The Broadford (assisted by Smith O’Briens) team came up against a formidable Clarecastle side on Friday in the Under 14A Final that took place in Cusack Park, Ennis.
The first 10 mins of the game were strongly contested but with no score to either team. Clarecastle got on the front foot after this and if it wasn't for some heroic goalkeeping from Óisín Kavanagh Clarecastle could have been ahead further in the early stages. Broadford found it hard to win much clean ball around the middle of the park but with battling performances all around the pitch you felt that if Broadford could keep it tight having the wind in the second half they could give themselves a chance. Although we fought hard with great efforts from all players like of David Boland and Patrick Lucas, it was to be Clarecastle's goal to prove we had a mountain to climb in the second half.
It was Clarecastle who started the stronger in the second half and with strong performances by Mike Gough and the Vaughan brothers to keep the scores down the Clarecastle forwards proved that it was their day to shine. Cian Mulqueen took on the Captains role and really rallied the Broadford side when they got the goal they had been waiting for. James Mason pounced on a loose ball and struck it brilliantly only to be saved by the Clarecastle goalie. Jack Ward Murphy stepped up to rifle a low ground strike to the back of the net. It was great to see the drive and determination by the younger players who came on in the second half. James Quinn Tuite one of the many players who worked tirelessly to get to grips with the Clarecastle attack. It was however to prove to be Clarecastle's day with a number of goals in the second half to put the game to bed.
A win was not to be for the lads from Broadford and Smith O’Briens on this occasion, but let’s not forget how well the team did to get to the final. This in itself took a lot of determination and hard work. This year has been a massive learning curve for so many young players having a chance to play in the 'A' division. This can only help to develop them as better hurlers for the future.
The players and coaches can be very proud of themselves, as surely everyone from Broadford GAA club is. Lastly, congratulations to Clarecastle on their fine win.
Broadford Team: Óisín Kavanagh, Paddy Donnellan, James Vaughan, Gearóid Vaughan, Alex Mason, Michael Gough, Evan Connolly, Cian Mulqueen (Capt), Patrick Lucas. David Boland, Conor Phelan, Stephen O' Dowd, Paul McNamara, Jack Ward Murphy, James Mason, T.J. Dillon, Dean Ryan Cashman, James Quinn Tuite, Paul McNamara, Alan O' Brien, Shane O' Connell. Jamie Butler.
Management: Danny Scanlon, Bernard McMahon, Diarmuid Moloney.
The first 10 mins of the game were strongly contested but with no score to either team. Clarecastle got on the front foot after this and if it wasn't for some heroic goalkeeping from Óisín Kavanagh Clarecastle could have been ahead further in the early stages. Broadford found it hard to win much clean ball around the middle of the park but with battling performances all around the pitch you felt that if Broadford could keep it tight having the wind in the second half they could give themselves a chance. Although we fought hard with great efforts from all players like of David Boland and Patrick Lucas, it was to be Clarecastle's goal to prove we had a mountain to climb in the second half.
It was Clarecastle who started the stronger in the second half and with strong performances by Mike Gough and the Vaughan brothers to keep the scores down the Clarecastle forwards proved that it was their day to shine. Cian Mulqueen took on the Captains role and really rallied the Broadford side when they got the goal they had been waiting for. James Mason pounced on a loose ball and struck it brilliantly only to be saved by the Clarecastle goalie. Jack Ward Murphy stepped up to rifle a low ground strike to the back of the net. It was great to see the drive and determination by the younger players who came on in the second half. James Quinn Tuite one of the many players who worked tirelessly to get to grips with the Clarecastle attack. It was however to prove to be Clarecastle's day with a number of goals in the second half to put the game to bed.
A win was not to be for the lads from Broadford and Smith O’Briens on this occasion, but let’s not forget how well the team did to get to the final. This in itself took a lot of determination and hard work. This year has been a massive learning curve for so many young players having a chance to play in the 'A' division. This can only help to develop them as better hurlers for the future.
The players and coaches can be very proud of themselves, as surely everyone from Broadford GAA club is. Lastly, congratulations to Clarecastle on their fine win.
Broadford Team: Óisín Kavanagh, Paddy Donnellan, James Vaughan, Gearóid Vaughan, Alex Mason, Michael Gough, Evan Connolly, Cian Mulqueen (Capt), Patrick Lucas. David Boland, Conor Phelan, Stephen O' Dowd, Paul McNamara, Jack Ward Murphy, James Mason, T.J. Dillon, Dean Ryan Cashman, James Quinn Tuite, Paul McNamara, Alan O' Brien, Shane O' Connell. Jamie Butler.
Management: Danny Scanlon, Bernard McMahon, Diarmuid Moloney.
Thank you to Joanne Moloney for providing all of the photographs.