wasn’t to be, as Limerick ran out by two points to claim the Munster title.

However, it was not just one performance that made him stand out. Walsh also performed brilliantly in a thrilling Munster Semi-Final victory over the reigning All-Ireland U-21 champions Tipperary where his tally of 1-1 helped overturn and dethrone the Premier County.

Ger Cunningham, Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager said, “The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Championship has been one of the most competitive in recent years. The quality and skill on show meant that it was going to be very tough to single out one player. However, Aidan was immense for Cork in their Munster championship campaign. His performance in the Munster Final was one of the best individual performances I have ever witnessed.

“With players of the calibre of Aidan coming through hopefully Cork will be back challenging for All-Ireland glory before long. Aidan is a prized possession and his dual star qualities are evident in the fact that he won the 2010 Young Footballer of the Year.

“Following on from Darach Honan and Seamus Hennessy, this is the third year of the Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year Award and while hurling is a team sport, there is always room for individual honours and we feel that this award is a reflection on one player’s year and hopefully an indicator of great things to come from them.”

On receiving the award, Aidan said, “I am delighted to accept this award, especially considering the talent I was up against and I would like to congratulate the other lads for their own achievements this year.

“Unfortunately we were undone in the Munster Final against a very talented Limerick side and we felt we maybe should have won that match but it wasn’t to be. There is a huge amount of work going into Cork hurling at underage levels and I’m sure we will be winning All-Irelands at all age groups before long. I’m very honoured to be accepting this award and would like to thank all involved in the selection process.”

The selection panel was completed by Bord Gáis Energy Sport Sponsorship Manager, Ger Cunningham, RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, Micheál Ó Domhnaill of TG4, U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning and former Waterford great Ken McGrath.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Q&A with Galways Davy Glennon

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Q&A with man of the match from this years Under 21 Hurling All Ireland Final

When and why did you start playing hurling? 

I started playing hurling when I was about 5 years of age, as soon as I was able to pick up a hurl really. My Dad used to play with the club and was over them for a few years so it was from then that I really got into it the sport.  

Your best moment on the pitch? 

During the All Ireland Final in 2009 we were playing Kilkenny in Croke Park and I scored a point. It was such a great feeling to score on the grounds of Croke Park. 

Your toughest opponent? 

I would have to say Conor O’ Mahony. We were playing a game in Thurles against Tipperarry. He was a very tough full forward and probably one of the best I’ve been up against. 

How does it feel to have won this year? 

It feels great although it hasn’t really kicked in yet. Looking back on last year it was such a great achievement for us to win this year.

Sporting Hero?

Kilkenny hurler, Henry Shefflin. After all his injuries to come back and win an All Ireland was some achievement and one he should be so proud of.   

What advice do you have for other young hurlers? 

Stick at it and never give up!  We could have given up last year after we got beaten badly in the final last year but we didn’t. We got back into training in February and stuck at and look what we achieved from it.   

What do you love most about hurling?

“Winning”. . its such a great feeling. It’s a great way to meet new people and I’ve made friends for life from playing hurling.  

Favourite GAA ground?

After Croke Park, I would have to say Thurles is a very nice pitch. Athenry in Galway is a lovely ground to play on too.

Highlight of the game?

During the second half when Dublin our goalie made an outstanding save. It could have gone either way but he came through the hero in the end. 

Highlight of the season?

I would have to say it was beating Limerick in the semi final.  It was a hard game and it gave us the confidence going into the All Ireland.  We had gone into the semi final feeling quite cold as they had a great game against Cork. It went to extra time and to win in that manner gave us great confidence

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Dublin and Galway to Renew Hostilities

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Rematch of the 2010 Semi-Final as Teams Meet in Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final

Only six days after the counties met in the Minor decider, Dublin and Galway meet again but this time it is in Semple Stadium for the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship Final.

