Scoil Aireagail Senior Hurlers had a hard fought and well won game against Patrician College Newbridge. On a wet and heavy pitch, the Scoil Aireagail lads started quicker and went into a 0-5 to 0-1 scoreline, Cathal Coogan and Matthew Murphy on target early. Great battling and persistence shown from all the team, from Cian Franks in goal whose puck outs found teammates to keep the pressure on the Newbridge backs, to Sam Mansfield who was a constant threat in corner forward. Sam and Patrick Irish chipped in with points, while Matthew Murphy and Cathal Coogan kept the scoreboard going to lead by 6, 0-14 to 0-8 at half time. Newbridge applied pressure early in the second half, but tight marking and great defence from all the team, limited their opportunities. Excellent hooking and blocking was on show particularly from Jamie Dempsey and Michael Catt, until Joseph Aylward made a powerful run from midfield to score into the bottom left corner of the net to put 6 points between the sides and give some much needed breathing room. Further scores from Jack Walsh Raggett, Coogan and Murphy, assisted by a captains performance from Michael OShea were enough to hold off a good Patrician College team, and win by 1-24 to 2-17. Well done to all the boys who await to see who they will meet in the final.
