The Under 8 hurling panel got the 2012 season started with a series of Go Games matches organised by the Antrim board. The matches were played at Whiterock Leisure Centre on alternate Saturdays in March and April. St Brigid’s were grouped with St Enda’s, St. Paul’s and St. Joseph’s, Glenavy for each three match event.
At the first set of matches on 3rd March, St Brigid’s started slowly against St Enda’s, taking time to adapt to the speed of the sliotar on the 3G pitch. The team defended well throughout the 7 minute game and ultimately it was a late goal which won it for St Enda’s. In the next game against St Paul’s, the team found their form and after a series of attacks persistence paid off and they finally got the goal that won the match.
The second series of matches on Saturday 24th March saw the team start against St. Paul’s. St Paul’s snatched an early goal and it was end-to-end hurling for the duration of the match with the St Brigid’s team pressing hard for an equaliser but not able to get it across the line by the long whistle.
The next match was against St Enda’s and the St Brigid’s team started in attacking mood only to fall to a breakaway attack which resulted in a goal. Undaunted, the team attacked and persistence paid off with an equaliser to level the match. The final match against St Joseph’s was competitive throughout with the St Brigid’s team finding the net to take the honours on this occasion.
On the final day of matches on 7th April, the Easter holidays resulted in depleted numbers of players and teams participating. However, fewer numbers meant longer matches which suited the St Brigid’s team well. St Brigid’s played St Enda’s first and found themselves 4 goals to 1 down by half time. After half time the team showed great determination to pull back the deficit and draw the match 5-5 by the end. The second match of the day had our lads up against a much bigger Lamh Dearg side. The well drilled Hannahstown side proved too strong on the day winning easily on this occasion. Undaunted, the team approached the final match of the series against Glenavy positively and were soon passing the sliotar effectively. Persistent pressure on the St Joseph’s goal eventually paid off as the team scored four to run out comfortable winners.
Well done to all 15 players who participated in the Go Games tournaments. The players showed great skill and determination throughout and the matches were a fantastic learning experience for all involved.
Under 8 panel
James Blaney, Brendan Delaney, Niall Duffy, Colm Finnegan, Niall Finnegan, Gareth Gilleece, Conor McCann, Caoimhe McDonnell, Rory McErlaine, Emily Mc Gurk, Liam Magee, Mel Murnaghan, Zak Murphy, Niall Murtagh and Dara Quinn.