The counties last met in an U-21 Final in 2007, a final that Galway won and left Dublin still searching for a first All-Ireland title at this grade. Both sides are littered with senior talent and captains Liam Rushe and Barry Daly, together with their managers John McEvoy and Anthony Cunningham came together in Thurles today ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

Dublin come into this U-21 Final on the back of an impressive campaign in Leinster defeating Wexford in the final in front of a capacity crown in Wexford Park. Their Semi-Final win over Antrim didn’t cause them too much trouble and that might be the one worry as they enter this weekend’s final a little under cooked.

Galway on the other hand have had less games as they came straight in to the Championship at the Semi-Final stage but they got an almighty game from Limerick the last day out, a game that captain Barry Daly, who hails from Naas originally, was immense in.

There is plenty of talk about Dublin hurling at present and the strides being made but despite the travails of the senior side, a Minor and U-21 double would go down very nicely for the Tribesmen.

Criostóir Ó Cuana, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael said, “For the second year running all roads lead to Semple Stadium, Thurles for the climax of the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Hurling final which this year pits Dublin and Galway against each other.

“Last year’s fixture was a memorable game with Tipperary successfully holding off the Galway challenge to crown a memorable week but the men of the west get another chance to stake a claim for top honours this weekend.

“That they come against Dublin is further evidence of that county’s ongoing progress and the Dubs will no doubt recall losing to the same opposition in the 2007 decider.

“I am looking forward to what should be a tremendous encounter and I know the players, managers, supporters and our competition partners Bord Gáis Energy will view it in a similar vein.”

“Underage hurling in both Dublin and Galway could not be stronger right now and with both counties in their second underage final in six days there is huge excitement in both counties ahead of Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final,” said the recently appointed Cork senior hurling selector and Bord Gáis Energy Sports Sponsorship Manger Ger Cunningham.

“This year is the third full year of our sponsorship and we are delighted to be able to support one of the truly great GAA competitions. While plenty of the focus will of course be on Dublin and Galway, Kerry and Westmeath also deserve huge praise and this game should be a great undercard to the main event with Kerry of course looking to retain the title they won last year.

“We are delighted once again to be able to offer the fans something different on Saturday in Semple and indeed on their couch at home. As well as the Crossbar Challenge which has been a huge success for both the winning clubs and fans alike, we are also doing QR code promotions on the back of the match programme and in conjunction with TG4, the Bord Gáis Energy Player Cam will be a feature of the Final. Finally, we will be announcing our Breaking Through Player of the Year in the weeks after the final.”

The 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Final throws in at Semple Stadium at 7.00pm. It will be preceded by the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland B Final between Kerry and Westmeath, which is at 5pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on TG4.

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling
U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2011 Results

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
8th June: Wexford (1-17) v Kilkenny (2-12)
Carlow (0-11) v Dublin (4-11)
22nd June: Wexford (7-18) v Laois (2-10)
Dublin (0-21) v Offaly (0-8)
13th July: Leinster Final: Wexford (0-11) v Dublin (1-18)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
1st June: Tipperary (4-12) v Waterford (1-16)
15th July: Tipperary (1-21) v Cork (4-19)
26th July: Clare (1-15) v Limerick (2-19)
3rd August: Munster Final: Limerick (4-20) v Cork (1-27) (after extra time)

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
13th July: Armagh 2-20 Donegal 1-6
20th July: Antrim v Derry – Walkover handed to Antrim
Down (0-10) v Armagh (1-11)
28th July: Ulster Final: Antrim (0-15) v Armagh (2-07)

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship
20th August: All-Ireland Semi Finals:
Antrim (0-06) v Dublin (2-23)
Limerick (2-14) v Galway (0-22)

10th September: All-Ireland Final
Semple Stadium, Thurles, 7pm

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Wexford Seek Revenge against Dublin in Bord Gáis Energy Leinster Hurling U-21 Final

Monday, July 11th, 2011

Player Cam to feature in live broadcast of match for the first time in Gaelic Games.

