The second week of Gaelic sports action got underway over the weekend at hot and steamy Willawong Brisbane, Queensland with good football and hurling on view.
In the Senior Football Carpenter Cup, John Mitchels continued their good form when beating Souths by a comfortable seven point margin. The Souths, who were having their first run out of the season, have lost a few key members from last year through players moving interstate and injuries, but should still be a force.
‘Mitchels were always in control in this game with Tony Whelan and Charlie Byrne patrolling the middle and Brian Hay at center back making it difficult for the Souths forwards. His opposite number, Ronan Brady had a strong game for Souths, while Paul O’ Leary never got going in the hot conditions at midfield. For their first game, the Souths will be happy with some of the new players showing. The win sees John Mitchels go top of the table.
In the other senior football game, Harps were too strong for an improving Shamrocks. Harp’s Johnny Jordan was on song with some fine scores, while Steven McHugh profited in the middle picking up breaking ball for a fast moving forward line. Shamrocks had some very good players in Shane Butler and Matt Mayo.
The first Senior Hurling game of the season was a very close encounter with the new look Emeralds pulling off a fine two point win over the more fancied Cuchulains. Both teams put on an excellent display with some very good hurling. Rob Ryan, Barry McDonagh and Stephen Henry put in strong performances for Emeralds, while best for Cuchulains were Barry Egan, Will O’Shea, and Jimmy Whelan.
In Ladies Football, under strength John Mitchels got their second win with a comfortable victory over Souths, who were also having their first game of the season. Souths have picked up some new players and should improve with a few more games. ‘Mitchel’s Laura Shaughnessy took some fine scores while Janet Newell and Cathy Crowe were solid in defense. Souths Goalkeeper Claire Nolan, had a good game with some fine saves, while Orla Carey and Grainne Heduan tried hard outfield.
Meanwhile in Mens Football Division 2, John Mitchels had three points to spare over Souths, while Harps put in an impressive display against Shamrocks.
Report Seamus O’Sullivan, Queensland & Australasia GAA Chairman.
Results @ Willawong, Brisbane April 22, 2012
Senior Mens Football Div 1
Harps [40] 6.22 Shamrocks [10] 1.7
John Mitchels [14] 0.14 Souths [7] 0.7
Senior Hurling
Emeralds [18] 1.15 Cuchulains [16] 3.7
Ladies Football
John Mitchels ]30] 2.24 Souths [7] 1.04
Harps won on forfeit from Shamrocks
Senior Mens Football Div 2
John Mitchels [16] 1.13 Souths [13] 1.10
Harps [34] 6.16 Shamrocks [11] 2.5
NOTE: Watch out for forthcoming eBook on Hurling in the U.S. very soon.
