Underage Hurling Round Up 2013
Friday, February 7, 2014
2013 was another successful year for our young hurlers. We competed in the first All-Counties U14 Hurling League and managed to line out a full team in all matches, with no players left on the bench. This was an achievement in itself given we had to travel to Belfast and North Antrim, sometimes twice a week, returning late @ 10.30pm on school days. Without the support of the parents this would not have been possible – so many thanks to you all – you are a credit to our club!
The season saw our U12’s compete at a very high level, with matches only being decided on the narrowest of margins: good omens for the future and some great talent on display from the whole team. U14 hurlers retained the South West Feile for a 9th year in a row, defeating All Saints, Ballymena, in a very tough encounter. The disappointed All Saints put up a very strong team and it was sheer luck that got us over the line. The disappointed Ballymena Team will live to fight another day no doubt!
We faced Glenshesk in the All County Final and despite missing 4 key players to a school-trip we looked convincing up until they bagged a brace of goals and although the lads gave it their ‘all’ the luck was with Glenshesk with Creggan hitting cross-bar and upright.
While the lads took in the atmosphere of Casement Park changing rooms, two members of the team were busy out on the pitch - namely, Dermot Carey & Liam Quinn – competing in the Skills Final. Poor weather made the occasion miserable but the lads bottled on and in a tight competition they were not far behind the winner.
The Ulster Feile this year was held in Newry and once again the Creggan Boys featured a strong team, displaying some fantastic talent and were in it to the finish, only to be defeated by a few easy goals. Nevertheless, despite the weather it was an enjoyable occasion for all and a respectable effort for the team as each year we have moved up the division within Ulster. Looking forward to next year!
As the League & Championship came to a close the lads once again won the North Antrim B shield with a hard fought win over ST Brendan’s, adding to the sliver were for 2013.As the dark nights approached they prepared for the Scullion 7-A-Side Hurling Competition which they had won on the last 2 occasions. But this year it was someone else’s turn. A great competition where you have to be focused all the time to win. UUJ provided the U13-Hurlers with a very enjoyable Winter Blitz Competition held throughout Oct/Nov/December 2013. All the lads gave a good account of themselves and it is a credit to the parents who made the effort to travel to Jordanstown on the evenings mid-week.
The success of our Senior Team has given the club a real ‘buzz’. A very impressive team has achieved the unimaginable this year. The defeat of Cushendun in the Championship was a turning point (few thought this was possible given previous encounters in the League). This victory over Cushendun in the Championship in front of a huge crowd gave the Kickham’s lads the confidence to go onto lift the Ulster Junior Title. The All-Ireland Junior Hurling Semi-Final is in Newry on Sunday, 26 January 2014 – so lets get as many supporters to the venue as possible to cheer them all on. Bring your own Fleg!
2014 sees North Antrim & Ulster start the year with a number of indoor blitz – U12 indoor @ Ballymoney and U14 airborne in Magherafelt – both on Saturday, 18 January 2014. These events are only possible with your support – we have entered a team for both categories and would encourage all parents to help out whenever possible in the forthcoming season. Without you there is NO club!
We welcome new players of all abilities to give hurling a go!
Feile Na nGael this year is to be held in Ulster, weekend commencing 20th June 2014, and our club has been asked to host a team. Most of you will be familiar with what is required – to host 2 young players for the Friday/Saturday nights, 20th/21st June 2014. The hurling committee is keen to host the event and requires your support.
In recent years our U14 hurling team have won 3/5 All-County Feile - resulting on them being hosted on 2 occasions in Portlaoise & Galway by Abbeyleix and Mullagh teams. A great weekend was had by all players and parents alike!
The Ulster Council have asked our club to host an U14-hurling team on 20/21 June 2014. In order for us to accept the invitation we require 12 host families from the U12 and U14 hurling teams, to accommodate young lads from another county. Let’s all rise to the occasion and provide the hospitality that was shown to us in previous years! Feile is about coming together, friendship & fun – so let’s make it happen!
The hurling committee will provide further information and a ‘parents’ meeting’ will be arranged soon to pave the way. Once again, many thanks to the players, parents, referees and club officials who provide the time and facilities to make all this possible.
Kickhams’ Creggan Juvenile Hurlers welcome all new members, age and ability not important, just enthusiasm for the team.
Joe Rice