A weekend of top competition for U9s – Féile Iomána 2015.
On Sunday morning, the boys competing in their first Hurling Féile hosted by Ballyboden St Endas.
The activities started early in bright sunshine and calm air, perfect conditions for playing Gaelic games. There was a sense of anticipation as the teams arrived to start their pre-match routines.
BBSE was represented by two teams, Knocklyon and Rathfarnham, both eager to test their skills against some of the top clubs in the Dublin region.
The Knocklyon team was drawn against boys representing St Vincents, Na Fianna and Naas GAA, with all matches played on the main club house pitch.
Across the road on the Cherryfield pitch, the Rathfarnham team was lined up against Cuala, Na Fianna and Naas.
Each competition was played on a round robin format with the top two teams playing in the cup final and third and fourth competing in the shield final.
All of the matches were played at a level of intensity rarely seen with this age group. Despite tight marking, points were scored from many difficult angles as each team battled to secure the coveted top two places.
For the large number of spectators present it was very exciting to witness the adrenaline packed action, and there was no doubt about the bravery and true grit of all the boys taking part. Determined and sometimes ferocious tackling was part and parcel of each game with the occasional hurley needing to be replaced after being smashed to pieces.
At the end of the third round of matches, both Ballyboden teams qualified for their respective cup finals, Team Rathfarnham having won two of their matches.
The Knocklyon team secured their place after a nail–biting third round draw against a very competitive Naas side. With both teams level in scores and skill points, several officials had to number crunch back through the scores of all games before declaring the outcome.
All of the finals were played in the best spirit of the game with the finest of talent on display. Having already playing three games on this, the first warm day of June, the fitness level of the boys was superb to watch.
At the end of competition, Naas and St Vincents emerged as victors in both cup finals.
The initial sense of disappointment of all the other boys was short lived as they tucked into sandwiches, fruit and bags of chips. The coaches and spectators were also delighted to feast on an impressive spread of sandwiches and other assorted delights, generously provided by parents and supporters.
It was great to see everybody gather together afterwards to celebrate what had been an outstanding tournament.
The organisers and coaches want to thank all of the teams for taking part in the competition and express their gratitude to those who helped with the catering and all of the other roles that helped make this a sporting day to remember.
Well done Ballyboden U9’s, you did your club proud.
The Under 11 Hurlers host the Annual Feile Iomana on Sunday afternoon.
Teams from Na Fianna, O’Loughlin Gaels, Good Counsel, O’Tooles and Clanna Gael Fontenoy took part on a near perfect day for hurling. Both the club main pitch and Cherryfield were in fine condition.
In the Knocklyon Tournament, the Boden lads lost to a very strong Good Counsel team in the opening game but quickly recovered to beat Na Fianna and Clanna Gael, thereby qualifying for the Cup Final.
Good Counsel were again the opposition and both teams served up a superb final. Boden took an early lead 0-3 to 0-0 but were pegged back by a goal from the Drimnagh boys. Both sides exchanged fantastic scores throughout the game and with a minute left, it looked like extra time. An excellent match winning point was scored by one of the Good Counsel midfielders much to the disappointment of the Boden lads.
The mentors were immensely proud of the boys and while the final loss was disappointing, the performances were of a very high standard.
In the Rathfarnham Tournament, the Boden boys reached the final following wins over O’Tooles, O’Loughlin Gaels and a draw with Na Fianna. A repeat of the recent Dermot McNulty Final was set up with Na Fianna and the Boden lads made sure of a double over our Northside friendly rivals.
The quality of the Boden lads catching of the ball was particularly note worthy.
This was the 3rd year in a row in which the boys have won the Rathfarnham Tournament and with next year being the final year for Feile Iomana, the boys will be eager to make it a clean sweep.
Many thanks to Dublin Goalkeeper and Boden’s own Gary Maguire for coming down to present the trophies to all the teams.
Tim Giblin and Conor Murphy accepted the Knocklyon Runners Up and Rathfarnham Winners trophies.
The players and mentors would also like to thank all those who helped make the day a great success: Peter Wall, Paul Manning, Jerry, Mick and the Juvenile Committee, Mark Brady, Noel Sheridan, Mick and the bar staff.
Also to the parents for helping out on the day with refreshments, keeping score etc.
Finally a special mention for Under 11 hurler Conor Murphy.
Conor came down to support his team mates and when Clanna Gael were short a player, he volunteered to play with them for the day. Well done Conor