Sporting contests are often described as "a game of two halves," but rarely has that phrase rung as true as today’s tightly contested clash, where the elements—particularly a persistent strong breeze—played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this tie. 

The loss of key players such as Tom Hoare, Barry John, Conor Hayes and Con Barrett from our previous encounter, meant we had to dig deep into our squad, resulting in full league debuts for teenagers Breandán Meehan, Brayden Pierce and Jake Hoare - Ben O’Brien and Darragh McElligott  were paired together in midfield with Darragh O’Connor leading the attack. 

We had the aid of the elements in the first half and started brightly with Darragh and Gazza to the fore and had 0-06 on the board by the 12th minute, the highlight being a massive two pointer from Darragh on 7 minutes.

Glenbeigh Glencar had to wait until the 17th minute for their first score, a point from play from their inside forward Daniel Griffin but we continued in the ascendancy with a smashing two pointer from play from Gazza plus another point from Darragh as we raced into a 0-09 to 0-02 lead approaching the final 10 minutes of the half.

Darragh was the tormentor in chief and having rounded the full back, he forced the baideoir Cian Knight into a fine save but minutes later he repeated the trick and this time raised the green flag with a fine finish off his left. 

We were full value for our 10 point lead at half time, 1-11 to 0-04. 

The second half was marked by an evident shift in momentum, not just due to tactical adjustments, but the influence of the wind, which picked up with intent. 

GG, now playing with the breeze at their backs, made the most of the conditions. Their decision-making was sharp, their execution clinical. They slotted four two-pointers from range, capitalizing brilliantly on the extra carry the wind afforded and were just a goal in arrears, 1-11 to 0-11 as we approached the 10 minute mark.

Darragh from a dead ball lifted the siege, but GG replied with another 2 pointer, this time Caolim Teahan judging the wind perfectly to leave just two points between the sides. 

In contrast,we faltered playing into the wind. A series of wides in the second half painted a picture of growing frustration and urgency. Rather than adjusting to the challenge and showing composure, there was a clear tendency to force plays—risky cross-field passes and hurried build-ups became all too common. Possession was squandered, and patience—a hallmark of our first-half performance—evaporated under pressure.

Pa Kilkenny, still going strong at centre back, tied up the scores with GG’s fifth two pointer and the game was now anybody’s for the taking.

Jake Hoare, gathered a ball in the corner following a good attack, and when his shot deceived the keeper and came back into play, it was another teenager, Odhran Kerins who found the back of the net to give us some breathing space. 

However, GG had other ideas and their sixth two pointer followed by an equalising point in the 31st minute ensured a share of the spoils. 

It's a tough pill to swallow to draw a game that would have forced a playoff, especially in such dramatic fashion, but the experience gained by these young players under pressure could prove invaluable in the long run.

Management will undoubtedly rue today’s missed opportunity for another tilt at our neighbours Austin Stacks, but will take heart from a fine league campaign. 

The blend of experienced stalwarts and the enthusiastic emergence of promising teenagers bodes well for our championship aspirations. The lessons learned, both in victory and defeat, will be vital as we prepare for the next challenge.

Final Score: 

KO'R 2-12 

GG    0-18

Team: Robert O’Connor, Breandán Meehan, Donagh Buckley, Jake Foley, Gearóid Dillane ( 0-01), Ryan Carroll, Brayden Pierce, Darragh McElligott, Ben O’Brien, Ben Hanafin ( 0-01), Keelan Crowe, Padraig Griffin, Gearóid Savage ( 0-03), Darragh O’Connor ( 1-07), Jake Hoare.

Subs used: Odhran Kerins ( 1-0), Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Ross O’Callaghan.