Under 15B Hurlers  

On a night that wasn’t made for the silky skills we normally associate with hurling, our under 15B stickmen took to the field (pitch 12) on Wednesday night in what was in reality a league final against O’Dwyers. 

Up until then both teams were unbeaten in the league, and both knew that a win on the night would mean league honours would reside in either Raheny or Balbriggan. This ensured that both sets of players would bring the manic intensity that always accompanies the greatest hurling occasions, whether that’s an Ireland final in Croke Park, or better still, an under 10 club game on a Saturday morning in the local park. In fact the constant rain and fading light just seemed to add to the sense of do or die. 

Raheny got off to the better start, but even this biased viewer realised pretty quickly that O’Dwyers hadn’t travelled to the park just to make up the numbers. They soon found their stride and started to boss the physical clashes around the middle. The Raheny defence, and in particular the full back line were holding their own, and were managing to repel the regular threats on goal. And then somewhat fortunately, Raheny managed two quick scores, a minor and then a major. 

O’Dwyers were far from finished and managed two quick scores themselves, two points. A change or two of positions and Raheny at last started to get a bit more ball into the forwards. There were plenty of chances but for the remainder of the half we only managed one more score, but it was a good un, another goal. 

Half time - Raheny 2-01, O’Dwyers 0-2

The second half started as intensely as the first half had finished with players from both teams throwing themselves into challenges. But in fairness there was hardly a free merited, and there was no malice in the way lads got stuck in.  

Despite playing against the wind in the second half, Raheny started to take control of the game. Scores started to come a bit easier, and although O’Dwyers kept threatening, three goals from the local lads meant the last 5-10 minutes were more about not conceding than scoring. 

It’s a cliche, but it’s true, the team who wanted it more and who tried the hardest on the night came away with the spoils. 

Raheny 5-04, O’Dwyers 2-03

One final cliche before I finish. Leagues are not won in one game, it takes effort and consistency throughout the season, and that was certainly the case for this group of lads this year. Another great bunch of Raheny hurlers. 

A special mention of thanks to the under 14 players who supported this team throughout the year and without whom we couldn’t have fielded. And also to our toughest little man, our one and only under 13 who never shied away from lads who may have been an inch or two (or foot or two!!!!) taller.