**Match Report** Kevin Barry's vs. Young Irelanders (Bill Drake Cup: Sun May 31st)

Sunday May 31st saw the Barry's take on Young Irelanders on a very warm day at Cardinal O'Doherty. Tensions were high from the previous encounter where Young Irelanders ran out victorious, so the Barry's had it all to do and a point to prove. The game started brightly with both teams exchanging early scores. The tackles were flying and tensions were running high on the side lines. The Barry's made the key break through midway through the first half with two well engineered goals from Brendan Trainor and Franko McBennett. Midfield powerhouse and team manager, Gerard Dillon, was introduced midway through the half and together with center half forward Gerard Regan, the Barry's were holding their own against the younger, stronger, Young Irelanders midfield. The first half ended with the Barry's leading the scoring.

The second half started with strong winds blowing against the Barry's. Young Irelanders started brightly and ate into the Barry's lead with a couple of scores, it was all to play for now!! Strategic kickouts from the Barry's keeper "Big" Dave, and the intricate short passing game along the back line by Landers, Harkin and McElhill, continued to frustrate the Young Irelanders. Throughout the game Patsy Quinn continued to be the Barry's main target man, and he did not disappoint slotting over points from all angles, in what proved to be man of the match performance. Quinn continued to keep the Barry's on the front foot with help from big corner forward Gavin Smith, who plucked one out of the air and took a fine score. The turning point in the game came midway through the second half when Trainor was fouled in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped that man Quinn again to cooly send the Young Irelanders keeper the wrong way and keep the Barry's ahead. This was a hammer blow for the Young Irelanders, and frustration grew deeper due to the free flowing short passing game implemented from the sideline by the Barry's coach Gary Rocks. Young Irelanders mounted a spirited fight back and rallied to within two points in the second half, but the Barry's held on for what proved to be a deserved victory. The Barry's got their point across and stage is now set for another mouth watering encounter!!

Final Score: 

Kevin Barry's: (3-6)

Young Irelanders: (1-10) 

Barry's Scorers: Patsy Quinn (1-5), Gavin Smith (0-1), Brendan Trainor (1-0), 

                             Franko McBennett (1-0)