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U13 Hurlers take PJ Troy Cup

The U13 hurlers took part in the annual PJ Troy tournament on Saturday. We were based in Fingallians and our opening group pitted us against the home club and Commercials. We started slowly in both games but generally finished strongly to win both group games. We rotated players from our 17 strong squad to ensure everyone got plenty of time on the pitch.

Andrew Roe and Euan Farquarson showed leadership as they kept raising the intensity to ensure we didn't let the games slip. Tough tackling Pearse Clyne at No. 2 showed he has a lot of potential despite only taking up the game recently. Conor O'Brien held the other corner with the minimum of fuss with the full back position held down by Aaron Lambe who grew stronger and stronger as the games progressed and the stakes got higher.

Having won our group we settled down to a nice outdoor lunch courtesy of the host club and we planned how to set up for the round robin group winners matches. We were to play Round Towers Clondalkin and Parnells, knowing 2 wins and the trophy was ours.

We are particularly strong on the wings with Daragh McLoughney having a roaming commission and a licence to score. Sean Murphy and Jack Boyne raised their games when it was needed but it was Callum Clarke in goals who stopped everything. He was calmness personified plucking balls from the sky and dispatching them back.

We beat Clondalkin 2-02 to 1-01 with Tom Hogan and Conor Hoyne being very impressive and closing the game out with great scores after an early Jack Boyne goal. Stephen Brady battled hard and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Craig McGrattan never takes a backward step and hooked and blocked and put his body on the line time and again to torment whatever midfielder who was unlucky enough to have him close.

With Clondalkin beating Parnells we started the last game knowing that we were nearly there but there was no let up. Euan and Andrew in all games gave the oppositions best players nothing and with Matthew Brenner having his best game at centre back against Parnells and David Deneher strong at wing back there was only going to be one winner. Cian Grassick made hay on the big open pitch, running with pace from deep and creating havoc but our chief scorers, atom Hogan and Conor Hoyne ensured dominating on the pitch was reflected on the scoreboard as we ran out winners 2-04 to 0-1.

The cup was presented to captain Euan Farquarson to huge applause as he was our player of the tournament.

Thanks to all the parents who helped us throughout the day, our first piece of silverware for the season and with Oliver Plunketts winning Cumann Na mBunscoil recently, many of these players are getting used to success as hurlers.

Pat, Eoin and Ernie

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