Here's to the hurlers to show our support and admiration for you all!
Three match reports from the Primary 6 Class in St. Patrick's, Loughgiel
Take 1
Last weekend an optimistic Loughgiel team set off to Parnell Park to retain their title as reigning All Ireland champions. The atmosphere was filled with extreme anticipation. Loughgiel kicked off with a slow start which left them three points down inside three minutes. Fortunately, the Loughgiel boys managed to score two points, which seemed to renew their confidence. After a hard fought twenty minutes, Loughgiel finally got a breakthrough with a Shay Casey poacher's goal. This was closely followed by a second half disaster with Loughgiel conceding four points on the bounce. Thanks to a Benny McCarry special, Loughgiel got through to extra time.
In the first half of extra time, the heavy pitch conditions led to St.Thomas scoring a fluky goal. After this the dejected Loughgiel fans felt that all chances of appearing in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day were lost. However, in the closing seconds of the match, the legendary Liam Watson stepped forward and scored an epic goal past eight of his opponents. The devoted Loughgiel supporters exploded into wild, uncontrollable excitement as they realised their chances of becoming the double-crowned All Ireland Champions had been restored.
Take 2
On Friday the 8th of February, a very anxious Loughgiel hurling team set off to participate in the All Ireland semi-final in Parnell Park. The enthusiastic Loughgiel fans cheered wildly as the determined team jogged nervously onto the pitch. At the beginning of the match St. Thomas got off to a flying start, leading by three points.
To the relief of their fans, Loughgiel began to raise their game and scored many well-deserved points. Towards the end of the game a hopeful Loughgiel team were leading by one point. However disappointment struck as St. Thomas scored a point, taking the match to extra time. At the kick off of extra time the intensity of the crowd's nerves could be felt throughout Parnell Park. In the closing minutes of the match the disheartened Loughgiel supporters has given up all hope of reaching the All Ireland final. Incredibly, in the last hit of the game, a pressurised Liam Watson scored a tremendous twenty one yard goal with such force that it ripped through the back of the net. This left it a memorable day for the players and fans of Loughgiel Shamrocks.
Take 3
Last Saturday a nervous but confident Loughgiel hurling team went to Parnell Park in Dublin to take part in the All Ireland semi final. The fans roared loudly as the team ran onto the pitch. Loughgiel got off to a terrible start and St. Thomas scored three confident points in the first minutes of the game. The pitch was very wet and muddy but Loughgiel played their best and drew level. Towards the end of the game the fans were very disappointed as they thought the match was lost. Liam Watson then stepped up for a twenty one yard free and put it in the back of the net, past eight defenders. It was unbelievable and the crowd went crazy! It was an astonishing end to a great match. The final score was 1 - 25 to 3 - 19 .
Match reports from Saturday 16th February to follow! We will always follow the "Shamrock's Call". Good luck boys from all in St. Patrick's!!