A cavalcade of cars headed to Ballyragget on Wednesday evening carrying players, family and supporters to see the young O'Loughlin lads take on their Ballyragget counterparts.
This was a mighty affair with both teams going at it right from the start. Ground hurling for the first half meant that close challenges were plentiful with neither team allowing the other any advantage. Newcomer Luke Quigley put in plenty of work in defence to prevent Ballyragget from taking full advantage of the early exchanges. Aided and abetted in defence by Zach Evans they steadied the ship and this allowed the platform for Stephen Butler, Luke Hanrahan, Adam Quigley and Daniel Byrne to peg back Ballyragget's early lead to make it 3 goals apiece at the half time break.
An inspirational half time talk from guest assistant manager u12 star Sean Lawlor, set up the players for a blistering performance in the second half. Greg Kelly brought his form from the training field to the match and was outstanding throughout the remainder of the game. He won ball at every challenge he made and delivered it effectively to the forwards for them to act upon. Like hungry dogs they snatched at every chance and made every attack count with a score. Eoghan O'Brien dazzled up front, and along with Daniel McCormack, Sean O'Neill and Sean Morrissey they all contributed positively to a fine team performance. Michael Lambert too was exceptional and continues to demonstrate he has the appetite to succeed in this code.
The teams display was epitomised by the work rate and endurance of the ever solid Darragh Powell and Eoghan O'Callaghan. The score of the evening coming from the aforementioned Eoghan O'Callaghan when he pointed from a placed ball he himself had been awarded after shifting a very hefty challenge from the Ballyragget centre back.
A great display by a team that is making massive progress as the Summer moves on. The supporters who travelled were not disappointed and eagerly await further games in the coming weeks away to Thomastown, a home visit by Clara, the return visit of Ballyragget and an invite to Freshford to a day blitz. Busy times ahead for the u8s and enjoying every bit of it!
Eoin Lawlor
This was a mighty affair with both teams going at it right from the start. Ground hurling for the first half meant that close challenges were plentiful with neither team allowing the other any advantage. Newcomer Luke Quigley put in plenty of work in defence to prevent Ballyragget from taking full advantage of the early exchanges. Aided and abetted in defence by Zach Evans they steadied the ship and this allowed the platform for Stephen Butler, Luke Hanrahan, Adam Quigley and Daniel Byrne to peg back Ballyragget's early lead to make it 3 goals apiece at the half time break.
An inspirational half time talk from guest assistant manager u12 star Sean Lawlor, set up the players for a blistering performance in the second half. Greg Kelly brought his form from the training field to the match and was outstanding throughout the remainder of the game. He won ball at every challenge he made and delivered it effectively to the forwards for them to act upon. Like hungry dogs they snatched at every chance and made every attack count with a score. Eoghan O'Brien dazzled up front, and along with Daniel McCormack, Sean O'Neill and Sean Morrissey they all contributed positively to a fine team performance. Michael Lambert too was exceptional and continues to demonstrate he has the appetite to succeed in this code.
The teams display was epitomised by the work rate and endurance of the ever solid Darragh Powell and Eoghan O'Callaghan. The score of the evening coming from the aforementioned Eoghan O'Callaghan when he pointed from a placed ball he himself had been awarded after shifting a very hefty challenge from the Ballyragget centre back.
A great display by a team that is making massive progress as the Summer moves on. The supporters who travelled were not disappointed and eagerly await further games in the coming weeks away to Thomastown, a home visit by Clara, the return visit of Ballyragget and an invite to Freshford to a day blitz. Busy times ahead for the u8s and enjoying every bit of it!
Eoin Lawlor