Young Barryroe side advance in chship
17 April, 2017
Steely display from Young Barryroe side sees off Oliver Plunketts
A young Barryroe side overcame an experienced Oliver Plunketts outfit in an enthralling West Cork JA football Championship first round encounter, on a windy Easter Sunday in Timoleague. Missing many experienced players through injury and retirement, this was an opportunity for our young players to step up and they did not disappoint. 11 of the starting 15 were under the age of 22.
A strong first half wind saw Plunketts take an early 3 point lead. A Mark Crowley free and point from play reduced the deficit to one. Plunketts increased their lead taking advantage of the strong breezes and a Jack Murphy point was the only other other blue response in a half which saw Olunketts take a lead at the small whistle of 8 points to 3.
Barryroe started the second half on fire with 3 unanswered points from Johnny O Donovan, Crowley and Dan O Driscoll. Plunketts resumed their 3 point lead before a great team move resulted in a cool finish from John Whelton hitting the back of the net. The scores at this point were 1-6 to 0-9. Plunketts beat Madden soon after with a well taken goal to resume the 3 point lead. Another Crowley point matched a Plunketts score with score 1-10 1-7. But 3 quick and well taken pressure frees from Jack Cahalane levelled the scores at 1-10 a piece. With the game entering the closing stage, it looked over for the men in blue when a freak bounce caught Madden for an unfortunate goal and the Ahiohill men took a 3 point lead. But deep into injury time, a sweeping Dave Kiely solo sprint into the Plunketts 20 saw his shot rebounding to Dan O Driscoll who drove it into back of the net. The ref blew up with extra time to be played. Playing with the wind in the first half of extra time, Mark Crowley netted after 5 minutes with Barryroe taking the lead for the first time in the game. Plunketts replied with a point before a huge John Whelton score kept the gap at 3 point at the half time extra time whistle. 3-11 to 2-11. Plunketts scored a point before being awarded a penalty. To our luck, this was driven wide. Barryroe held out in the dying minutes on a score line of 3-11 to 2-13 leading to rapturous applause from the bank of supporters.
On several occasions Conor Madden kept Barryroe in the game with some serious point blank saves. Whilst the second Plunketts goal was unfortunate, he maintained his composure thereafter and was vital to the end result. Full back Ger Leary who continues to defy age led an energetic full back line with solid display in the corners from Jerome O Brien and industrious runs up the field from Conor ORegan. The half back line proved to be the engine room on the day. 19 year old Tiernan Mckeown on his championship debut contributed a great 80 minutes and proved very efficient on the ball. David Kiely at centre and Patrick Moloney completed the line and as ever gave commanding and steely performances with their sweeping runs into the Plunketts half causing havoc on several occasions. At midfield captain John Whelton and Mark Crowley turned in exceptional shifts . Targeted with some rough tackles in the first half, both men kept their cool and as well as contributing a collective 2-5 to the scoreboard, played some very intelligent ball to the forward line and always providing options for the outcoming backs. Johnny Donovan delivered a hearty display at centre forward and his clever distribution helped to build many attacks. Jack Murphy and Dan Driscoll on the wings were consistent throughout always making themselves available for a pass and very efficient in possession. The full forward line of Daren Mccarthy, Jack Cahalane and Sean Holland turned in an industrious and hard working shift and gave everything on the day. Sub Ted Kearney gave a solid display when introduced and his clever runs proved very troublesome to the Plunketts back line.
Overall a great display from this young Barryroe side. Showing great potential, heart and a never say die attitude, this bodes well for the future. Only 6 players out of the panel of 28 were over the age of 22 with 5 minors also on the bench. Well done to all panel members and background team for this result. Attention now turns to 14th May for the Intermediate Hurling championship against Carrigaline.
Barryroe team and scorers
Conor Madden
Jerome O Brien
Ger O Leary
Conor O Regan
Patrick Moloney
David Kiely
Tiernan McKeown
John Whelton (1-1)
Mark Crowley (1-4)
Jack Murphy (0-1)
John O Donovan (0-1)
Daniel O Driscoll(1-1)
Sean Holland
Darren McCarthy
Jack Cahalane (0-3)
Subs
Ted Kearney for Holland 40 mins
Panel:
Michael Whelton Mícheál Ó hUallacháin
John Dullea Seán Ó Doinnlé
Killian Lawton Cillian Ó Lachtnáin
Conor Tyndall Concobhar Ó Tindall
Brian Fleming Briain Ó Pléimeann
Ronan Fleming Ronan Ó Pléimeann
Anthony Fleming Antóin Ó Pléimeann
Eoghan Sheehy Eoghan Mac Síthigh
Stephen Holland Stíofán Uallacháin
Ciaran O Regan Ciaran Ó Riagáin
Matthew Sexton Maitiu Ó Seasnáin