Weekly News June 17th 2012

Post date: Jun 16, 2012 10:05:29 PM

U12 Hurling Championship

Our U12s were in action on Friday last in the third round of the U12 Premier Games competition. The Red team had a huge battle with Borris-Ileigh in Ballina coming out rather unfortunately on the wrong side of two-point defeat. These boys have produced great hurling this year but just haven’t had that little bit of luck to get over the line on a few occasions. Commiserations on the result, but well done to the red team and coaches on another great battling display. The blue team faced a daunting task, taking on Eire Og Nenagh. Many of our boys had tasted defeat on a regular basis at the hands of Nenagh in the past. However, this was a night that each and every one of them can be very proud of. They battled bravely from the very first whistle and were worth every bit of their 4 point half-time lead. After the half-time break, the boys knew (as they put the same helmets back on their heads for the second half) that they would need to up the work rate even more. They did just that, denying Eire Og a chance to settle on the ball and the scores continued to flow, with the Ballina boys taking every opportunity that came their way and running out decisive winners. There were many outstanding displays on the night with the “twin towers” of Evan Flynn and James Power terrorising the Nenagh defence aided by Robbie Breen. In mid-field Sam Loughran mopped up all night with great help from Luke Kennedy and Conor Power. At the back Corey Ryan was secure all night long. Matthew Power read the game very well but Neil Webster was simply coolness personified as he swatted attack after attack. After the damp squib that was the Euros for Ireland - well done you boys in blue !

Tadhg O’Connor Visit

Our U10s were very fortunate to have a session with Tipperary Games Development Officer, Tadhg O’Connor last Tuesday. Roscrea native and former Tipperary All Ireland winning captain O’Connor is now employed full time in a coaching role with the GAA in Tipperary, so it was our pleasure to have him here last Tuesday. It says a lot about the appetite for hurling that these boys possess that 90% of them turned out on a cold wet night to attend the session. Tadgh gave the boys and coaches many tips and which were enthusiastically received by all. Thank you Tadhg.

Cul Camp and Camp For Champs

A reminder that the Ballina Cul Camp is now full. It’s not ideal to be turning people away but the safety and comfort of all is the priority. The very successful Camp 4 Champs with Shane McGrath will run for 2004 children and older on August 13^th. You may contact Shane directly or contact Eamonn Power or Brid McMahon at the club.

Date for your diary

There will be a family event to celebrate the acquisition of the land for the new pitch on the Friday evening after Cul Camp (Friday July 20^th ). Please keep this date in your diary. More details to follow.

Athletics Success

Congratulations also to U10 player Josh Egan who has qualified for the All Ireland athletics U11 relay finals after a blistering performance last weekend. Josh is an outstanding athlete and a great hurler. Continued success to you Josh !