Jim Byrne Team cruise to semi’s

Shels met Ballyhogue in the quarter final stages of the Jim Byrne cup in Hollymount on Sunday and whilst the opposition fought hard to the end, Shels ran out easy victors on a scoreline 5-11 to 1-6.

 

The game was due to go ahead in Bree but their pitch was declared un playable so the fixture was switched to Hollymount where yet again our bottom pitch was in great shape despite all the previous days rain. Showing lots of new faces and with some of our regulars taking a well earned rest the home team started brightly with some excellent long range point scoring, with the aid of the breeze, especially from Stuart Lacey and Brian Murphy. After ten minutes of play our boys led by 5 points to nil. However Ballyhogue now started to find their feet and quickly replied with two great points from good distance. A three point lead with the aid of the elements didn’t look good for the home team, but as ever when the questions are asked of our boys they normally come up with the answers. The last 15 mins of the half were spent in and around the visitors goal and thanks to some great play from Shane Griffith, Brian Tobin, Kevin O Leary and others we held a healthy 3:5 to 0:2 half time lead. Highlight of this scoring spree was a brilliant left foot finish to the net from Fergal Hynes.
 
Now facing into the strong breeze the Shels boys were under a lot of early pressure but with Sean Walsh and Conor Deirham defending brilliantly we still held a good 3:6 to 1:3 lead after 15 minutes of the second half. As a result of Ballyhogue not getting the scores their good approach work deserved their heads seemed to go down a little and from there to the end the Shels boys showed their real class and added a further 2:5 to no reply from the visitors before the end of play. Despite the score line this game was closer than one would think but with great defending and some very impressive score taking our boys ran out comfortable winners in the end. They now go on to meet St Martins in Piercestown next Sunday in the Semi-Final and after their displays so far they look well capable of successfully defending their title. Best for the home team on a day when some of the less experienced players showed up really well were Shane Bierney, Noel Mythen, Stuart Lacey,Sean Walsh and Conor Deirham. Roll on next Sunday and all the support we can get would be really appreciated.