The O’Loughlin Gaels clubhouse was the place to be on Saturday last. Our U-21 hurlers were presented with their medals by the Vice-Chairman of Kilkenny County Board – Conor Denieffe, to mark their success as U21 Roinn A North Champions. The lads overcame Lisdowney, Freshford, Ballyragget and a much fancied Castlecomer to take the title. The following is an excerpt written about the team – in summary of their inspired displays last Autumn:
Sammy Johnston had a great five game campaign between the posts. He commanded his square well and his distribution was top drawer. The full back line of O’Driscoll, Butler and Parsons were solid “in around the house” all season and won the key battles in the air and on the ground. Special mention should also go to Anthony Forristal, who played a key role in the defeat of St Lachtains, before being sidelined through injury. Deegan, Lawlor and Meaney formed a formidable half back unit throughout the campaign. They were aggressive in the tackle and decisive in turning defence into attack.
The dynamic midfield pairing of Burke and Wallace struck fear into oppositions. The combination of Burke’s crafty stick work and Wallace’s sheer athleticism proved too much for opposing teams throughout the season. It’s important also to remember the contribution of James Lenehan, who was forced to leave the field of play against Freshford – due to injury.
Lenehan, Nolan and Brennan were a constant threat throughout the championship. Nolan’s radar was set to POINT over every dead ball and his two wing men were primed to shoot on sight at all times. The full forward line of Leydon, Doyle and Quan was lethal in front of goal. Their ability to dig out vital scores under severe pressure belied their youthful demeanour.
The panel also played a huge role both in training and when called into action. Mark & Eoin Croghan, Brian Cantwell, Stephen Hawe, Seamus McGrath, Corey O’Neill, Ben Leydon and Kevin McGarry are owed a debt of gratitude from O’Loughlin Gaels for their dedication and commitment.
Sammy Johnston had a great five game campaign between the posts. He commanded his square well and his distribution was top drawer. The full back line of O’Driscoll, Butler and Parsons were solid “in around the house” all season and won the key battles in the air and on the ground. Special mention should also go to Anthony Forristal, who played a key role in the defeat of St Lachtains, before being sidelined through injury. Deegan, Lawlor and Meaney formed a formidable half back unit throughout the campaign. They were aggressive in the tackle and decisive in turning defence into attack.
The dynamic midfield pairing of Burke and Wallace struck fear into oppositions. The combination of Burke’s crafty stick work and Wallace’s sheer athleticism proved too much for opposing teams throughout the season. It’s important also to remember the contribution of James Lenehan, who was forced to leave the field of play against Freshford – due to injury.
Lenehan, Nolan and Brennan were a constant threat throughout the championship. Nolan’s radar was set to POINT over every dead ball and his two wing men were primed to shoot on sight at all times. The full forward line of Leydon, Doyle and Quan was lethal in front of goal. Their ability to dig out vital scores under severe pressure belied their youthful demeanour.
The panel also played a huge role both in training and when called into action. Mark & Eoin Croghan, Brian Cantwell, Stephen Hawe, Seamus McGrath, Corey O’Neill, Ben Leydon and Kevin McGarry are owed a debt of gratitude from O’Loughlin Gaels for their dedication and commitment.
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