Super sub, 74, hits winner for Gabriels

St Gabriel’s, one of London’s top hurling clubs, had their 74-year-old chairman to thank for a stunning league victory at the weekend.

The club’s intermediate team were 2-10 to 2-7 winners over Thomas McCurtains on Sunday with corner-forward, and pensioner, Kerril Burke hitting the decisive goal.

Burke, who has six London SHC titles under his belt from his playing days, was called upon as the team needed to start the second-half with the full compliment of 15 to avoid forfeiting the game.

Burke obliged and did more than just make up the numbers, hitting the crucial goal.

“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and put the ball in the net,” he said.

Burke couldn’t recall the last time he lined out, admitting: “It’s so long ago I can’t remember”.

After Sunday’s heroics, it will surely be difficult for management to ignore his claims for a starting place.

“Will I play again? Quite possibly. I’d never say never. I have warned some of the senior players to watch their backs. Nobody’s place is safe!”