Minors off to a winning start!

New look jersies by Peter Corr Contracts worn for first time!

Naomh Colum Cille minors began their league campaign last night (Wednesday) with an emphatic home win against Seamróga an tSratha Báin (Strabane).

There were strong performances throughout the team however, with respect to the opposition, there will be tougher battles ahead. Spearheading the side was Fionnán Salmon at full forward who gave a great exhibition of goal scoring, much of it due to his determination in winning possession at times when it seemed the opportunity was gone. In the closing stages he went into goals and made a superb save, as Conor O'Neill went outfield.

Also outstanding along the full back line was Marc Hamilton and Ferdia McCartney ably assisted by young Erikas Petrauskas in the corner who continues to improve with every game after showing well with the U15 team.

The Shamrock forwards got little change form Conor and Odhrán McMurray a formidable force repelling attacks and making long clearances into the forward line while Eoin Canavan also provided great support to the mid-field and attack with his runs upfield. The tackling, hooking and blocking from the back division forced the visiting team into hitting a number of wides as well loosing possession.

Lughaidh Ó Néill and Conor Doherty, two highly skillful midfielders, put in a fabulous hour of hurling with some terrific fielding, passing and claimed some excellent points of their own.

The strength of Thomas Kelly-Watt in the forward line was pivotal to winning loose ball with Donncha O'Neill, Callum Jackson, Cormac Talbot and Michael Kerr also showing a great array of skills that make the training and tough days coming through youth level all worth it. Most of the Naomh Colum Cilles scores came from play with all of the forward division on the scoreboard as well as great points from mid fielders Doherty and Ó Néill and Odhran McMurray as well who came up from the backline to land a long-range point. Conor O'Neill, who was in goals for the first half, also kicked a goal in the dying minutes when he went into the forward line.

It is a minor side with great potential however managers Paul Mór and Drew Doherty are acutely aware there is plenty to work on as they look foward to the rest of the league campaign.

Training continues on Monday at Páirc Chlochóg and we travel to Fionntamhnach for our second Tír Eoghain league game next Wednesday night.

* A special word to the Shamrock lads and management who made the long journey on a Wednesday night and never gave up. Indeed with the last play of the game, they scored was a thunderous goal from a free before the referee blew the final whistle. Hurling is a tough task master and progress is circular in that it deals you disappointment much more than success. No one knows that more than NCC! At the same time it breeds resilience which is a great quality to have through life. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí!

* Naomh Colum Cille: Conor O'Neill, Erikas Petrauskas, Marc Hamilton, Ferdia McCartney, Connor McMurray, Odhran McMurray, Eoin Canavan, Lughaidh Ó Néill, Conor Doherty, Thomas Kelly-Watt, Donncha O'Neill, Callum Jackson, Cormac Talbot, Fionnán Salmon, Michael Kerr.

* Thanks to Eugene Mór for the great selection of action photos!