Last Thursday the under 15 Football Team took to the field on a very windy day to play the 1st round of the County Championship. The match was to be held in golden GAA pitch and despite the harsh weather the field had held up well. The opposition on the day were Colaiste Mhuire, Thurles who had proved to be tough opposition many times before.
Thurles got off to a flying start, putting us under pressure from the beginning with an early goal and point. Great defending by Christopher Irwin and Christopher Malone kept us in contention. Jack Redican and Conor Cullan put the Thurles goal under pressure resulting in a goal and a point by Jack who was showing great leadership on the pitch. A goal by Thurles was responded to well with 2 points by Liam Óg, who’s experience was beginning to show. Another from Philip O’Sullivan gave St. Ailbe’s a narrow lead at half time with the score, Thurles 2:2 St Ailbe’s 2:3.
St. Ailbe’s came out all guns blazing in the second half. With a point and a goal from Christopher Irwin. Jack Redican added another goal. Thurles kept the scoreboard ticking over but with points from Chrissy Malone, Liam Óg and James Dee, we managed to maintain our lead and came out victorious with a score line of 4:7 to 2:7.
Jack Redican, our captain and top scorer said “It was an impressive performance but we need a little more training”.
All in all it was an enjoyable day for all involved and we were glad with the win. This team now moves forward to the next round of the championship and we believe with a bit of extra training they are in with a chance of winning the cup.
Robert Childs and Padraig Finnan
