JJ Hurley
Carrigdhoun’s Hurling team of the year
A bit premature as Carrigaline and Tracton are yet to finish their county journey, but here goes anyway with my best 15 for 24.
Before I name the chosen few, my choice comes with a disclaimer, I am mortal!
The first thing to be said about this year, it was a decent campaign in all competitions.
Beginning with the Co-Op Superstores League competitions, with five sides featuring in the final stages, as two lifted silverware, including Ballymartle and Carrigaline.
Carrigaline’s victory over the Barrs was a signal of a season that could yet prove historic for the South County side.
For those lining out in the Rebel’s colours Ballinhassig brothers, Darragh and Adam O’ Sullivan, along with Ballygarvan’s Kevin Lyons were robbed of a Munster title, by shall we say an oversight by an umpire.
On a senior level, Pat Collins answered all his critics, as he firmly took a grip on the number one spot and proved crucial to Cork’s appearance in the All-Ireland final.
Unlucky to lose out from the Cork team was Courcey’s Sean Twomey, who showed well in the league but lost out after the first round of the championship, but many would argue his best position is on the 40.
Back in the hometown, Pa Collins notched up an impressive 1-4 from the goal line as Ballinhassig, eventually fell to a rampant Carrigaline side under the baton of Eddie Murphy.
Joining him on this year’s team is the brother, Ger, who was very impressive for the season and was certainly missed against Carrigaline.
While Kevin Maguire and Darragh O’Sullivan make the line up just missing out are Adam O’ Sullivan and the evergreen Fintan O’ Leary.
Ballygarvan’s Kevin Lyons is the side’s only inclusion but Paddy Ryan and Ray O’Halloran were edging for inclusion too.
Carrigaline were of course leading the way and it was a lottery who made the final cut as David Drake, Enna Desmond and Rhys McCarthy can consider themselves unlucky.
Neighbours Tracton see Michael O’Sullivan making an appearance on the 14 but also considered were Ronan Walsh and the hard-working Sean Kiely.
Ballymartle might be absent but performances from Brian Corry, Shane Cummins, Cillian Lordan and Rickard Cahalane were noted.
Travelling down the hill into Belgooly, Eoin O’Donovan and Kevin Fitzgerald are destined to make the grade, but not just this year.
In the meantime, Barry Dwyer’s class earns him a start.
Courceys may have only one on the starting fifteen, but Sweetnam and Twomey are being warmed up.
Valley’s lone inclusion Brian McCarthy could be joined by a string of young guns, but their day will come, just not now.
Anyway, here is the line-up: Patrick Collins, Ballinhassig;
Kevin Lyons, Ballygarvan, Kevin Maguire, Ballinhassig, Darragh King Carrigaline;
Kieran Kavanagh, Carrigaline, David Griffin, Carrigaline, Fergus Lordan; Courcey Rovers;
Darragh O'Sullivan, Ballinhassig, Brian McCarthy, Valley Rovers;
Barry Dwyer, Belgooly, Ger Collins Ballinhassig, Rob O'Shea Carrigaline;
Kevin O'Reilly, Carrigaline, Michael O'Sullivan, Brian Kelleher, Carrigaline .
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