What a climax to the U10 hurling year!
Post date: Oct 25, 2012 6:06:11 PM
Last Sunday in Carnmore x43 Moycullen hurlers played 5 matches in the Turloughmore Tournament Finals. This tournament has involved a total of 17 fixtures against 12 other Galway Hurling Clubs over the last 6 weeks. On Sunday last we entered 1 extra team to maximise the game time for the 43 Moycullen players who participated in the event.
At 10am the first of our 3 teams took to the pitch and they were a little apprehensive about facing Carnmore. Just 7 days previously we received a lesson in power and scoring from the reds in the league section of the competition. Cheered on by fantastic Moycullen support the boys rocked the favourites with a huge display of attacking skill and passionate tackling in the 1st half. We led by 2 points at halftime, and it could have been more. Moycullen continued to ignore the underdog tag in the 2nd half but eventually succumbed by just 4 points in the end. Carnmore went on to win the final of this section by 1 point after extra time. In the meantime, the Moycullen boys played a second game Vs Craughwell and after recovering from a slow start they fired into the game against another of Galway’s hurling strongholds. Just a couple of scores separated them from victory once again but all the fundamentals are in place. All of these boys are available for next year’s tournament. Watch this space next year!
At 12.30 the second of our 3 teams took the field, once again Vs Carnmore 1 (older players). Carnmore were unbeaten in the group stages and had overcome Athenry, Clarinbridge, Oranmore Maree, Turloughmore and Craughwell. Our boys had overcome Liam Mellows, Annaghdown, Salthill and Killimordaly to make this highest tier of the competition. The odds were against Moycullen but nobody told the players! The next half hour was an end to end cliff hanger. It could have been Croke Park or Thurles. The local support had swelled to match the vociferous Moycullen bandwagon and we were provided with a royal battle with no quarter given or asked. (Yes, its only u10!). When we grabbed our breaths Carnmore had sneaked it by 2 points in a thriller and were visibly relieved. Moycullen were more disappointed than they should have been. What a performance considering the track record of the opposition. With the help of some fizzy orange from the Joyces we regrouped and marched down to pitch 3 to take on the might of Athenry at 2pm. They didn’t see us coming because from the 1st ball Moycullen dominated in most positions and swept aside the opposition with some impeccable score taking from all angles mixed in with an incredible display of hooking and blocking (the foundation of our future…..)
Finally, after a regrettable 1 hour delay the last of our 3 teams took to the field at 3pm Vs Liam Mellows. The official score was a draw, and we have records to prove it! Young Morgan Darcy made his debut in goal (where else!!) and this seemed to bring out the paparazzi in force. Many of the parents from the other 2 teams waited on to support the boys in this remaining fixture. (This final show of support was one of the highlights of the day).
When the blinding flashes of brilliant hurling and camera photography finished all of the players were rewarded with some green and white socks and some “healthy” options!
What a day, what a year. We have had 23 games, 25 training sessions and a whale of a time. Well done to all the coaches and everyone who supported the boys to play hurling in any way during the year. Particular thanks to all the partners and spouses for holding the fort while we immerse ourselves in hurling. The motely bunches who show up religiously to coach include David Kearns, Martin Barrett, Joe Corr, Mattie Donohue, Frank Enright and Sean Hester. At great expense we have had Ultan O Sullivan, Aodh and Caoimh Davoren for guest appearances whenever we needed their help. Thank you Chris Hurney, both Morgan Darcy’s and Tom McDermott for refereeing our games, Maureen for gear (at no notice!) and to Enda O Connor for the ash – boy was it used! Thank you Martin Davis King for all the evenings that you simply step up and do something without being asked. Apologies if I have neglected to mention anyone else, I’m sure I have forgotten someone.
Last, but not least, the players. You are beginning to fulfil the potential you have shown as small boys. Some of you were as young as 3 when you arrived at the pitch but we can see the leaps you are taking as every week and year goes by and you are thrilling your coaches and supporters with your performances. Please continue to practice on your own with the wall or with your friends. The players who already practice regularly are beginning to stand out in training and games. We want you all to get the thrills that come from really mastering the skills. To prepare you for approximately 30 more years of hurling let’s see you back on the pitch again next year le cunamh de!