Dublin captain Liam Rushe will be the subject of the first ever playercam to feature in Gaelic Games as he takes to the field against Wexford in Wednesday’s Bord Gáis Energy Leinster Hurling U-21 Final. The match will throw-in at Wexford Park at 7.30pm as the home side aim to take revenge over Dublin for last year’s defeat in the same fixture.

At Parnell Park in 2010, the two sides played out a thriller as a late goal from Dublin’s David Quinn ensured the victory following a shaky start. From the outside, Wednesday’s match is promising more of the same. Wexford have already disposed of Kilkenny and put seven goals past Laois in the Championship, while Dublin have defeated Carlow and disposed of a fancied Offaly side by 13 points.

Both teams have played competitively this year, but Dublin will have to avoid the scenario which saw them notch up 21 wides against Carlow as Wexford will not be as forgiving. Kevin O’Loughlin has been a key man for them this far and will no doubt play another pivotal role on Wednesday if the Dubs are to retain the title.

Wexford were dogged in their impressive defeat of Kilkenny, but surely would have preferred a tougher test at semi final stage ahead of the Championship decider.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming final Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Críostóir Ó Cuana said, “It’s a fantastic honour for both teams to have made it this far in the competition and I hope they enjoy the special atmosphere that a provincial final creates. The U-21 grade often signals the end of a group’s journey together, but the camaraderie and friendships that have been forged through the many hours of training, playing and travelling to games will stay with you for the rest of your lives.”

Ger Cunningham, sports sponsorship manager at Bord Gáis Energy said, “Bord Gáis Energy have always been determined to be innovative and groundbreaking GAA sponsors and we’re delighted to be a part of another first in Gaelic Games with the Player Cam. An exciting player like Liam Rushe is a great contender for its first outing and it will allow younger hurlers to study the individual skills of inter-county players as well as giving viewers a different perspective on the game.

“This Leinster final is set to be a cracker and I’m certainly looking forward to travelling to Wexford Park on Wednesday. Dublin and Wexford are two of the most exciting teams at this level at the moment and, while Dublin are also reaping rewards at senior level, it will be interesting to see whether Wexford hurling can continue to develop and get back to where it was not so long ago.”

Later this week, Tipperary welcome Cork to Thurles in the much-anticipated Bord Gáis Energy Munster Hurling U-21 semi final, which has been brought forward to Friday, 15th July and will throw in at 7.30pm. On Wednesday at Wexford Park, the throw in for the Bord Gáis Energy Leinster Hurling U-21 Final is also 7.30pm and both matches will be broadcast live on TG4.

ENDS

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling

U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2011 Fixtures

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Leinster Championship

Wednesday, 8th June:

Quarter Finals

Wexford 1-17 Kilkenny 2-12

Carlow 0-11 Dublin 4-11

Wednesday, 22nd June:

Semi Finals

Wexford 7-18 Laois 2-10

Dublin 0-21 Offaly 0-8

Wednesday, 13th July: Final (live on TG4 with player cam action)

Wexford v Dublin

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Munster Championship

Wednesday, 1st June:

Quarter Final

Tipperary 4-12 Waterford 1-16

Friday, 15th July:

Semi Final

Tipperary v Cork (live on TG4)

Thursday, 21st July:

Semi Final

Clare v Limerick

Wednesday, 3rd August: Final (live on TG4 with player cam action)

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 Ulster Championship

Wednesday, 13th July:

Quarter Final

Armagh v U-21 Hurling Shield Winners

Wednesday, 20th July:

Semi Finals

Antrim v Derry

Down v Armagh or U-21 Hurling Shield Winners

Wednesday, 27th July: Final

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship

Saturday, 20th August: All-Ireland Semi Finals (live on TG4 with player cam action and full player cam streaming on TG4.tv)

Saturday, 10th September: All-Ireland Final Finals (live on TG4 with player cam action and full player cam streaming on TG4.tv)

For More Information:

Claire Turvey / Marcus Ó Buachalla, Pembroke Communications:

01-6496486

Christine Heffernan, Head of PR, Bord Gáis Energy: 087-0505555 / cheffernan@bge.ie

Alan Milton, Communications Manager, GAA: 01-8658614 / 087-9299488

www.breakingthrough.ie

www.gaa.ie

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments »

Better In Than Out?

