Ahane Minors v Tullaroan (Kilkenny)

Ahane minor hurling team travelled to Tullaroan in Kilkenny early Sunday morning for their first challenge game of the year. A real surprise was in store for us as the legendary local hurling genius, Tommy Walsh arrived into our dressing room to greet the lads on arrival and spent half an hour sharing some really insightful experiences with the lads and answered all of their questions afterwards. A true gentleman and a great sport.

Having had a good base of strength and conditioning work done over the past few weeks stood to the players as this was a very physical contest from the off. Early exchanges were very close and even though this was the first real hurling the lads had done together in 2019, they soon found a rhythm and put some very good passages of play together resulting in good scores.

We finished the break 3 points in front having played with a breeze at our backs so some fresh legs were introduced at half time to prepare for the tough challenge that lay ahead against the elements in the 2nd half. Tullaroan were quick out of the blocks in the opening 10mins of this half and had drawn level. They used the wind to good effect scoring some long range points and shut down our attack when we threatened in front of goal. 2 well taken goals from the home side shortly after had us behind by 5 points in the closing stages but the lads battled right to the end which was very pleasing and in the end the difference was 4points in favour of the home team.

The hospitality that was laid on by our hosts was top class and we all left with full bellies, back onto the bus for the eagerly awaited clash in Nowlan Park. This was a most enjoyable day out and the lads are all a credit to themselves in the way they represented the club. A long season lies in wait for the group with 7 championship games.

Panel was: Conor O Brien, Rob Magill, Jack Barry, Andy Rowsome, Denis Hayes, Peter O Grady, Adam Murrihy, Peter Donohoe, Mark Hickey, Mark Donnellan, Andrew Shanahan, Padraig Harnett, David Brennan, Kevin Morrissey, Ronan Fox, Aiden Carroll, Glen Jones, Shane O Grady, Gavin Cole, Cormac Greaney, Colm Slattery-Wright, Eddie Hartigan, Craig O Connell, Gavin Rowsome, Alex Holmes, Ciaran Coulter, John Donohoe.