Senior Hurling
The senior hurlers had a very successful season this year and reached the Connaught final against seamount Kinvara. Unfortunately, the game didn’t go as planned and we were beaten by two points in the end. The team recovered very well after a poor first have where we trailed by 1-8 to 3 points at half time. The second half saw a monumental comeback where we drew level with ten minutes to go. Unfortunately, we were left to rue missed chances and Kinvara scored two late frees to win the game. The team put in a huge effort all year, training twice a week during school and after school on a Friday as well as training during the mid-term break. Everyone at the school is extremely proud of how the squad performed and how they carried themselves throughout the year in both victory and defeat, and I would like to personally thank them for all their effort in training throughout the year, and with only two players missing off this panel for next year hopefully we can go one step further next year and get over the line in the final.
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Junior Hurling
The junior hurlers also had a very successful season and reached the Connaught final against St. Enda’s. Again the final didn’t go to plan against a very strong St. Enda’s outfit as we were beaten on a score line of 4-9 to 1-10. The score line doesn’t really reflect the pattern of the game as we were still in it up until the final ten minutes when Enda’s scored two late goals. The team performed very well on the day and one player for Enda’s made the difference scoring 4-6 of their 4-9 total. Again I would like to thank the players for their effort throughout the year and hopefully the juniors can use the experience gained this year to push on next season at senior level.
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Connacht 1st/2nd year Hurling Final
St Killian’s 3-13 CCM Spiddal 2-6
After a long campaign, St Killian’s were crowned 1st/2nd champions. The final was played in Kenny Park, Athenry and after a hard struggle St Killian’s came out on top. The game was played in difficult conditions and we were first to settle with a point from captain, Lewis Coughlan, followed by two Darren Murphy frees. CCM were quick to respond and struck back with two points of their own. The Spiddal goalkeeper made two superb saves from Oisin Keane efforts. Further points followed though from Oisin Finn, Oisin Keane and John Cosgrove leaving the half time score, St Killian’s 0-6 CCM 0-4.
We withstood some early pressure from Spiddal and then we really started to assert ourselves with sub Gary Greaney, following up on an Oisin Finn effort, striking for a crucial goal to put some daylight between the teams. Spiddal fought back and struck for a goal themselves but two further goals from Oisin Finn and Gary Greaney helped to steady the ship and St Killian’s held on for a great victory.
It was a superb team performance. Michael Hanlon had a great game in goals, blocking and clearing a penalty. The full back line of Cathal Ward, Jamie Burke and Mark Ryan were rock solid throughout, with all three clearing their lines on many occasions. The half backline of Fergus Deely, Lewis Coughlan(captain)and Jamie Stankard were the launch pad for many attacks and stood strongest when the pressure was at its height. The midfield duo of club mates, John Cosgrove and Oisin Keane complemented each other superbly and really began to dominate as the game went on. Dara Donohue, Oisin Finn and brother Ross in the half forward line were constantly moving and proved very difficult for Spiddal’s defence to cope with. The inside line of Darren Murphy, Dean Nevin and Gavin McGuinness never stopped working and were always a threat. Subs, Gary Greaney, who scored two goals and Mark Dwyer made huge contributions when introduced. Overall this was a great team effort and every member of the panel contributed and we are very hopeful that this talented and hard working group will bring further success to the school in the years ahead.
