After receiving a walkover from Cloyne who were unable to field on Easter Monday, we had almost a month long wait to have our second outing in the the East Cork Division 3 Hurling League.
Carraig na bhFear were the visitors to Shanagarry, and in similar fashion to our clashes with the red and green in recent years, we were treated to an entertaining and high standard hours hurling. Rovers were fortunate to be able to call on a full strength panel, availing of players how will be pushing for first team action this year. This was due to the postponement of the County Hurling League match against Ballygiblin, who sadly mourned the death of the Club President Jimmy Moher. Before we go any further, everyone at Russell Rovers GAA passes on their condolences to all at Ballygiblin and Mitchelstown GAA.
While Carraig travelled lightly, possibly only with 15 players available, it was clear from the early stages they were more than capable of troubling the Rovers defense. With a wind advantage Carraig hit the first two points, and while Rovers responded, a high ball deceived the Rovers full back line and the corner forward made no mistake with a first time pull past stand in keeper Seamus Kearney.
Carraig’s dominance continued, but Rovers finally found some rhythm in the second quarter with Dan Ruddy , Cormac Aherne and Fintan Murray finding the scoresheet. Those in attendance were then treated to one of the best individual goals seen in Shanagarry for a long time, if not East Cork. Wing back James Ahern saw space in from of him, and soloed over half the playing field to bury the ball to the net. In fact even more impressive was that James took two heavy challenges from the Carraig Centre and Full Back en route. If only it was recorded, James could be challenging Kyle Hayes for goal of the year!
Going into the second half with a 3 point lead, Rovers continued where they left off as Cormac Aherne grew his personally tally with more impressive free taking taking his final total to 12 points – 10 from placed balls. Shane O’Donovan found the target as well but complements must go to the Rovers defense who limited the opposition attack to 1-4 in the second half. The final quarter also saw Rovers Manager Kevin Moynihan use all substitutes, as Conor O’Brien, Alan Lenihan, Cormac Devery, Eoin McGrath and the evergreen Anthony Archer all made good contributions.
Finally, we welcomed Kevin O’Brien back for his first outing in a Rovers jersey since 2021. Kevin, now based in Galway after a spell in Swansea, put in a fine performance at half back until he succumbed to injury in the second half. Great to have you back Kevin!
Final Score:
Russell Rovers 1-18
Carraig na bhfear: 2-10
Team: Seamus Kearney, Aidan Beausang, Eoghan Devanney, Tom Morrison, Kevin O’Brien, Kevin Ivers, James Ahern, Kevin Tattan, Shane O’Donovan, Kiaran Aherne, Dan Ruddy, Fintan Murray, Jack Beausang, Cormac Aherne, Kevin Roche. Subs (all used) Conor O’Brien, Alan Lenihan, Cormac Devery, Eoin McGrath, Anthony Archer.
