Rapparees 0-12  Shelmaliers 1-14

A most disappointing start to our week with our U/21 hurlers going out of the Championship in the second round being beaten by Shelmaliers 1.14 to 12 points.

Despite gallant efforts by team captain Tommy Tucker Foley covering every area of the field and scoring 7 of our 12 points and doing all in his power to rally his troops – we were a far cry from the side who lined out the previous week against Ferns in the same competition. It was almost as though we waited for the Shels to carry the game to us rather than us going out from the onset to win it. And that is taking nothing from a good strong Shelmalier side – but we looked a bit lack lustre and sluggish compared to the display against Ferns.

Yet for most of the game there was nothing bar a point or two separating the teams but with 5 minutes to go and a failed goal attempt from us followed by a goal at the other end the outcome was clinched in the Shels favour.

John Ryan was commanding and strong in his fullback position flanked by the terrier like Rory Newe and gazelle like Jack Kelly striving forward and Ger Foley, Barry Nolan and Aaron Ronan giving some inspiring moments up front but it wasn’t enough as the Shels go on to contest the semi final and we regroup and try to get in a little preparation in for the U/21 Football Championship.