Joe McKelvey Tournament
Saturday 6th June at Rossa
Thanks to Gavin for compiling the report
It was great to see 15 players available to play today at this annual event. With teams from Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Galway in attendance, this was sure to be a great days hurling. There were 16 teams in total and the games were 11 a side with a league format for the qualifying stage.
The Brid Og qualifying group contained, Ballycran, St Pauls and Rossa 2. This was a tough group but the players did not let this unnerve them. Our initial game involved a match with Ballycran. We had played this Co. Down team at other age groups and we knew that they would be skilful and strong opponents. The game started with Ballycran dominating the game and our players just couldn’t find the right gear. At half time the players were encouraged and reminded of some key tactics for the second half. It appeared that Ballycran had almost written off the Brid Of team and it was they who started slow in the second half. This enabled us to creep back into the game, gain possession of the ball and gain some vital scores. At the final whistle the score board read Ballycran 2-4 Brid Og 2-1 with Pearse, Niall and Darragh getting their name on the score sheet.
With the weather worsening the team were brought back to the changing rooms for some much needed heat, rest and a team talk. After the short break we lined out against Rossa. Brid Og started this game with grit and determination and dominated throughout. Rossa put up a worthy fight but they could not stop the supply of the ball into our forward line and at the final whistle it was Brid Og 3-1 Rossa 0-0, with scores from Fintan, Niall and David.
The final game in the qualifiers involved an encounter with St Pauls. Our opponents were a strong physical team and at times the Brid Og team were shy on the ball. St Pauls ran out comfortable winners. In fairness the Brid Og players did not let this dent their determination or confidence.
With the group stages over and some lunch we progressed through to the semi-finals. As we had finished with 2 points we were to face the team from Group A who also finished on 2 points. Much to our surprise this was to be Oisins Glenariffe.
We started the game well and the first half was fast paced and required all of the players to dig deep and fight for every ball. At the end of the first half it was Oisins 3-0 Brid Og 1-0. During the half time break the team was reminded that the Oisins team would come into the second half hungry for victory and that they did. Our defensive lines buckled against a fast and strong front line and despite some changes we just couldn’t keep the Oisins players back. At the end of the game Oisins were deserved winners.
This was a great day out for this team and they showed great skill and determination in terrible weather conditions. Each and every player gave it his all and the players and parents should be proud of their performance today, because the mentors certainly are. It must be noted that this is a very young team ranging from P5-7 with some players only 9 years of age. It was great to see so many players available and we hope that this continues. Thanks to Rossa for the invite and to John, Ciaran, Darren and Tara for helping with the team. Thanks also to the parents for their support.
Panel: Niall, Adam, Brian, Conlan, Daniel, Darragh, David, Fintan, Oran, Eoghan, Lorcan, Owen, Pearse, Thomas, Zack,
