Sports

Report on our Indoor hurling

By Simon Holland

On the 22nd of February 2004 our school indoor hurling team were playing in Riverstick. We played two teams, Ballinspittal N.S. one of our old rivals and Gurranes. Ballinadee had to be successful in at least two of their matches to get to the Final night. The starting line up when playing Ballinspittal were; Liam mc McCarthy, David Lord an, John Kingston, Simon Holland, John Crowley and Cian Walsh. At half time Ballinspittal were winning 5-0. At half time our coach Mrs. Kingston spurred us on, made a few vital changes. In the second half, which was very exciting, we made a fantastic recovery to eventually draw 8 all. It was still 8 all when the final whistle blew. Our next match took place immediately and we managed to pull off another draw against Gurranes. Gurranes went on to lose to Ballinspittal 4-2. Ballinspittal went through in top position to the finals and we went through in second place. The final was on March the 2nd. In Rochestown.Ballinadee was playing St. John's Kinsale. The kick off was at six o clock.St. John's looked the better side at the outset bit Ballinadee scored the first goal. At half time it was 2-1 to Ballinadee. In the first seconds of the second half St. John's scored a fast goal to level. This was followed by a fast retaliation from Ballinadee. At the final whistle the sides were an even 3 all. The match went to extra time. At the end of a hard fought extra period Ballinadee scored the winning goal. A free was awarded to Ballinadee. Simon Holland took the free and the sliotar hit the net resoundingly. The final saw us playing our neighbouring school Ballinspittal. The match began with no side scoring for quite a while despite the fact that Ballinspittal had many chances. The goal finally came just before half time. At halftime it was 1-0 to Ballinspittal.They went on to secure a further three goals, the last goal just seconds before the final whistle. Ballinadee did not seem to have any answers this time round. Ballinspittal received gold medals and a trophy and we received silver. Tired but happy we headed for home. Well done to our neighbours in the other parish school".Beidh la eile ag an bPaorach."