Report: Cathal Ryan

The U12 Camogie team took to the road again on Sunday July 7th and enjoyed another brilliant day out. Following successful trips to Oulart and Moneygall earlier in the year, this weeks destination was Crooked Wood, just outside Mullingar. Ably supported by some of the u11 panel, standing in for those on holiday who couldn’t travel, the girls set about their task from the throw in, in the wholehearted manner we have come to expect from them. They led 2-2 to 2-1 at half time. Having risen to the pace and commitment set by our hosts in the first 25, the girls upped the ante in the second half. Some great scores were taken as the game wore on, through forceful, direct and skillful play. The girls teamwork improved throughout and they learned a lot from the experience, running out winners by a few goals in the end. Best of luck to Crooked Wood in their second round championship match in Westmeath this week and we will hope to see them for a rematch in Dublin again soon.

However, the hurling was only half the story this weekend. After the game, the team was whisked away to Athlone IT, where Paul Coburn (father of injured team member Leah) had arranged for a tour of the state of the art training facilities on campus. The girls were taken through 4 stations in the high performance gym by elite athletes Vicky Harris and Gary Flannery, who emphasized the the basics of strength and conditioning programs that will become more of a part of the girls training as they continue their careers. This was followed by fun games, obstacle courses and high jumps, with the highlight being a glorious victory for the aging coaches in a relay race against the girls, who were clearly still a bit drained from their exploits on the field earlier in the day (Peter Wall was like a speeding bullet powering through that second leg – who knew?!)

The girls final outing before a well-deserved Summer break will be to Ballingarry, Co, Tipperary, next Saturday morning. Many thanks to Paul Coburn, the staff at Athlone IT, Crooked Wood GAA and the brilliantly supportive parents of the squad who travelled in great numbers again, for facilitating another super day out for the girls.