Ilen Rovers pitch in Rath, Baltimore was the venue on
last Monday evening for Bantry Blues U14 hurlers last league outing before
championship. From the throw-in, Blues hit the ground running with championship
team places at stake. James Lavin scored the first Bantry point from a free,
following up shortly afterwards with one from play. Ronan O’Mahony then knocked
one over, with Barry O’Sullivan next to register a point. At this stage Bantry
had well and truly settled into the task and continued to put them over with
Ronan O’Mahony scoring the next five points including a free and a “65”. Daniel
Murray and Jack McCarthy got the last two points of the half to leave the Blues
eleven points to no score ahead at the break.
Ilen came out in the second half and upped
their challenge, opening their account with a converted 65. Their next score
was a fine point from play. The exchanges were a lot more even in this period
but Daniel Murray kept the Bantry momentum going with a goal. Ilen replied with
a point but half time substitute Shane McSweeney for the Blues was very sharp
in the full forward line and hit two goals in succession to widen the gap.
There then followed Ilen Rovers best period when they struck a great goal from
out on the wing, giving Bantry keeper, Shane Murray no chance. Ilen scored 2-2
in the last 10 minutes and it took two great saves from Shane Murray the keep
Bantry’s lead safe. Daniel Murray was Bantry’s last scorer to leave the final
tally: Ilen Rovers 3-05, Bantry Blues 3-14.
The scoreline does not truly reflect the
type of game this was as the teams were well matched physically, Bantry being
the more efficient side in the scoring stakes. On an evening where conditions
were ideal there were some great displays on the Blues side. Shane Murray was
very sure in goals, Tadgh McCarthy gave an exhibition at full back with Dylan
Carthy the other back who stood out. Ronan O’Mahony was outstanding and Jack
McCarthy, Barry O’Sullivan and Daniel Murray were to the fore in the attack.
Team: Shane Murray, Gary Butler, Tadgh
McCarthy, Dylan Carthy, James Lavin, Ronan O’Mahony, Jack McCarthy, Barry
O’Sullivan, Daniel Murray, Matthew Barry, James McGlinchey, Eoin Minihane.
Shane McSweeney, Billy Foley, Michael Hanley.