The Salthill/Knocknacarra under 15 hurling side exited from the city league at semi-final stage on Saturday 22nd November, but in spite of the result, ended the season on a positive note. This City League competition takes place very late in the year and is useful more as a preparation for next year's under 16 county championship, rather than an end in itself. In this regard, Salthill can be very happy with their performances.

With all players engaged in a range of other sports at this time of the year, including a number who recently captured under 15 city league and under 16 county football medals with the club, it is a difficult time to focus on hurling. But regular wall ball sessions have kept this group together and their performance last Saturday reflected this commitment.

A poor start saw opponents Moycullen race into a 2-2 to nil lead within the first 10 minutes and it looked very ominous for Salthill/Knocknacarra. But slowly but surely Salthill began to settle and eliminated some of their earlier mistakes, which had allowed Moycullen in for two soft goals. Moycullen added two more points but at this stage, Salthill were beginning to offer a stronger challenge. Led by Sam Knight in particular, Seanie Hughes and Conor O'Shea in the half-back line and with Ben Mulholland snuffing out attacks from the edge of the square, the supply of ball to the forwards suddenly began to improve.

But when Robert Butler at midfield suddenly began to play with great spirit and determination, the tide turned for Salthill. First O'Shea pointed a free. Then Stephen Kirk at half-forward did some great defensive work to prevent Moycullen clearing the ball upfield and from the ensuing attack, Gearoid Armstrong scored a fine goal. Salthill were on fire. For the next 10 minutes, Salthill played the best hurling this group has ever played, showing skill and class all over the field. Robert Butler added a second goal, following a clever run inside the defenece and a point from Brian Hyland reduced the deficit to two point at half-time. Moycullen were under pressure.

In second half, Salthill fought for every ball, with Brian Seagrave in particular dropping back to midfield to challenge for many balls. Young Joseph McNamara brought off some super saves in goal, while Fionn Doyle contributed his best in the corner. Armstrong moved out to midfield and Salthill began to have some meaningful attacks. Young David O'Sullivan, Joseph Curtin, Stephen Murray,John Haren and Seosamh Fallon alternated in the full-forward line but found it difficult to penetrate the Moycullen defence. Points from Conor O'Shea and Brian Hyland were matched by Moycullen points and the game hung in the balance. But with Salthill pushing forward, a gap opened up in defence and Moycullen broke through for a goal. 

But Salthill never gave up and right to the end searched for more scores. So although Moycullen go through to the final, this spirited display by Salthill sets them up well for an attempt at winning an under 16 championship next year. With a core of excellent players, the strength of the team will depend on the ability of the younger players to bridge the gap between under 14 and under 16 hurling, and with the right spirit and attitude, this group of players can do just that. 

Team: Joseph McNamara, Fionn Doyle, Ben Mulholland, Dara Burke, Sam Knight, Conor O'Shea, Seanie Hughes, Brian Hyland, Robert Butler, Stephen Kirk, Gearoid Armstrong, Brian Seagrave, Joseph Curtin, Stephen Murray, David O'Sullivan, Seosamh Fallon, John Haren