Under 13's win thriller in Shield Semi Final

Mitchelstown 6-5 Rockwell Rovers 6-4

Our under 13’s had a one point victory in a trilling game against Rockwell Rovers in the Shield semi-final of the Carmel Mackin completion. The game was played under lights last Sunday night in Ballyporeen. We dominated the opening quarter to lead 1-1 to no score, both scores coming from Robbie O’ Sullivan who showed he can score as well as stop goals. Rockwell Rovers fought back and scored two goals to take the lead. James Connolly Murphy scored our second goal that was a wonderful team goal. Rockwell Rovers hit us for two goals before the break to lead by five points at half time 4-0 to 2-1. Bobby Baker who had a great first half had to go off injured at half time but we were lucky to be able to bring on Adam Barry, who was returning from Dublin after playing for North Corks Rebel Og team, in his place. Robbie O’ Sullivan was now back in goals and David Conroy moved to wing forward. Fionn Herlihy asked for the lads to up their game and they responded but so did Rockwell and it developed into a fierce battle with both teams giving their all that was a joy to watch. Rockwell got the first score of the second half to stretch the lead to six. David Conroy riffled home a great goal. Rockwell pointed. David and James added points before James Connolly Murphy scored his second goal off the crossbar. Rockwell replied with a point. Jake and David added points before Jake finished a wonderful team move to the net to give us a point lead. Soon after Colin McNamara blasted to the net. Rockwell goaled to bring our lead back to a point. Rockwell threw everything they had but our defence stood strong and we held out for the win. David Conroy was excellent in goals and scored well when moved out. Fionn Handrahan is really growing into the Full Back position. Eoghan Geary drove forward from corner back while Captain James Luddy and Conor Walsh really marked tightly and made great clearances. Cathal Sheehan did very well to contain their dangerous centre forward while Bobby Baker, Adam Barry and Oisin Handrahan made fantastic runs and are excellent at turning defence into attack. Gavin O’ Donoghue and Jake Fox had a great tusstle in midfield and fought for every ball. Our forwards are really starting to gel with Luke Keane, Cormac Luddy and Eoin Flynn working very hard at setting up scores. Thanks to the parents who supported the lads on the cold night. Thanks to Jim O’ Callaghan and Ballyporeen for having the pitch and lights organised. Thanks to referee Liam O’ Connor for doing an excellent job and explaining all his decisions. Get well soon wishes to Bobby and Jake. Team and scorers. David Conroy(1-2), Eoghan Geary, Fionn Handrahan, James Luddy (Capt.), Oisin Handrahan, Cathal Sheehan, Bobby Baker, Gavin O’ Donoghue, Jake Fox(1-1), Cormac Luddy,), Colin McNamara (1-0) Robbie O’ Sullivan(1-1), Eoin Flynn, James Connolly Murphy(2-1), Luke Keane, Conor Walsh and Adam Barry. The final is down for Sunday 26th November. Bring it on!

Photo Names Back L/R Bobby Baker, Colin McNamara, Gavin O’ Donoghue, Cathal Sheehan, Conor Walsh, James Connolly Murphy, Oisin Handrahan, James Luddy and Jake Fox. Front Robbie O’ Sullivan, Fionn Handrahan, Luke Keane, David Conroy, Cormac Luddy, Eoin Flynn and Eoghan Geary. Missing from photo Adam Barry

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