Limerick tournament sets the ball rolling…..

Moycullen began their season in earnest in the toughest possible way with games against the #1 and #2 in the country, back to back in the limerick pre-season tournament.  Buoyed by a 2-0 start in friendlies, the team were in great form and put on a tremendous performance against all Ireland favourites, Neptune in the first match. In a thrilling encounter they went toe to toe with them throughout with Neptune’s greater depth proving the difference in the end.  Huge positives in the display were the scoring contributions from Max Brennan in open play and Conor Curran’s all round athleticism and leadership.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire….. a 15 minute break before facing Maree!! While fancying their chances of finally overcoming their local rivals, the optimism was guarded based no history and the fact that they had no rest from the Neptune game.  The optimism was further dampened with Maree hitting the first five points.  The guys dug in though and with Eoghan Kelly running the game from the point and John Hackett showing some lovely post moves Moycullen began to edge into the game….. Max Brennan was doing a great job on Eoghan Rockall while Connor Curran was doing the same on Rian Maher. Tight games often swing on small incidents and one of these arrived when Connor Curran picked up his third foul late in the first half.  This forced him to the bench for the early part of the second half during which Maree opened up a double digit lead…. in fairness to Thomas Walsh, Thomas Hackett and James Lyons, who rotated in, they continued their excellent summer form, and did more than was asked, but the matchup changes required gave Maree the opportunity they needed.  Credit to Moycullen, they never gave up and, despite playing their second match in a row, they finished the stronger. Ronan Clancy hit a big three and max, Eoghan and Connor hit some crucial scores as they narrowed the gap.  A three pointer by Connor Curran cut the margin to 1 with three seconds on the clock but Maree hung on.  Frustration for Moycullen but a great point to be starting from in all Ireland year…. they’ve proved they can play with the best; they now just have to find a way to beat them.

Categories: News, U-16 Boys