Match Reports

U21 County Final

08/12/2013
U21B final Vs Bennettsbridge in Nowlan Park 8th Dec 2013
The Dunnamaggin U21 hurlers took on Bennettsbridge in the Roinn B County final in Nowlan Park on Sunday. Dunnamaggin were up against a Bennettsbridge side that boasted 12 players off their junior team that featured in the county final this year. And it was the favourites who raced into a three point lead within 5 minutes before Willie Phelan split the posts with a 65.Bennetsbridge continued to exert pressure for much of the opening quarter slotting over another three points before Willie could get a point back from a free. This signalled the start of Dunnamaggin’s best period of play of the game when great work from John Fitzpatrick and Andrew Fitzpatrick worked the ball into Anthony Kearney to get Dunnamaggin’s first point from play. Bennettsbridge did respond with two good points but very alert goal keeping from Andrew O’Dwyer who was very quick off his line averted a certain goal. This seemed to spur Dunnamaggin players on and after a well fielded ball from John Fitzpatrick he slipped his marker and dispatched the ball to allow Ray Cody to run on to it and dispatch it to the net with a lovely ground stroke. Aaron Doherty, William Phelan and Paul Kirwan were starting to deal with the many balls that were being pumped down on them and their work was rewarded with a converted free from Willie Phelan to put two between the teams. Michael Cody then got in on the action and placed a beautiful ball over the black spot to put the minimum between the sides. Bennettsbridge were stunned and Dunnamaggin were getting back on track and then just on the stroke of half time Willie pointed another free to level the game. Dunnamaggin 1-6 Bennettsbridge 0-9.
Bennettsbridge started the second half in a whirlwind and every ball they seemed to touch seemed to go over the bar. They scored freely from out the field and despite the positions changes Mentors Kenny Moore, Noel Hickey and Denis Lahart did it failed to stem their opponent’s dominance. Willie Bergin came on for Ronan Coffey midway through the half. The Dunnamaggin Fullback Line of Conor Long, Eoghan Kearney and William Moylan held strong throughout as ball after ball came their direction and with Goalie Andrew O’Dwyer ever alert a goal was not going to be conceded. Willie Phelan (now moved to centre forward) got Dunnamaggin’s only score of the second half 10mins from time from a 21yard free in front of goal. Paddy Power came on for Ray Cody in the last few minutes but despite the hard work and endeavour from the Dunnamaggin players the scores just would not come and Bennettsbridge were crowned worthy champions Dunnamaggin 1-7 Bennettsbridge 0-19.
Panel:- Andrew O’Dwyer, Conor Long, Eoghan Kearney, William Moylan, Paul Kirwan, William Moylan, Aaron Doherty, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Michael Cody, John Fitzpatrick, Peter Kenneally, Ronan Coffey, Ray Cody, Anthony Kearney, Paddy Delaney, Adam Kenneally, Paddy Power, Michael Costello, William Moylan, Jack Brett, Jason Doherty.