In Páirc Uí Rinn Ballincollig U16 Hurlers were crowned the P2 County Champions, a great night for hurling in Ballincollig and a great performance from all those involved.The Ballincollig team were very nervous at the start with Killeagh/St. Ita’s scoring the first point followed a minute later with a Ballincollig reply. There was great defending from Ballincollig in the first 3 mins as they were under huge pressure from Killeagh/St. Ita’s. They exchanged points, 2 a piece after 7 mins and then Killeagh/St. Ita’s hit 3 unanswered points. With 13 minutes gone Ballincollig found their rhythm and hit back with 4 unanswered points leaving Killeagh/St. Ita’s scoreless for 12 minutes. Killeagh/St. Ita’s scored on the 25th minute to draw the game and Ballincollig quickly replied with a point. Liam McGarry showed some wonderful hurling skills and was unlucky not to score and just before half time Killian Lee and Evan Cooke had a great bit of interaction play, Ballincollig going in at half time, 1 point to the good. As the second half got underway both teams exchanged points but by the 41st minute Ballincollig were 3 points to the good and then Killeagh/St Ita’s hit back with a point. The score was 0-10 to 0-8 in Ballincollig’s favour, with both teams exchanging points and on the 46th minute Stephen Wills hit over an excellent point, which was score of the game. Then on the 48th minute Killian Lee struck with a goal bringing the scoreline to 1-13 to 0-9 and on the 52nd minute Killian struck again, 2-13 to 0-9. Ballincollig hit over another point and the Killeagh/St. Ita’s lads hit 2 unanswered points. Ballincollig finished strongly with some great hooking and blocking from captain fantastic Josh Cotter and exceptional goalkeeping from Dara Dorgan. Sean Ryan, Matt Bourke, Joe O’Leary and Ryan Crowley were all introduced before the end. Full time score 2-14 to 0-11. There was some wonderful performances in the Ballincollig team and lots of young men in contention for Man of Match – Josh Cotter, Paul Cooney, Dara Dorgan, Evan Cooke, Cathal Lyons, Jason O’Connor, Conor O’Leary, Killian Lee to name but a few but to be fair this panel of players has shown great commitment all year long, so congratulations to everyone, and to Terence and his backroom team, fantastic stuff! Ballincollig Abú!
The U10s hosted Midleton last weekend in a very enjoyable hurling league tie. Ballincollig played some impressive hurling across the three games, winning two of the matches well and losing the third by a goal. Danny Miskella and Daniel Kirstein were in rich scoring form for one team, setting the tone from the off. They were backed by the defensive efforts of James Kelleher, Cian Aherne and Ethan Donovan, with Matthew Thompson holding firm in goal. With a little help from three U9s to make up the numbers, Cian Mulcahy, Killian O’Farrell, Caolan Walsh and Ilan Murphy were to the fore in another emphatic victory. As much as the hurling, the drive shown impressed the coaches. Despite scoring 3-14, Ballincollig lost the other game after getting caught for a few unfortunate goals. Kevin O’Leary was outstanding at midfield, with Cian O’Connor and Daniel Walsh hurling well in the second half. Matthew Murray, Ciarán Ward and Ciarán Duggan chipped in with scores, while Tadhg Murphy finished strongly up front.
33 Ballincollig U8 Hurlers travelled to Riverstown to play Sars. There were 4 teams lined out for each Club and each team played 2 great games. The boys played their first full game of hurling (not ground hurling) and their progress was evident for all to see. It was great stuff! Well done to them all.
The Ballincollig U6 Hurlers took on St. Finbarrs in the Club last Saturday morning. It was a very successful outing with 6 matches being played and the great enthusiasm was palpable from the children, coaches and parents. There was some great scores and great skills on display from the kids and this Saturday the U6s are taking on Sars. Up The Village!