U16 County final 2009

Under 16 Premier County Final.

Blackrock 2 – 16 Carrigaline 3 – 9

Played at Pairc Ui Rinn on Tuesday 13th October 2009.

Blackrock captured the Under 16 Premier competition for the second time in three years when they defeated a very committed Carrigaline team under lights at Pairc Ui Rinn.

In a perfect setting for hurling, as the russet leaves in the approaches around the Pairc continue to showcase the finest Autumn in living memory, this game, played before a large crowd proved to be close and entertaining right through. The stick work was of the highest quality and some brilliant individual displays again confirmed the view that there is little wrong with the actual quality of Cork underage hurling.

The Echo ventured to suggest that “no doubt a number of these players will go on to wear the red of Cork as minors over the next few years” Let’s hope this reasonable and sensible prediction will prove accurate, even if recent history of selections does not provide one with great comfort!

Carrigaline hit the deck running and Michael Lynch had the ball in the net within 30 seconds of the start, Cillian McSweeney added a point from a free a minute later. Blackrock fought back and led by 1 – 7 to 1 – 1 after 20 minutes. A goal from Chris Ahern, points from Kevin O’Keeffe, John Fitzgerald and Chris Ahern put the Rockies firmly in the driving seat.

Just when it looked to be all over the South East Champions hammered home 2 – 2 to lead by two points coming up to half time. James De Puis and Michael Lynch again converting the goals as the Blackrock defence was severely tested. Yet again the Rockies resumed normal service with 3 points from Kevin O’Keeffe, Shane O’Keeffe and Fitzgerald to lead by a single point at half time 1 – 10 to 3 – 3 .

The half in many ways was unique in that each side had two clear scoring bursts when they dominated. The hurling was quite good, although it was noticeable that both sides seem to retain an extra man at centre back, making scores difficult to obtain.

Two points from each side kept the minimum between the sides until midway through the half. Michael Lynch pulled on a high ball which went wide although he probably had the time to catch and bury it.

The turning point arrived when Andy O’Connell goaled from close in after along free from Kevin O’Keeffe land around the square. This put 5 points between the sides and although Carrigaline kept up the pressure, it proved a bridge too far in the end.

They got the lead down to two with good scores from Robert O’Shea and Cillian McSweeney, however the unerring accuracy of Kevin O’Keeffe from a series of frees kept Blackrock out of reach. Shane O’ Keeffe got a final point to leave four points between the sides.

Kevin O’Keeffe converted 10 points in total, 8 from placed balls but he proved equal to some very difficult locations across the pitch. John Fitzgerald had an outstanding game, popping up all over the pitch while scoring a beautiful point from the sideline. His spirit epitomised the spirit of this Blackrock side, who simply do not think of defeat. Shane O’ Keeffe and David Meaney worked hard all through, however it was really a collective effort as the Rockies defence hunted in packs to counter the direct running game of the Carrigaline lads.

In spite of the loss of Dylan Stokes to injury, the Rockies half back line held firm although Carrigaline ran at them at every opportunity. It was a key struggle, and although the Rockies defences were breached three times in the first half but a battle which the Rockies probably won in the second half, when both defences bolstered by an extra man were on top. Carrigaline have some fine performers in Robert O’Shea, Cillian McSweeney and Killian McIntyre.

Interestingly Carrigaline was the last team to beat them in Cork in the Under 12 County Final

Blackrock: Paul Delaney, Stephen Murphy, Owen Smith, Stephen O’Brien, Darragh O’Keeffe, Andrew Murphy, David Meaney,Shane O’Keeffe,( 0 - 2) Ryan Dineen, Kevin O’Keeffe,( 0 – 10) John Fitzgerald, ( 0 – 2) David O’Farrell, Chris Ahern,( 1 – 1)Andy O’Connell, (1 - 1) Alan Nolan, Richie McSweeney, Dylan Stokes, Brian Dineen,Sean Holland, Rory Burke,Callum Crowe, Jamie Ryan, Ciaran Moore, Cian Scannel,Olan Hanley, James Tyner,Niall Foley, Chris Hayes, Cian O’Halloran.