Well done to our Under 15 hurlers who competed in division 4 of the Féile nA nGael and qualified for the Cup semi-final. The boys finished 2nd in their group due to a stronger score difference and went into the semi-finals as underdogs.
The game started at a quick pace when Round Towers went 1 up from a long range free. The Kevins boys responded quickly with 1-1 from play within the 1st 5 minutes. Kevins were behind at half time on a scoreline of 3-4 to 2-1 and the Clondalkin outfit opened the 2nd half scoring with another point. Towers were beginning to look comfortable but as they started to introduce players from their bench, Kevins pounced and rattled the net with a goal and followed shortly with another 2 to take a 2 point lead. Tensions were high on the sideline as the large travelling support cheered on the boys, as Towers started to pile on the pressure once again. A late point brought it back to a 1 point lead, but time was running out and as the final whistle blew the game ended 5-2 to 3-7 in favour of the blues! Next up were the hosts and hot favourites St Oliver Plunketts / Eoghan Ruadh who had easily disposed of Castleknock in the other semi-final. Kevins put in a strong performance in an evenly contested 1st half with only a goal separating the sides 1–4 to 0-4. As the 2nd half commenced Kevins got off to the better start reducing the home sides lead to 2 points and dominating most of the play in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately the Kevins boys weren’t converting their dominance into scores and the Plunketts full forward won his duel with the Kevins full back (who had been outstanding throughout the day) and slotted the ball home, despite the supporters calls for a free out. The goal certainly gave the home side a boost, as they started to pile on the pressure with some slick movement and interplay resulting in an onslaught of scores and running out winners 3-10 to 0-5. Despite the loss the boys put on a display of hurling both on finals day and throughout the tournament and did themselves and the club proud.
The boys now look forward to the league campaign where they will compete in Division 3 and will host Commercials in their opening game on Tuesday 12th May in Dolphin Park. Throw in is at 7.30pm.
