U14 Hurling Overview 2014

Post date: Mar 12, 2015 6:30:56 PM

After capturing the U13 County ‘B’ Shield in 2013 the players had developed that winning appetite and wanted more in 2014.

Although the 2013 competition finished in September training continued until the end of November by player request. After a short break players regrouped in early January in preparation for the U14 Championship.

With a strong panel of 27 players Moycullen set their marker from the outset by beating Loughrea (‘A’ Team) in a friendly in Moycullen on 9^th February by a convincing 7 point margin. The U14B Championship commenced on 9^th March with a home tie against Sarsfields, Moycullen continued their good form with a score line of 6:08 – 0:03. Game 2 was an away game to neighbours Rahoon Newcastle on 16 March and Moycullen gave another solid performance and won the derby by 4:05 – 0:03. Game 3 was home tie vs Killimor. Moycullen made light work of the opposition by beating the South Galway team by 4:04 – 0:02. Game 4 was an away fixture vs Tommy Larkins. The home side were hit badly with a flu virus and were forced to surrender the points. With maximum points Moycullen hosted Gort who were the fancied team of the Championship. In that contest Moycullen lost their half time 4point lead and suffered a crushing 2 point defeat in the dying minutes. Onto Game 6 and Moycullen needed to get back on winning ways and travelled to Ahascragh Fohenagh on 21 April but on this occasion Moycullen suffered their second narrow defeat of the year by a score line of 3:04 – 2:05.

The Championship was then put on ice as the Feile na nGael was played over the last weekend in April. Moycullen hosted Mullagh on the Friday evening and set themselves up nicely for the weekend by beating the East Galway side by 2:09 – 0:02. The following day Moycullen travelled to Ballinasloe where they played Killimor and the hosts. The weather was tough on all teams but that didn’t dampen spirts or dis

Although Moycullen only needed a draw to secure a semi final spot they couldn’t be complacent. This was a near perfect performance and Moycullen won strongly on a score line of 4:05 – 0:01. Moycullen were drawn against Tommy Larkins in the County Semi final on 15 May in what was a rematch of the Feile semi final tie. This was assumed to be a tight encounter however Moycullen were ready for battle and found no place for second best on this occasion. Moycullen dictated the game from the very start and finished convincingly with a score of 2:07 – 0:05. With only 9 days to the County Final preparations commenced and players were getting ready to make Club history. On the last Saturday in May Mother Nature threw winter weather at Pearse Stadium but this didn’t take from the occasion. The U14C Championship and U14B Shield games preceded the main event. With a bes t score difference, the best defence record and a clean bill of health Moycullen were optimistic about their chances. The Connemara lads got off to a blistering start and regrouped at half time with a score of 2:01 – 0:00. Moycullen were well aware of the Gorts dangers and were determined to protect their lead and snuff out the Gort attacks. In the second half Gort piled on the pressure but Moycullen defences were equal to the challenge and instead pushed on to take the U14B County Title for the first time with a score line of 3:02 – 0:02.

U14 West 7-a-side Tournament

This inaugural 7-a-side tournament was developed by Emmet Heffernan of Rahoon Newcastle to continue competitive U14 hurling during the summer weeks. Moycullen, Rahoon/Newcastle, Salthill/Knocknacara, Liam Mellows, Carnmore & Oranmore/Maree enjoyed 3 evenings of hurling with 2 matches per night where all players got the opportunity to play a fast and open game. Moycullen lost both matches on the opening day but won all 4 remaining matches over the following 2 meetings against Liam Mellows, Salthill/Knocknacara and Carnmoe (twice)

Clooney Quin (Co, Clare) Tournament

On 26^th July Moycullen U14 set off to Clooney Quin to partake in their annual event. Moycullen beat O’Callaghan Mills in the opening match by 4:04 – 1:03. In the second match Moycullen were beaten by the hosts by 1:07 – 2:01. In the third match Moycullen played Tulla and managed to scrape a 1 point victory. Moycullen advanced to the final to play the host Club. Limbs were sore and energies were low but the players set out to take on the challenge. In the end Clooney Quin ran out winners but the Moycullen lads can be very proud of their gallant efforts.

Galway Duties

Both Cillian Clancy and Evan Kenny proudly represented Moycullen in the Maroon and White of Galway after being selected from

The team management of Marcus Carr, Adrian Clancy, Morgan Darcy, Sean Hester, Enda O’Connor & Ger Power would like to sincerely like to express their thanks to all the players for their unquestionable commitment all season. A big thanks to families and friends for their great support throughout the year. To our Club officers who are the back bone of the growing success of our Club and Aodh Davoren, Annemarie Walsh, Maureen Bohan, Colm Gavin, Martin Barrett must be applauded for their continued great work. We look forward to more success in the future as our U14 squad are already in preparation for the 2015 U15 competition