Sixmilebridge 2-11 Ballyea 1-08

Cusack Park was the venue last evening for the U15A hurling final between the Bridge and Ballyea both of which have been 2 of the most consistent teams in the Championship of 2023. Conditions were more akin to autumn/winter with rain falling throughout leading to greasy underfoot conditions which many believed would lead to a low scoring game.

The 'Bridge boys who were crowned U14A champions last year were many neutrals favorite's for the title but given the battles with the Black & Amber in recent years Tadgh Keoghs men were prepared mentally and physically for a massive battle in the park.

Rory Chaplin got the 'Bridge off the mark with 2 frees before midfielder Zak Phelan raised a white flag to settle the Bridge into a 0-03 to 0-02 point lead.

Points from play from Donal O'Leary and Rory Chaplin followed by a Chaplin free had the Bridge leading 0-06 to 3 before Ballyea reacted with 2 of their own to put the minimum between the sides.

Stephen Gavin added a point from play to put the 'Bridge 2 up at half time on a score of 0-7 to 0-05.

The 'Bridge tore into the game in the second half with points from play from Cathal Ryan and Zak Phelan followed by a free from Rory Chaplin to put us ahead 0-10 to 0-06 on 42 minutes.

Ballyea rallied and the Bridge failed to score for 10 minutes before Jack O'Halloran plucked a ball out of a forest of hurleys and launched a Bridge attack - the Ballyea goalie parried the ball and Stephen Gavin was on hand to finish it to the net to put us 1-10 to 0-08 points ahead with 8 minutes remaining.

Ballyea again lifted their game and started running at the Bridge backs who were superb throughout and were awarded with a penalty where Bridge goalie Conor Keogh faced the white eyes of Eoin O'Connor.

Conor Keogh Penalty Save

This video says it all as Conor blocked the penalty out for a 65.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1677043684116709379

Donal O'Leary from play put us 1-11 to 0-08 ahead before a super save from Conor Keogh was finished by Ballyea to the net on 60 mins to put the score at 1-11 to 1-08.

The 'Bridge finished strong with a screamer of a goal from substitute Conor Gleeson to ensure a Bridge win.

Presentation

Captain Cuan Mac Giolla Cearra and VC Conor Peacock accepted the cup followed by joyous scenes of celebrations by the huge support

https://twitter.com/i/status/1677049425917624320

Big shout out to the Bridge Ultras under the scoreboard who sang and shouted louder as the rain got heavier. Also to the families who made sacrifices for holidays to ensure boys could be available to play with their friends and team mates withflights from Spain, returns from camping in Cork and the Wille Clancy in Miltown. # ClubisEverything # BridgeAbú # AlwaysHurling

Homecoming

The traditional parade of the village took place on the teams return for what was the first hurling cup coming back to the village for 2023 and historically the first cup to come out training in our new indoor arena.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1677068072077631488

Roll of Honour

Under 15 A Championship (15) - 1967, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2017, 2021, 2023.

Well done all

Scorers:

Rory Chaplin 0-05, Stephen Gavin 1-01, Zak Phelan 0-02, Conor Gleeson 1-00, Cathal Ryan 0-01, Donal O'Leary 0-02

Subs used: Cian McInerney, Conor Gleeson, Dougie Brew