St Mark’s U15 players shine on Juvenile Hurling Colleges team

ST MARK’S GAA Club had three representatives on the South Dublin Juvenile Colleges Hurling side that successfully retained the Leinster League title recently, writes Stephen Sharpe.

The Under 15s game between Dublin South Juvenile Colleges and Good Counsel College, of New Ross, Co Wexford took place at Éire Óg GAA Club in Carlow and representing St Mark’s on the day were corner back Conor Burke, half forward Ross Byrne and full forward Jack Kielthy, all of whom play for the Under 15s and Under 16s within the Tallaght club.

A motivated Dublin team were gunning for revenge, having come second best to Good Counsel College in the group stages of the Leinster League.

Playing into the wind for the first half, Dublin raced ahead with three unanswered points, which included one from Kielthy.

With strong performances from the St Marks trio, Dublin pushed on to gain a stronghold in the game, running out winners on a scoreline of 3-19 to 0-8. 

Such a momentous occasion was made all the more special for young Kielthy, who raised the cup and proudly captained his county on the day.

The success of the three Tallaght stars was a historical first for the Springfield based St Mark’s GAA Club having such strong representation at county level, explains Juvenile Secretary Paul Burke.

“This is the first time in the history of St Mark’s that we have had three members on the same team representing the South Dublin Colleges team.

“These same lads also represent the club on the Dublin Hurling panel which is a massive achievement and something St Mark’s GAA Club are extremely proud of” he added.

Up to now, Dotsy O’ Callaghan and John Kelly have been the only players to represent St Mark’s GAA Club on the  Dublin senior hurling squad.

Yet, with the extensive effort invested in the underage setup by the club over the last few years starting to pay dividends, the pair’s lonely standing might soon be ended and the new crop come of age.