What a weekend for the hurling enthusiasts.
Vinny Moran presents the Brendan Moran Trophy to to the winning captain, Tom Kenny. Also in the photo is the Michael Whelan of Maplewood, the Tournament Sponsor
We hosted a senior hurling tournament in honour of our former Chairman Brendan Moran where we invited three top class teams from Limerick, Kilkenny, and Antrim.
On Friday night in Sancta Maria we had Kilmallock of Limerick up against the mighty Dicksboro of Kilkenny and at same time on PUM we had Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim against Boden. Both contests were tightly contested with Dicksboro eventually winning out against a strong Kilmallock side. On PUM we were served up with a feast of goals with Loughgiel recording five and Boden slotted in seven. A draw was a fitting result from both teams who gave their all with a penalty shootout the expected outcome. However, the management of Loughgiel were very gracious and offered to play in Shield final. As hosts Boden were very appreciative of the gesture and all was set for a feast of hurling the following day.
Unfortunately, the rain clouds came in overnight but didn’t dampen any of the enthusiasm and shield final between Loughgiel v Kilmallock went ahead as planned followed by Cup final, Dicksboro v BBSE.
Loughgiel took the spoils in the first game and were happy to head up the M1 having got two serious hurling games under their belt. However, it was off to Croker for the Kilmallock lads, and I think the “bonding session” was well under way before they left Firhouse Road.
With a youthful Boden side lining out against a seasoned Dicksboro side, it was always going to be a big ask to deliver the silverware. The Kilkenny side powered into an early lead, but Boden continued to keep in touch with some excellent teamwork and only in the last quarter did Dicksboro push ahead and were very deserving winners in the end.
The silverware was presented by Vinny Moran (Brendan’s son) and Michael Whelan (Maplewood Residential, sponsor of tournament) to Dicksboro captain, Tom Kenny. The evening finished with a BBQ for all those involved, and everyone sat back and enjoyed a very sociable evening watching the ALL Ireland semi-final. The Limerick lads may not have won our tournament, but I think the win in Croker was much more rewarding.
The buzz around the club was fantastic and Brendan himself would have enjoyed every minute of it. Occasions like this just wouldn’t happen without the support of so many people.
Our sponsors for the day, Michael Whelan of Maplewood Residential, has always been very supportive of the club and again came up trumps this time. I know you were very close to Brendan, and we wish you continued success in your business.
Can I express our sincere gratitude to the committee, management team and bar staff who worked tirelessly to pull it all together. I would also like to thank those who assisted as referees, umpires, linesmen, traffic management, ticket sales etc, all hugely important for the smooth running of the event but sometimes can go unnoticed.
Our photographers, John Kirwan and Clíona Mellett deserve special mention. They braved the elements, in particular on Saturday, to ensure the event was photographed for posterity.
Click here for a link to Kilmallock V Dicksboro
Click here for a link to BBSE V Loughgiel Shamrocks
Click here for a link to Kilmallock V Loughgiel Shamrocks
Click here for a link to Dicksboro V BBSE
With the business end of the year fast approaching we wish all our teams across all codes the very best in their championship endeavours.
Best Regards,
John Ryan (Hurling Chairman)
PS Congrats to our minor hurling teams on two great wins on Sunday morning and to Alex Murphy, winner of our Firepit.