St. Colmcille’s brought their grading league campaign to a close on Friday night in Carraig na bhFear with a hugely encouraging performance against Ballygiblin, narrowly missing out on what would have been a deserved victory after the visitors produced a late comeback to snatch the win.
Colmcille’s started the brighter of the two sides and opened the scoring after eight minutes when Harry Galvin split the posts with a well-taken point from play. That score sparked a brilliant spell for the home side, who struck for two superb goals in quick succession.
Sean Buckley netted the first in outstanding fashion, showing terrific skill to pluck a high ball from the sky before finishing low to the net. Just over a minute later, Joseph Foley produced another moment of brilliance. Picking up possession and driving directly at the Ballygiblin defence, Foley powered through several challenges before rattling the net to leave Colmcille’s firmly in control.
Ballygiblin responded with a goal from a placed ball before adding two further points, but Colmcille’s finished the opening half strongly. Cathal Walsh chipped in with two excellent points from play to ensure the home side went in at the break leading 2-3 to 1-2.
The visitors reduced the deficit early in the second half, but Colmcille’s continued to battle hard all over the field. RJ Whitley added an excellent point from play, while Cathal Walsh converted a free as the home side remained in front entering the closing stages.
At the back, Eoin Cashman and Oran Crowley were once again immense in the full-back line, clearing countless deliveries and standing firm under sustained pressure.
However, Ballygiblin finished strongly with a string of late scores, including a crucial goal, to edge ahead in the closing minutes and claim a 2-7 to 2-5 victory.
While the result was disappointing, selectors Ken Walsh, John O’Sullivan, Dan Duhig, Brian Galvin and Paul Buckley will be delighted with the effort and progress shown ahead of the league proper in the coming weeks.
Team
1 – Cillian Buckley
2 – Oran Crowley
3 – Eoin Cashman
4 – Bobby O’Reilly
5 – Aaron O Sullivan
6 – Zach Forde
7 – Isaac Collins
8 – Harry Galvin
9 – Finn Dunne
10 – Cathal Walsh
11 – Joseph Foley
12 – Michael Looney
13 – Oisin O’Brien
14 – Sean Buckley
15 – Joe Duhig
SUBS RJ Whitley, Noah O’Donoghue, Daniel O’Donovan