Limerick VEC Colleges U16 1/2 – County final
The Hazelwood boys travelled the distance to Claughán to face the awaiting Newport team in the Limerick VEC Colleges U161/2 County final, on Friday the 9th of May last.
As the match began it was clear both teams had similar intensions and it was going to be a tough battle. With Newport scoring the opening point Hazelwood knew they would have to fight right to the bitter end.
The wind blew in Newport’s favour during the first 30 minutes, and the Hazelwood side had to keep up a strong defence to ensure they stayed in the game, Jack O’ Sullivan putting over Hazelwood’s first point from a free which was followed by another point from Padraig Ahern due to a tremendous effort and strong performances from Hazelwood’s Cian Manger Flynn and Dean Collins who supplied ball continuously in around the square. Newport fought back however, and matched every score with one of their own, keeping a slight lead on the scoreboard ending the half Hazelwood 0-6, to Newport 1-8.
The second half of the game got off to a flying start, Hazelwood’s captain Seamus Flanagan firing balls down the length of the field, setting-up and scoring numerous points from the half way line. This display of courage and determination continued from the whole team throughout the game making Newport’s attempts to stay on top impossible. Although they never gave up and made sure Hazelwood had to fight to win position for every ball. Conditions on the day were not ideal with a strong wind blowing across the field making simple play difficult, this did not affect either of the two teams who performed with an outstanding show of sportsmanship, style and teamwork. As the referee Paddy Carroll blew the final whistle, an ecstatic Hazelwood let out a sigh of relief. The final score: Hazelwood 1-21, Newport 1-14.
This victory was well deserved and could not have been achieved if not for the Hazelwood trainers Mr Ronan Farrell and Mr Matt Finn who have worked tirelessly over the past year to mould the team into the best they could be. This win was a fantastic achievement to finish of the year and the team have brought tremendous pride to the trainers, parents, themselves and the school. We would like to congratulate all involved and wish them luck in future games.
Pictured are Back Row Left to Right: Mr Ronan Farrell, Stephen Coughlan, Nigel O’ Callaghan, Edward Hourigan, Anthony Barrett, Colin O’ Brien, Gearoid Matthews, Jack Sheahan, Shane Butler, Cathal Finn, William Enright, Alex Culhane, Brian Buckley, Luke Ryan, Dean Collins, Damien Burke, Glen McNamara, Keith Shine, Donal Molyneaux, Mr Matt Finn. Front Row Left to Right: Brian Murphy, James McDermott, Tim Larkin, Dan Noonan, Denis Donegan, Padraig Ahern, Seamus Flanagan(Captain), Cian Manger Flynn, Ryan O Gorman, Jack O’ Sullivan, Dylan Hayes Daly, Morris Fitzgibbon, Sean Shine.