Hurling Update
Exciting times for hurling….
It’s always exciting to be a hurler but the last few weeks have been particularly eventful for our young hurlers.
Between finals in Navan, exhilarating wins, trips to Portumna and World Record Attempts it has been a busy and exciting few weeks.
The Saints recent Trip to Portumna.
For the past three years we have joined forces with our neighbours St. Pats to form a Hurling team for our U.12s upwards. This new team nicknamed “The Saints” have really started to make headway with our U.14’s last year reaching a cup final and our 12’s reaching their first final a matter of weeks ago.
To celebrate our success, The Saints took a trip to Portumna Co. Galway to visit one of the most successful hurling clubs in the country. The trip involved a visit to a hurley worshop which happened to be owned by the Canning Brothers (Ivan and Joe). I think we all know Joe from his hurler of the year performances but on Saturday, he took up a different role and helped all our young hurlers pick the hurley that suited them and gave them a signature and picture for a day they will remember for quite a while.
After everyone met Joe and picked out their hurleys, we immediately put them to use by taking on the might of the Portumna u.12 team tipped to win the Galway Championship this year. On the pitch the Portumna team looked every bit the would be Champions but Our Saints team challenged them well and gave them a run for their money.
Next up was the U.15’s in a very close run match where the scoreline was neck and neck all the way through until close to the end when Portumna scored a late goal to run out the 4 points winners. Our teams really acquitted themselves well with the Hurling locals complimenting us on the skills that were shown on the pitch. High praise indeed from a town that knows its hurling.
Following the games, Portumna showed us great hospitality and put on a fine spread for all the players, coaches and the parents that traveled.
Next up on the busy Schedule was a trip to Ballinasloe to watch the Portumna Seniors play a championship game. it was great to see Joe canning and his team mates play to a high standard and give a demonstration of what Senior hurling is all about for our developing hurlers to see up close. Our players went out on the pitch for half time to puck a ball around on the sod and entertain the local crowds.
We all made it home safely with memories that will stay with us for a long time. Seeing a legend of the game like Joe canning and hear him talk about what it means to him to hurl for his club was inspirational and really set the scene for our hurlers to raise their game and help make our club a powerhouse of hurling in East Meath.
U 15’s win
The message was obviously well received with our U.15 Team taking to the pitch in their third round game on a windy Monday evening and beating a strong Navan O’Mahonys team 5-9 to 3-4. There was a huge round of applause from the supporters present after The Saints demonstrated their hurling skills and running out easy winners.
World Record Attempt
On Sunday 30th September some of our lucky hurlers are taking to the pitch in Croke Park to try to help beat the current world record for the lartest training session ever! We will keep you up to date with how they get on but it promises to be a great occasion for all involved either way.
Celebration Challenge matches
This years season will draw to a close soon, but we hope to have a Sunday afternoon of celebration challenge matches in Piltown before finishing up. Why not come along and see some of our skilled players in action. Keep and eye on the Cilles FB page for details and updates.
Join in
The numbers playing hurling are increasing steadily, but we are always looking for new players and coaches that want to experience the Joy of Hurling, contact Gwen on 0879726472 for more details.
