Tank Runs Dry After Strong Carnmore Performance
Senior A Qualifier, Oct 24th, Ballinderreen
Carnmore 0–10
Athenry 0–20
Following a hugely improved and encouraging performance in round one of the qualifiers Carnmore faced into their last game of 2015 against Athenry, who they would have to overcome if they were to have any chance of earning Senior A status. Carnmore lining out as they did against Turloughmore played into a strong breeze in the opening half and for much of this half looked the better side trailing 0–8 to 0–5 at the interval having spurned some chances.
Playing into the breeze Carnmore opted to deploy more men at the back and from the get go this frustrated Athenry as their early efforts at finding the net were shutdown. In a half that was dominated by frees Carnmore expended vast amounts of energy with relentless tackling and hunting in packs. What was most encouraging was the percentage of ball Carnmore were winning on the ground and their ability to connect several passes and hold possession.
Athenry opened the scoring with points from Ronan Hardiman and Paddy Hannon before Kevin Killilea replied for Carnmore with a brace, one from the placed ball and the other from a tight angle on the touchline. Cian Burke would force a good save from Sean Nugent in a rare chance at goal before eventually settling for a point. Carnmore found further points through Barry and George Hanley with Danny Cummins always threatening in front of goal. Athenry had their own goal threat in form of Jack Carr on the edge of the square but Eoin Grealish and the full back dealt well with he’s aerial threat well throughout. At the half Carnmore would feel like the victory was well within their grasp.
Playing with a strong breeze and three in arrears Carnmore needed to get out of the blocks quickly in the second half, this wouldn’t material however as Athenry were first on the board through a Ronan Hardiman free after several minutes of ping pong where Carnmore really needed to score to keep the momentum. Carnmore continued to deploy men at the back and left Danny Cummins and George Hanley upfront in the hope of nabbing a vital goal, which would not come. Kevin Killilea would keep Carnmore ticking over from the placed ball.
At this point it was evident Carnmore were beginning to tire as the smart support play exhibited in the first was slowly being replaced with long hopeful balls and mistakes begin to creep in. Athenry seized this opportunity to pounce and effectively sealed the game in a ten minute spell with five unanswered points with scores from Mark Hannon, Ronan Hardiman, Cian Burke and David Donoghue to leave the score 0–16 to 0–8. With Carnmore out on their feet the game a would sizzle out in the remaining few minutes but they never gave up with Oisin Keane forcing a good save and some direct balls into the square providing some chances at the end.
Despite a winless 2015 Carnmore should not fear anyone in the Senior B grade next season. This is a young and energetic side with buckets of hurling in them. Having to adapt to a chance of management mid-season and essentially piecing together a game plan and a new look side in three weeks Carnmore produced two strong performances. With a full spring’s preparation under their belt and strong commitment Carnmore will give many Senior B clubs plenty to worry about.
Carnmore U16 Girls Claim A Shield
Carnmore continue to add to their haul at juvenile level with the U16 girls having three points to spare over a strong Shamrocks side in the A Shield decider in Athenry.
With the U16 side comprised of a strong U14 contingent the prospects for this team will be high heading into 2016.
U9s and U10s Run with the Best
In July and August Carnmore U9s & U10s where offered a fantastic opportunity. Pauline Harrington, an athletic running coach, offered to coach our players how to jog and run to the best of their ability over six weeks. This has developed better techniques and skills, not just for hurling but for the benefit of players’ future sporting activities
Pauline has coached numerous teams & individuals in their running skills. Her enthusiasm and the manner in which she engaged with our players gave the children an excellent coaching session filled with learning and fun.
Pictured is the last coaching session which took place every Friday evening for an hour and was very well attended by our players.
Much thanks to Pauline and also to parents who assisted her every Friday evening especially Martin Fahy.
