A Winning Return to Hurling Competitions – Bealtaine-Meitheamh 2022
BLITZ:
It was great to have Gaelic Games back again in the spring of 2022. Our School hurling team was made up of players from 5th and 6th classes. After several training sessions the boys were very excited to get to play in the Cumann na mBunscol Blitz in Eadestown GAA on 13th May.
The boys played three games, winning all three, showing great skill and determination throughout. Every player got plenty of game time throughout the blitz. Their performances on the day put the team through to the final on 2nd June.
FINAL: CLUICHE CEANNAIS:
St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins and Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock played out an exciting and skilful game of hurling in the Division 2 Boys Final on Thursday 2nd June.
Although playing against the breeze, Scoil Uí Riada set the pace from the start. Their backs were first to every ball, quickly setting up attacks. Strong defending by Seán McDonagh and the Sallins full back line kept Scoil Uí Riada at bay, but they were getting closer and closer to getting the first score of the game. Their efforts were rewarded with a well taken goal, a great finish from a tight angle to left of the Sallins goal.
Scoil Uí Riada continued to push forward with Sallins finding it difficult to keep the sliotar in their opponents half of the field, their goalkeeper, Conor Fagan making some important blocks to prevent another goal.
Sallins finally began to find their feet and points from Paddy Cooke and Cillian McCarthy got them back into the game. A lovely point by Harry Brennan from way out on the ring wing levelled the scores; 1-0 to 0-3.
Sallins began to win more ball in their half forward line and on the stroke of half time, Paddy Cooke found the net, quickly getting the sliotar into his hand and striking, after great defensive blocks by the Scoil Uí Riada defenders.
Sallins led by a goal at half time.
The second half proved to be a tense affair. Sallins started well and scored their fourth point of the game early in the half through Eoin Nugent. Sallins created several good chances but that fourth point was to be their last score of the game, with Scoil Uí Riada’s centre back and wing back and defending superbly.
A great contest continued throughout the half as Scoil Uí Riada’s midfield pair pushed them forward. The Kilcock side scored another two points and laid siege to the Sallins goal for the final minutes of the game. Sallins managed to keep clearing their lines when it mattered with Ross Chapman and Angad Bawa winning several vital balls.
Both teams gave everything and showed wonderful skill and determination throughout.
Final Score:
St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins. 2-4
Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock. 1-2
Well done to all of the players, they have done their school proud!
A big Thank You to parent, Gavin Cooke who helped coach the team throughout the term, and to all of the parents for their support.
Good luck to the 6th class boys and to Harry Brennan in 5th who have moved onto their new schools.
Keep hurling lads!
The full Hurling panel at the Blitz i mí na Bealtaine 2022.
Coach Gavin Cooke and team Captain Paddy Cooke.
Réiteoir Eamon Kelly presents the trophy to Paddy Cooke, captaen na foirne Scoil Naomh Lorcán.
‘BUAITEOIRÍ!’ St. Laurence’s NS – Kildare Division 2 Hurling Champions, June 2022.
Ceiliúradh ar bhus Tom Cross!