U16's Crash Out

Post date: Sep 02, 2013 9:54:19 PM

Edenderry 3-08

Ballinamere/Durrow 2-11

The U16 squad, on the road since the Leinster League in February will be disappointed that they fell at home to Ballinamere/Durrow. A six week layoff following the group stages seemed to affect the Reds as they sluggishly dragged themselves into the game. They trailed from the beginning and were taken aback at the intensity the Ballinamere/Durrow brought to the game. The lads were delighted to hear the half time whistle go as it gave an opportunity for management to take stock and try to bring some element of clam to proceedings.

However, despite a momentous effort in the second half and a very strong finish the lads just came up short and will rue a missed penalty in the final 5 minutes. For these players the harsh lesson will be –Championship is Championship and knockout Championship is Knockout Championship. No title is easy won and a huge level of commitment and intensity is required to compete at the top level. While our lads showed it in abundance on Tuesday last, it was only in patches and not for the full 60 mins as required. As Leinster League Finalists and Offaly League Semi-Finalists, this group have been the nearly men on too many occasions, hopefully with continued hard work their day will come.

Best for Edenderry were Oisin O’Grady, Aaron Moules, David Maloney, Lee Hyland, Peter McNamara and Jordan Hayes. The lads were well prepared by Mick Bryan, Adrian Mullen, Mickey Usher & Johnny Blong and they should be proud of their achievements, as each players was given a huge opportunity to improve over the course of the season.