Clubs from Dublin, Tipperary, Offaly and Kilkenny made up the opposition for the Boden U11s, as two teams made the trip across the city for Na Fianna’s 10th annual McNulty hurling tournament, named to honour the memory of Na Fianna founder member Dermot McNulty.

On the back pitch, a good Castleknock team provided Boden’s first opposition. Boden were straight into the run of play, and some very strong performances all over the field saw our lads record some fine scores and their first victory of the day.  It was a similar story against Borris Ileagh, as the Boden lads again found their rhythm early, and another fine display saw another good win recorded.  Swords club St Finians were next up, and a great tussle ensued, with our lads disappointingly coming out the wrong side of a one score margin.  Undaunted by this set-back, Boden were straight back into their stride, recording good wins on either side of the lunch break (GRMA to our hosts for the great hospitality!) against Na Fianna and Offaly’s Kilcormac/Killoughey, finishing up as group runners up to eventual winners St Finians.

On the front pitch meanwhile, our lads were having a tougher time of it.  Here, Boden’s opener pitched them against a very strong Kilcormac/Killoughey team.  From the very first ball, it was clear that Boden were in for a real battle and despite some stiff and very determined opposition, this well-drilled Offaly outfit eventually pulled away to record a comfortably enough win.  Despite the early setback however, Boden quickly regrouped, and despite the disappointment of the first game, went straight back out to record a strong win against a good Castleknock team.  A 9 man Borris-Ileagh side were next up, and in a close contest some defensive mix-ups on Boden’s part were the deciding factor, as the Tipp side ran out narrow winners.   After a break for lunch, Boden faced hosts Na Fianna, and in a great game of hurling that saw both sides on the front foot, Boden lost out by a single score.  The final game in this group was against Kilkenny’s O’Loughlin Gaels and a very fine scoring display saw Ballyboden win this one out comfortably enough, and finish third overall to winners Kilcormac/Killoughey.

All told, a great day’s hurling was enjoyed by all our lads – GRMA to our kind hosts Na Fianna for the invitation to participate, and for the organisation and hospitality on the day, and for the very well received goodie bags – thanks to all concerned with this great tournament.

FoireannAlex Brady, Kieran Burke, Conor Butler, Kevin Byrne, Ryan Culleton, Thomas Davis, Luke Fitzpatrick, John Keane, Daragh Keary, Sean Keary, Mark Keogh, Sean Langan, Gavin Leddy, Sean Luz, Rory Malone, Lee  McConnellTorna MacGearailt, Mark McGlynn, John McSharry, , Leon Murphy, Zach Nolan, David QuinlivanOisinQuinn, James Rusk, Daragh Smyth, Zenan Spain, Dylan Timbs, Alex Young