U16A's beaten by narrowest of margins in final after extra time,

 

Halloween fireworks started early at Ellenfield Park last Saturday in what was a very good game of hurling between two evenly matched teams.   It was nip and tuck all of the way with fine scores from both sides.  

Colmcille’s were 3 points up with 2 minutes left, but a great solo run from Dara Ó Gallchobhair opened up the Cille’s defence and his timely pass found Mark O’Loughlin, who blasted the net from close range.   It took 20 minutes of extra time to decide the outcome, a 1 point victory for Whitehall.   On the day Kilmacud KC had sterling performances from Cian McGabhann, Ed Campion, Mark O’Loughlin, Sean Bedford, Ciaran McEntyre, Óran Ó Siochrú and Dara Ó Gallchobhair.   Daniel Coakley and Eamon Allen from the Under 15s were not found wanting.

The score of the match was an accurate 80 metre puck out to the wing from Eamon which found Mark O’Loughlin who turned on a sixpence, and dissected the post from 50m out.   A score not seen since Offaly’s Johnny Dooley’s special in Croke Park some 11 years ago which shocked Cork! Sean Gray from Whitehall gave an exhibition of accurate free taking.   This young 15 year old has a bright future ahead of him.

 

At the end of this entertaining contest it was fitting that Mr. John Costelloe, Dublin County Board Secretary and proud Whitehall Gael, had the honour of presenting the Shield Trophy to Captain Liam Kilcawley who led his team to a very special victory.

At pitch side Kilmacud Crokes Manager, Tom McEntyre, paid special praise to the victorious Whitehall side on their excellent win and thanked his own gallant team for their efforts over the past 10 years.   They now go on to join up at Minor Level, with the solid grounding Tom and his team mentors have given them.   Plenty of happy days, lots of fun on country trips over the years were some of the highlights for all concerned.

 

 

To see photos of the match click HERE or on the photo below!