(Report compliments of Barry Henriques) Photos Windgap GAA
This was a typical early season opener, where both sides were experimenting, testing the waters, and shaking out the dust. They were evenly balanced, and it could be ventured that two goals in the..............
This was a typical early season opener, where both sides were experimenting, testing the waters, and shaking out the dust. They were evenly balanced, and it could be ventured that two goals in the first half, probably settled the eventual result.
As early as the 2nd minute, a long delivery landed in the Carrigeen goal area, and as the defence dithered, young Paul Walsh was in to slip the ball to the back of Jim Power’s net. That was not the kind of start that the Carrigeen men anticipated, nor needed. From there until the 30th minute, the game was finely balanced, if you ignore the goal. Both sides went toe to toe, swapped points, but further disaster struck for the Carrigeen lads just on the break, when Kieran Power, the Windgap left half forward, drove a rasper towards the Carrigeen goal. Jim Power, the Carrigeen custodian was up to the shot, and saved well, but the ball bounced loosely, and full forward, James Murray slipped it home.
Having performed with commendable prowess, this was a score that Carrigeen certainly didn’t need as they retired to their dressing room.
The second half again was a shootout between the Windgap shooters, notably, Murray, PJ.Barron, and Ger Purcell, and Carrigeen’s right half forward, John Cooney, who bagged all of the Carrigeen second half points (5) from frees.
.Windgap had good performers in Shane Walsh, Dara O’Shea, Ger Purcell, Peter Hennessy, and James Murray.
Carrageen were well served by reliable corner back, Hillary Delahunty, Liam Roche, Cathal O’Keeffe, and of course John Cooney.
The better team won, and that in hurling parlance is the only thing that mattered to the Windgap club.
Scores
Windgap: Peter Hennessy (0-5, four frees); James Murray (1-2); Paul Walsh (1-0); PJ.Barron (0-10; Ger Purcell (0-1, free).
Carrigeen: John Cooney (0-9, frees); Marcus Dunlea (0-1).
Windgap: Michael Power, Pa Moore, Shane Walsh, Darren Walsh, Dara O’Shea, Ger Purcell, Garry Lyons, William Phelan, Danial Cassin, Peter Hennessy, PJ.Barron, Kieran Power, Paul Walsh, James Murray, Paul Comerford.
Subs (used): Niall Walsh, Seamie Hennessy, Ed Cunningham, Brendan Power.
Carrageen: James Power, Andy O’Brien, Richie O’Brien, Hillary Delahunty, Liam Roche, Steven Blackmore, Chris O’Hanlon, Cathal O’Keeffe, Brian Gallagher, John Cooney, Jamie Carroll, Eoin Byrne, Sean Purcell, Fintan Dermody, Marcus Dunlea.
Subs (used): Niall Gallagher, David Byrne, Steven Jacob.
Ref; Pat Hayes (Graig Ballycallan)