This crop of players have added a new chapter into the history book of Broadford Hurling Clubs achievements over the last number of years as they brought the Minor A title home this evening. What was even more impressive was the manner in which the team dominated this match from start to finish. The final scoreline read, Broadford/Smith O' Briens 4-16 Wolfe-Tones 0-16.
With the events of last weeks Intermediate final still on both sets of supporters minds, there was a tense atmosphere at the start. This was transformed to ecstasy in minutes as Darren Chaplain won early ball and supplied a super pass into Mikey O' Shea. He caught the high ball and there was only going to be one result. First blood to Broadford/Sob. The pressure was relentless and Diarmuid Whelan won a 50-50 ball, supplied Eddie Bourke who took his first point. The forwards were hassling every ball, epitomised by David O' Shea's doggedness to win a free in after great pressure on the 'Tones' goalie. A further 2 points by Sean Phelan and Mikey O' Shea had Broadford/Sob well on top. The backs were given a few tests early on but were able to contain Wolfe Tones to frees for much of the opening period with excellent man-marking. Wolfe Tones were awarded a penalty after a strong break through the middle of the defence. With the game going Broadford's way this penalty could have proved crucial. It is on small moments like this that games hinge but with JC McMahon in goals you are always given a chance. The save that he made from a brilliantly struck low and to the left, penalty was sublime. This gave the Broadford/Sob backs the belief to keep it going, Declan Power leading by example had a stormer of a game. Diarmuid Whelan got the ball rolling again with an excellent point from long-range, one of three super scores from the half forward. Wolfe Tones were able to stick in the game with a number of frees, Broadford not able to pull away. This was all to change as Sean Considine popped up to score the first of his hat-trick of goals. Darren Chaplain and Sean Phelan were running midfield at this stage and when the ball broke to Sean Considine there was only 1 thing on his mind. He burst through the Wolfe Tones defence and smashed the net with a rasper of a kick. Sean Phelan yet again supplied David O' Shea with great ball enabling him to score a brace. Sean taking two himself before half-time. With a lead of 6 things were looking good.
The second-half proved to be as good for a team that produced the perfect team performance on the day that mattered. Matthew Troy was to get on the scoreline at the start of the second-half adding to the excellent work himself and Jack Dillon had worked for in defence. Sean Phelan was immense around the park leaving Wolfe Tones living on scraps. 'Sparky' Whelan was to score again after tireless work around midfield before that man Sean Considine went for goal again. He was simply unstoppable and there was no turning back now. Cathal Stritch and Colin Balfe shored things up in defence, standing strong. Mikey O' Shea and Eddie Bourke took great scores before the end, both showing super speed in both attack and defence. The game was to finish with another devastating forward move by Sean Considine ending in the inevitable, his hat-trick.
This was a momentous day for Broadford, seeing our Club players not only play at the highest level but dominate at the highest level. Huge congratulations must go to the coaches and mentors. Táimid go léir an-bhródúil astu.
Team: 1. J.C. McMahon 2. Michael Hogan 3. Cathal Stritch 4. Colin Balfe 5. Matthew Troy 6 Declan Power 7. Jack Dillon 8. Diarmuid O' Brien 9. Darren Chaplain 10. Diarmuid Whelan 11. Sean Phelan (JC) 12. Paddy Gough 13. David O' Shea 14. Mikey O' Shea (JC) 15. Eddie Bourke. Fir Ionaid 16. Sean Considine 17. Seamus Monaghan 18. Darragh Whelan 19. Niall O' Brien 20. Evan McNamara 21. Cathal O' Connell 22. Eoin Power 23. Niall Moloney 24. Cian Cremins 25. Eoin Powell
Bainistíocht: Tom O' Donoghue, Sean McMahon, Arthur Stritch
Trainer: Michael Ryan
First Aid: Bernard McMahon