Following an earlier encounter in the year which saw Ballyea beat the Bridge on a score line of 2-12 to 1-03 these two sides locked horns again today in O Garney Park for the U13 A Shield Final. On this occasion the Bridge came out on the victorious side on a score line of 2-07 to 2-04.
The Bridge played the opening half with a strong wind blowing into the far goals; which saw them start the stronger side. Within a minute of the throw in the Bridge had registered the opening score through a free from Seamus O Connell. This was swiftly followed by another pointed free in the 4th minute from the stick of Dara Fitzgerald. Things were only to get better for the Bridge when in the 8th minute they raised the green flag on two occasions. The first from a long range shot outside on the right side line from Tom Forde which dipped into the top right hand corner of the net. The subsequent puck out was won by Danny Dunne who's goal effort was saved; however, in the scramble in front of goal Gary O Callaghan got the vital touch to get the ball beyond the Ballyea goal line. Following this the Bridge were to be kept scoreless again until the 26th minute when Seamus O Connell pointed a free. During the 9th and 20th minute Ballyea got on the scoreboard which saw them put three points over the crossbar from Cian Kirby (free), Ciaran Connolly and Conor Meaney. Also just at the stroke of half time Ballyea raised their own green flag following some poor defending from the Bridge; leaving the Bridge with a one score lead at half time with a score line of 2-03 to 1-03.
On the resumption of the second half Ballyea were swift off the mark and had within a minute brought the game level. Which for the remainder of the game brought an anxious atmosphere until the final whistle was blown. Between the 8th minute and 16th minute Dara Fitzgerald converted three frees for the Bridge putting them back in front. On the 18th minute Ballyea drew this back to two from a pointed free. However this was cancelled out by a further Dara Fitzgerald free in the 23rd minute; also which saw it been the final score of the game. The closing minutes of the game were very intense; and some solid defence work saw the Bridge hold onto there lead.
After the game the shield trophy was presented to Seamus O Connell by Tony Kelly. Huge mention must be given to all players and mentors - Brendan O Callaghan, Jim Fitzgerald, Dermot O Sullivan and Barry Forde for their commitment through out the campaign.
Sixmilebridge: Cian Maxwell, Evan Neenan, Dara Fitzgerald (0-05 f), Patrick Ahern, Cian Johnson, Seamus O Connell (0-02 f), Jack Holloway, Tom Forde (1-00), Ian Collins, Daniel Chaplin, Conor Gilligan, Lee Mulready, Gary O Callaghan (1-00), Conor Murphy, Fionn Hayes, Mark Sheedy, Sean O Sullivan, Tan Greene, David Hassett, Daniel Dunne, Oisin Breen, Noah Sheehan, Fiachra O Braoin, Alex Muldoon, Gavin McMahon

Click here for a few photos of the presentation