On Saturday last in Martinstown, our under 21 hurlers had their first championship outing of the year, drawing with Garryspillane on a final score of Ahane 1-13 Garryspillane 0-16. Field and weather conditions weren’t exactly conducive to the spectacular hurling but both teams served up a game which included fine scores and great passages of play throughout.

Having played against the elements in the first half, we were behind at the break trailing 0-9 to 1-2. The combination of a tricky wind and poorly calibrated hurleys after the winter months resulted in quite a few ordinarily scorable first half wides. However huge credit must go the efforts of all the players for the work they got through to create the chances in the first place. Indeed the goal came towards the end of the half when Dara Cullimore battled with most of the full back line and keeper to break the ball to Ronan Reale who finished clinically to the net from a yard. 

The second half started brightly for Ahane with some superb long range scores narrowing the margin quickly, which included some real beauties from Dan Minihan. Indeed Ahane notched up 11 points in that second half but couldn’t find the magic score to go ahead before the referee called time and both sides had to share the points on offer.

The game was a tough battle throughout with no quarter spared during the physical exchanges, and we had powerful performances throughout the field. When Ahane's needs were greatest and the backs against the wall, it was great to see so many players on all lines of the field stand up and relish the challenge. While the older members of the team excelled, it was also heartening to see so many of the younger members start and come on as subs during the game with 7 of last year’s minors panel starting and 4 coming on as subs.

Overall, a point gained and the lads look forward to meeting our neighbours Murroe-Boher next Sunday (fixed for Cappamore at 3pm)