Mighty oaks from little acorns grow is an apt statement. When the Monaghan ref blew the final whistle in the splendid surroundings of Garvaghy sports facility in Co.Tyrone, Buncrana Senior hurlers had lifted the Ulster Tain League Div 5 title. As you may (or may not know!) Buncrana have had unrivalled success for the last 5 years at underage, and these first steps back into the unknown territory of Senior hurling level are tentative but necessary, the team barring 4 players had an average age of 18.5 years, unprecedented at senior level in any club, Monaghan side Truagh Gaels started the game as red hot favourites as they had completed their league unbeaten. From the throw in it was clear that this was going to be a tight affair, scores were hard earned with some of the more senior Buncrana hurlers a little ring rusty. Both sides went in at half-time level. From the throw in for the second half it was clear that there was only going to be one winner. Goalkeeper Tom Clares (jnr) goal was only breached once and his long-range puc-outs were the launch pad for many of our attacks. In front of him stood possibly man of the match Donal Og Mac Lochlainn, standing 6ft 4. It was a legendary performance from the 19 year old, ably assisted by Mitchel and Stokes. The halfback line of Daniel Wilson, Jack O Loughlin and Sam Doherty, the youngest line in the team, were relentless and quickly snuffed out any Farney side attacks. In midfileld Conor and Steven worked tirelessly, the forwards really coming into their own in the second half with the half forwards of Gerald Boyle, David Guilfoyle and Adam Duffy sharing 2:12 between them.The full forward line of Ronan Walsh, Philip Harkin and Darren Roe got more into the match as the game went on. Subs Paul Nelson, Fergal Doherty and Dermot Doherty all chipped in to what was a great night in the relatively short 12 years of Buncrana hurling. Final score was 3:18 to 1:15. Team: Tom Clare, Aedan Stokes, Donal Og Mac Lochlainn, Tomas Mitichel, Daniel Wilson (0:1), Jack O Lochlainn (0:2), Sam Doherty, Conor Grant (0:1), Steven Nelson, Adam Duffy (1:4), David Guilfoyle (Capt) (0:4), Gerard Boyle (1:4), Philip Harkin, Ronan Walsh (1:0), and Darren Doherty. Subs used were Paul Nelson (0:1), Fergal Doherty, Dermot Doherty, Cathal Wilson and Darren Robinson. To sum up, this was a small step forward but it was great to see the loyal band of supporters travel up and support and have been with this squad since they were U12. Around the field we had 7 or 8 lads who will come of age next year and add greatly to the future of Buncrana hurling but most importantly, it was great to see men who have been there since the start, Donal Mac Lochalinn and Chris Walsh, both with sons playing, and both will have been proud of the young charges. Team management of Tom Clare, Seamus Grant and Denis Harkin would like to thank all the squad for their efforts and now its onwards and upwards for the Donegal Junior Championship.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 10:12:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015