U-16 Hurling Final 2007
Carnmore 2-06
Liam Mellows 1-14
Carnmore under 16s were beaten by a physically strong Liam Mellows team in the final played at Pearse stadium on Saturday 29th of September.
In the first half Carnmore played good hurling and should have built up a lead but a lot of balls fell short in to the Mellows goalkeeper. The Carnmore defence were dealing well with most Mellows attacks but up front only Aaron Fox was finding the target except for a pointed free by Paul Fox. Just before half time Aaron Fox goaled to leave it Carnmore 1-03 to Mellows 0-05.
In the second half Mellows now playing with the wind began to dominate midfield and moved five points clear, but again Carnmore rallied and a goal and three points from Aaron Fox had the margin down to one point when a lengthy injury to a Mellows player broke the momentum. Mellows added another point and in the last minute they got their first goal to win by 5 points on a scoreline of Carnmore 2-06 Liam Mellows 1-14.
For Carnmore the failure to take points in front of goal proved costly. On too many occasions attempts on goal were blocked when simple point chances were possible, or shots were too weak.
On the positive side Alan Traynor made some brilliant saves in goal during the year, while Cathal Hanley, Darren Fahy and Eoin Clarke have formed a very solid full back line. Gary Grealish and Stephen Phealen on the wings had some great games during the year but found it tough going at times in the final but Stephen Nally had a good game at centre back. The mid-field pair of Donie Fox and Martin Talbot weren't able to dominate as strongly as they did all year but they still had a great year. Jason Byrne, Matthew Moran and Aiden Reilly are a good half forward line however they failed to score in the final. Paul Fox is still not back to full fitness after breaking his leg earlier in the year and was not able to exert his usual influence on the game. Aaron Fox had a fine game and posed the biggest threat and scored 2-05 (2-02 from play)
Glen McArdle who like Gary Grealish, Eoin Clarke, Cathal Hanley, Aiden Reilly, Daniel Fox and Ciaran Fahy will be under 16 again next year.
I would like to thank all the players for their dedication and good behaviour during the year. I would also like to thank Mike Fox for all his help and a big thanks to T.J. Hynes for all his coaching and dedication throughout the year. I know the players have great respect for T.J. and a big thanks to all the supporters who came to the final and previous games. Also thanks to the Juvenile committee. The under 16 team were well kitted out for the final and a special thanks to Stephen Harris and the Racing Lodge. Also Noel Fox and M.J. Flood contributed to the gear. A big thanks to all who helped out with catering after the match at the community centre. I feel very sorry for the players because they were well capable of winning.
Joe Fahy under 16 manager.
Posted: 1st October 07