Thursday, July 7th, 2011
As I was off doing my Head to Head piece with Ger Cunningham ahead of the Leinster Final, I decided to invite RTÉ’s Joanne Cantwell to write a piece for the Blog this week. It seems that the question of Antrim and Galway is on everyone’s lips still and Joanne makes some interesting points.

Anyway, talk to you all next week ahead of the U-21 Leinster Final and the first of the Munster Semi-Finals.

Joe

Joanne Cantwell

As fans of Dublin and Wexford hurling shake off the disappointment of a weekend of defeat in the senior Championship, with some Dubs wondering were they really as good as their League campaign and Leinster victory over Galway suggested, and Wexford supporters wondering where the good old days have gone, it’s comforting to know that we’re just days away from a fixture that suggests the future of both counties looks quite bright.

The Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship appears to have become a huge building block towards success at senior level. You only have to look at Armagh for evidence.

Last year, they reached their first Ulster U-21 final in 31 years. This year, they made their first Ulster senior final since 1946. So, could next Wednesday’s Leinster final give us a glimpse of what lies ahead for both Dublin and Wexford?

And what about the possibility of the U-21 Leinster Championship following the example set by the senior competition and expanding to include both Antrim and Galway? Galway’s success in the U-21s suggests they don’t need any help at this level but what about Antrim.

Some might argue that the Saffrons entry into the Leinster Senior Championship hasn’t been of any benefit anyway. In the three years they’ve taken part, they only recorded their first win this May, and that was over Laois. In their debut year of 2009, they were well beaten by Dublin; last year, they went down to Offaly after extra time.

One win over a division two team in three years doesn’t look like progress. But then, take a look at their recent qualifier results. In 2008, the year before they joined Leinster, I watched Antrim being torn apart by Galway in the first round of the qualifiers in their own back yard up in Casement Park; the Tribesmen scored 6-21 to Antrim’s 1-10. A certain Joe Canning, a familiar name around these pages, made his debut that day and wracked up a personal tally of 2-6.

Two years later and with two Leinster Championships under their belts, the Saffrons famously upset a fancied Dublin side, who would months later become National League champions. Was this the benefit of more top level Championship hurling or just a coincidence?

The case for Galway’s inclusion in Leinster at senior level is a little more complicated.

The addition of the Tribesmen has certainly made for a more exciting provincial championship. Their first year provided us with one of the real thrills of the Summer, when they were edged out by Kilkenny in the semi-final, following a mighty battle, particularly the one between that man Joe (scored 2-9 that day) and JJ Delaney.

Last year, they had a good win over Wexford, then needed a replay to see off Offaly. In the final, though, they were probably lucky to lose by just seven points to Kilkenny. This year, they looked lacklustre when comfortably beaten by Dublin.

People will point out that before Galway joined Leinster, they reached All-Ireland finals without the aid of a provincial Championship (their last being in 2005). Since they joined Leinster, they’ve been beaten in two All Ireland quarter-finals. But it’s not as clear-cut as those statistics suggest.

In last year’s All-Ireland series, Galway were the team that came closest to eventual champions Tipperary, and only lost out to a stoppage time point from Lar Corbett. Considering people remember Tipp as being almost untouchable once they came through the qualifiers in 2010, what does that say about the only team who ever looked like knocking them out?

In truth, we probably won’t really know how valuable it is to Galway hurling to be playing in the Leinster Championship for several years, and even then the debate will probably rumble on. But I think that looking back at how Galway teams performed in years gone by is unhelpful.

Hurling and the Hurling Championship have changed so much over the past decade; first Cork, and then Kilkenny made sure of that. It’s impossible to compare current results with results from 15/20 years ago because the landscape is so different now.

