Patrickswell N.S. 4-4
St. Nessan's N.S. 2-4
As the supporters of both Patrickswell N.S. and St. Nessan’s N.S. left the Gaelic Grounds at midday today everyone was in agreement that they had witnessed an epic final between two well-matched and skilful teams.
For Patrickswell the victory was an historic retention of the trophy they won against all odds last year. What did they do to remain undefeated throughout
their six-match campaign? They worked hard, battled, backed each other up at all times and never gave in, even when things did not go their way. The u-11s motto for the year was: ‘You get from the match what you put into it’ - and, after the final today they definitely got what they deserved- the trophy!
With their fantastic 2nd class goalkeeper Liam Fitzgerald blocking bullets all season, the defence held firm even though they were under savage pressure. Led in the central positions by Jake Carey and Patrick Kiely these men were not going to let the opposition through easily.
The two corner backs: Jack Mcnamara, who some wondered if he was only a warm weather player(!) and Séan Fitzgerald shadowed their men at all times. In the wing back positions, Kevin Kiely and Cian Gorman attacked when they had the
chance but never forgot their defensive duties.
Midfield was manned admirably by Jamie Byrnes and the ‘Player of the Match’ John Kirby, who has chipped in with vital scores in every game from midfield. These two players delivered a great supply of ball into the forwards where Jack Gorman and Eoin Harmon were to the fore in every game and took their chances when they arose. Jack and Eoin were ably assisted in the forwards by another 2nd class boy, Billy Earls, Eoghan Duffy, James Fitzgerald and Adam McNamara who worked tirelessly to keep the ball in the attacking third of the field.
Special praise must go to the players that didn’t start the final but played vital roles in getting Patrickswell to the final and therefore in winning the Championship- Willie Harty, Kyle Lynch, Dean Kennedy, Christy Carroll and Sam McNamara- without these lads the trophy would not have come back to ‘The Well’.
The management team of Mr Bulfin and Gary Kirby could have not have asked for more effort from the players. They gave 100% in every game and the mentors have huge pride in the whole panel!! Well done lads!!
Tobar Phádraig Abú!
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