In sweltering conditions that tested both stamina and spirit, we produced a stirring performance to come from behind and claim a hard-earned victory.
We began in sluggish fashion, struggling to find any rhythm amid the oppressive heat.
Legion started impressively, buoyed up by the strong breeze and with their middle 8 applying constant pressure we found ourselves 3 points in arrears by the 8th minute.
Darragh O’Connor had our first shot at the posts raising our first white flag and he went on to be the tormentor in chief after this, with an outstanding performance, that saw him pilfer 4 points from play and drawing fouls which resulted in further scores.
For much of the first half, we found ourselves on the back foot, battling not just the scoreboard but the soaring temperatures as well. As the fifteen minute mark approached we were 0-07 to 0-02 in arrears, Jack adding to our score with Legion having a spread of scorers in Josh Bowler, David O’Sullivan and Ryan O’Grady.
The water break was welcome and after it we were a different team.
We began in sluggish fashion, struggling to find any rhythm amid the oppressive heat.
Legion started impressively, buoyed up by the strong breeze and with their middle 8 applying constant pressure we found ourselves 3 points in arrears by the 8th minute.
Darragh O’Connor had our first shot at the posts raising our first white flag and he went on to be the tormentor in chief after this, with an outstanding performance, that saw him pilfer 4 points from play and drawing fouls which resulted in further scores.
For much of the first half, we found ourselves on the back foot, battling not just the scoreboard but the soaring temperatures as well. As the fifteen minute mark approached we were 0-07 to 0-02 in arrears, Jack adding to our score with Legion having a spread of scorers in Josh Bowler, David O’Sullivan and Ryan O’Grady.
The water break was welcome and after it we were a different team.
Sometimes the deadliest heat comes from within!
Tom Hoare and most especially Daniel Bowler led the fight back and by half time we had reduced the deficit to one point, 0-08 to 1-04 with the goal coming in the 22nd minute via Conor Hayes; Darragh had weaved his way through the defence and though fouled as he pulled the trigger, Conor followed up and found the back of the Legion net.
Shortly afterwards, Daniel Bowler went on the overlap and after playing a one two with Conor Hayes he just pulled his right footed shot left of the posts with Brian Kelly well beaten.
The halftime deficit was not insurmountable and the freshening breeze gave us cause for further optimism.
Buoyed by that momentum, we came out in the second half with renewed energy and determination. Our work rate was exceptional, and we began to dominate key battles across the pitch.
Tom, Jack, Darragh, Daniel and Barry John now began to win their key battles, Ben Hanafin was industrious and it was Legion who began to wilt.
Our attacking play sharpened significantly, and our efforts were soon rewarded with a flurry of well-taken scores, with Conor Hayes (2), Darragh ( 2) and a magnificent two pointer from play from Jack all inside the opening 10 minutes opening up a commanding lead of 1-10 to 0-08 before Legion, through Josh Bowler registered their first score which was quickly negated by Jack from a free after Darragh was pulled back as he stormed through.
We had introduced Gearóid Savage, Con Barrett, TJ Heaphy, shortly after the water break and they brought fresh legs and impetus - Gearoid drifted into the middle to take a lovely cross field pass from Jack and he calmly slotted over to increase our advantage.
We were now in the final ten minutes and though Legion, to their credit, continued to attack we held the upper hand with Darragh & Jack both from play adding the final scores to leave us worthy winners on a final scoreline of 1-15 to 0-15.
At the heart of our resurgence was a string of outstanding individual performances. Darragh was immense throughout, covering ground tirelessly and attacking with real intent. Man of the match Daniel Bowler was simply superb—dictating play, winning crucial turnovers, and leading by example at both ends of the field.
They were ably supported by the experienced trio of Tom, Jack, and BJ, who used all their know-how and composure to steady the ship and guide the team through pressure moments. Their leadership, especially in the final quarter, ensured we kept our shape, stuck to the game plan, and saw the result over the line.
Our defence too stood firm - Jake was in command at full back, Darragh McElligott was composed, Ben worked tirelessly and Rob was as dependable as ever; Gearoid Dillane took his now customary point with ease ensuring we move to top of the table jointly with our near neigbbours Austin Stacks who we meet on the weekend of the 22nd June - before that we have an encounter with Ballymacelligott, which will take place next weekend and most likely in Caherslee pitch due to the closure of Ballymac’s ground.
Shortly afterwards, Daniel Bowler went on the overlap and after playing a one two with Conor Hayes he just pulled his right footed shot left of the posts with Brian Kelly well beaten.
The halftime deficit was not insurmountable and the freshening breeze gave us cause for further optimism.
Buoyed by that momentum, we came out in the second half with renewed energy and determination. Our work rate was exceptional, and we began to dominate key battles across the pitch.
Tom, Jack, Darragh, Daniel and Barry John now began to win their key battles, Ben Hanafin was industrious and it was Legion who began to wilt.
Our attacking play sharpened significantly, and our efforts were soon rewarded with a flurry of well-taken scores, with Conor Hayes (2), Darragh ( 2) and a magnificent two pointer from play from Jack all inside the opening 10 minutes opening up a commanding lead of 1-10 to 0-08 before Legion, through Josh Bowler registered their first score which was quickly negated by Jack from a free after Darragh was pulled back as he stormed through.
We had introduced Gearóid Savage, Con Barrett, TJ Heaphy, shortly after the water break and they brought fresh legs and impetus - Gearoid drifted into the middle to take a lovely cross field pass from Jack and he calmly slotted over to increase our advantage.
We were now in the final ten minutes and though Legion, to their credit, continued to attack we held the upper hand with Darragh & Jack both from play adding the final scores to leave us worthy winners on a final scoreline of 1-15 to 0-15.
At the heart of our resurgence was a string of outstanding individual performances. Darragh was immense throughout, covering ground tirelessly and attacking with real intent. Man of the match Daniel Bowler was simply superb—dictating play, winning crucial turnovers, and leading by example at both ends of the field.
They were ably supported by the experienced trio of Tom, Jack, and BJ, who used all their know-how and composure to steady the ship and guide the team through pressure moments. Their leadership, especially in the final quarter, ensured we kept our shape, stuck to the game plan, and saw the result over the line.
Our defence too stood firm - Jake was in command at full back, Darragh McElligott was composed, Ben worked tirelessly and Rob was as dependable as ever; Gearoid Dillane took his now customary point with ease ensuring we move to top of the table jointly with our near neigbbours Austin Stacks who we meet on the weekend of the 22nd June - before that we have an encounter with Ballymacelligott, which will take place next weekend and most likely in Caherslee pitch due to the closure of Ballymac’s ground.
Team: Rob O’Connor, Ben Hanafin, Jake Foley, Darragh McElligott, Gearóid Dillane ( 0-01), Ryan Carroll, Daniel Bowler, Tom Hoare, Barry John Keane, Tomás Kennedy, Jack Savage ( 0-07), Padraig Griffin, Conor Hayes ( 1-02), Conor O’Sullivan, Darragh O’Connor ( 0-04).
Subs used: TJ Heaphy, Gearóid Savage ( 0-01), Con Barrett, Keelan Crowe,