As for the Under 21 Championship following suit… something tells me Galway, at least, are quite happy with things the way they are in that competition. But Antrim might well fancy a crack at Leinster at under age level.

Image supplied by Sportsfile.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Joe Blogs | No Comments »

Slaneysiders slaughter Laois

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Wexford 7-18
Laois 2-10
By Brendan Furlong

Wexford made it a dismal week for Laois hurling as they handed the visitors a real mauling in this one-sided Leinster Under-21 hurling championship semi-final at Wexford Park last night.

Wexford opened impressively, moving into a 1-4 to 0-1 lead as early as the fifth minute, the goal coming from full-forward James Breen.

Even at this early stage, Laois looked in real difficulty as they were been out hurled all over the pitch but they were given a brief respite when Neil Foyle pointed an eighth-minute free.

Wexford were sharp and aggressive in attack as Liam Óg McGovern cracked home a goal soon after.

It was going to take something impressive from Laois to bring them back into the game but all they had to offer was the accurate point-taking of centre-forward Foyle, whose efforts left nine points separating the sides, 3-4 to 0-4 after 13 minutes, the home side’s third goal coming courtesy of Pádraig Doran.

Laois were always playing catch-up as they allowed McGovern through for his second goal at the end of the opening quarter.

By half-time, the home side had raced into a 4-11 to 0-5 lead, and for Laois it was just damage limitation on the resumption.

The visitors tried to up their game on the changeover, responding with a Neil Foyle pointed free inside two minutes.

However, the Wexford dominance was to continue as they responded immediately with a Shane Tomkins goal, before going on to add further goals through Paul Morris and James Breen.

Laois’s Daniel Lalor reduced the deficit with a 48th minute goal, by which stage the home side led 7-14 to 1-7 as they cruised to victory, with Foyle’s second goal from a free proving a consolation score..

Wexford now await the winners of the Dublin-Offaly game in the final.

WEXFORD: M Fanning; W Devereux, M O’Hanlon, E Moore; J Gahan, M O’Regan, S Murphy; E Kent (0-5, (3f), R Sludds; S Tomkins (1-1), H Kehoe (0-5 (1f), L Óg McGovern (2-0); P Morris (1-1), J Breen (2-1), P Doran (1-3).

Subs: P Donnelly for O’Regan (30); D O’Keeffe (0-1) for Kent (44); I Byrne (0-1) for Breen (48); Michael O’Hanlon for Morris (48); J Reck for McGovern (54).

LAOIS: E Reilly (0-1 free); B O’Mara, P Flynn, L Hegarty; G Gaughan, N Unwin (0-1), W Campion; G Burke, B Dunne; J Corrigan, N Foyle (1-7, (5f), T Ryan; P Keating, W Dunphy, B Reddin (0-1).

Subs: C Kavanagh for O’Mara (23); D Lalor (1-0) for Gaughan (35); D Shanahan for Keating (42).

Referee: A Lagrue (Kildare).

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Review | No Comments »

Classy Dubs stroll into semis

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Dublin 4-11
Carlow 0-11
By Charles Keegan

Defending  Under 21 hurling champions Dublin could afford to hit 21 wides yet secure a comfortable four goal win over hosts Carlow in this Leinster quarter-final tie at Dr Cullen Park last evening.

Carlow’s Daryl Roberts opened the scoring with a point from play on two minutes as Dublin, playing with the aid of the wind, dominated but struck seven wides before midfielder Barry Mulligan levelled matters on 13 minutes.

With the score on 0-3 apiece on 19 minutes a long free from Dublin full forward Seán McGrath was dropped by a Carlow player only for Dublin intercounty player Liam Rushe to net the Dubs first goal. At half-time Dublin led 1-6 to 0-4, with 14 wides recorded.

