U8s travelled to Kilmacud Crokes GAA yesterday (Sunday) and took part in their annual October Festival of Hurling. And certainly it was a hurling fest that our young lads provided. Two O'Loughlins teams played a whopping 5 matches each providing every player with plenty of game time. 12 clubs from all over the country provided 20 teams to compete. The boys as usual didn't disappoint as they fought and played hard to grind out some great results over top opposition such as Kilmacud, NaFianna, (both Dublin), Roanmore (waterford), Eire óg Nenagh and Castlecomer. The teamwork displayed, the intensity shown and the skills demonstrated were testament to the hard work they put in all year. Darragh Powell broke the opposition hearts on a number of occasions notching up a couple of long distance scores for his efforts. Eoghan O'Brien too weaved and cut through defences like a hot knife through butter causing all sorts of problems for defences all day and bagged himself a couple of scores in the process. There were huge performances too from Sean O'Neill, Sean Falsey and Sean Morrissey. Daniel McCormack showed his diversity by looking comfortable no matter what position he played. J J Mooney and Conor Murphy worked tirelessly to keep the ball moving forward. Opposition forwards were dispersed and scattered like bowling pins by the powerful Michael Lambert as he so often drove forward and cleared ball from his lines often aided by the equally powerful Greg Kelly. David Balfour, Luke Quigley, Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Comerford were relentless in their efforts, while Daniel Byrne on more than one occasion won the 'dirty ball' for his team. Luke Hanrahan dazzled and he wasU8swarded with a good a goal as you'll see in Semple Stadium on a summers' Sunday. Cormac Wall showed plenty of spirit in midfield as his hooking and blocking smothered attacks. Mathew Howe gave 100% until he became ill putting in some hard and strong tackles. U8 Camogie star Ena Lawlor also chipped in with a wonderful hook to prevent a ball being cleared and was unlucky on a number of occasions not to score. Conor Coyne's, Harry Nolan's and Eoghan O'Callaghan's contributions were essential to the days success as was Zach Evans, who's wearing of the number 9 jersey was no coincidence as he could easily be a contender for hurler of the year...just like Kilkenny's no 9, Richie Hogan. Before the team bus departed from Dublin the boys enjoyed a post match 'banquet' thanks to the club in recognition of all their hard work.
Big thanks to Kilmacud for a fantastic day. It was brilliant to see so many parents make the trip with the boys too..your presence at every age group is encouraged and on this occasion it definitely spurred the players on to a superb final team performance of 2014. Thanks to all involved and we look forward to next spring for the throw in to a new season.
Eoin Lawlor
Big thanks to Kilmacud for a fantastic day. It was brilliant to see so many parents make the trip with the boys too..your presence at every age group is encouraged and on this occasion it definitely spurred the players on to a superb final team performance of 2014. Thanks to all involved and we look forward to next spring for the throw in to a new season.
Eoin Lawlor
RSS Feed