Carlow’s hopes of victory were scotched by a 37th minute goal from the visitors’ forward Kevin O’Loughlin (2-9 to 0-6) followed immediately when a close-range free for Carlow was blocked on the line by the Dublin defence.

For the balance of play it was a stroll for the holders as they ran in five substitutes, with sub Ciarán Brennan grabbing a brace of goals to wrap up victory.

Dublin, a class above their opponents, now move on to meet Offaly in the provincial semi-final and — the big wides tally apart — look a formidable side.

Liam Rushe was the game’s outstanding player while Martin Quilty, Danny Sutcliffe, Kevin O’Loughlin, Eamon Dillon and half-time substitute Mark Schutte were also impressive. Carlow’s major fault line was in attack with only three points coming from play — midfielder Paul Coady notched 0-8 from placed balls.

Scorers for Dublin: K O’Loughlin 1-2, C Brennan 2-0, L Rushe 1-1, D Dillon 0-3, S McGrath 0-2f, B Mulligan, M Schutte, R Mahon 0-1 each.

Scorers for Carlow: P Coady 0-8f, D Roberts, P Kehoe, E Byrne 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: G McManus; B O’Carroll, J Doughan, C Gough; D Curran, M Quilty, S O’Connor; D Sutcliffe, B Mulligan; D Plunkett, L Rushe, R Mahon; K O’Loughlin, S McGrath, E Dillon.

Subs: M Schutte for Mulligan (h/t); D Kelly for O’Connor (41); C Brennan for McGrath (44); F Clabby for O’Carroll (55); T Connolly for Dillon (58).

CARLOW: N Roberts; S Kelly, G Kelly, T Nolan; D English, J Corcoran, James Doyle; P Coady, P McElligot; John Doyle, E Byrne, D Murphy; D Roberts, C Lawlor, P Kehoe. Subs: G Bennett for McElligot (h/t); A McDonald for John Doyle (37); John Hughes for Kelly (55).

Referee: S Whelan (Wexford).

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Review | No Comments »

Tipp still the team to beat

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

What a game to kick off the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship! Waterford and reigning champions Tipperary played out a cracker in Semple Stadium last week, with the Premier County doing enough to edge out a victory and keep their hopes of retaining the Cross of Cashel alive.

It’s a tough blow for the Waterford lads, including our man Noel Connors. They put up a spirited come back in the second half, but it just wasn’t to be for them on the day. As for Tipperary, it seems they are certainly the team to beat in Munster and Semple remains a fortress. Cork are the next team to travel to Thurles, in what will be a massive game for both sides. The Rebels are coming in cold so to speak, having not yet played a championship game, while Tipp on the other hand, have that tough run out against Waterford behind them which should stand to them in a tight contest. It promises to be another cracker.

Last night Wexford and Kilkenny U21s met in Wexford Park ahead of the senior showdown this weekend, with Wexford somewhat surprisingly getting the better of the Cats thanks to a late Emmet Kent point. With Carlow facing Leinster Champions Dublin tonight, the 2011 U-21 season is well and truly under way.

Dublin really should have enough scoring power to brush aside Carlow tonight and with the likes of Liam Rushe and Daire Plunkett, they should run riot. If Carlow can keep the ball away from these two guys, they have an outside chance but it will probably be a tough evening for them.

At senior level, Dublin backed up their impressive League win with a hard-fought victory over Offaly, and following our win over Westmeath at the weekend, a Leinster Championship semi-final showdown with the Dubs in Tullamore should produce a great game with a big crowd. Hopefully I will be 100% by the time the match comes around and in contention for a place on the team. I have missed so much and I am itching for a game at this stage.

So after a long wait the 2011 Championship season is now in full swing, with both the U21 Championship and the Senior Championship games keeping us all entertained and back talking hurling 24/7. Exciting times ahead and it won’t be long until we are once again wondering where the months have gone.

Finally, for those teams who begin their campaigns in the coming weeks, best of luck and enjoy!

Joe

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Joe Blogs | No Comments »

« Older Entries