Congratulations to all who helped to make 2008 a very successful year Knockbridge Hurling Club. The senior team made history by winning the 'four in a row' Senior Hurling Championship titles which was a first for the club and also a first in Louth. Winning the the Senior Championship was again the main aim of the Club for 2008 and it was a historic occasion when team captain Tony Teefey proudly lifted the Paddy Kelly in the Gaels in October. Great credit must go to the squad of dedicated and hard working players and also to mentors, Gerry Dunne, Aidan Kerrigan and Aidan Costello and Niall Byrne. The Club this year again entered a Junior team in the Maurice Murphy Cup but they were beaten by Pearse Og in the final. The Club also completed 'the double' by winning the Louth Senior Hurling League, when they defeated a gallant Mattock Rangers side in the Gaels on the 9th of November. The U-16 Hurlers, under the expert guidance of Derek Kettle and Aidan Costello won the championship in Darver beating Fechins on October 17th. The minor squad had a convincing victory over Naomh Fechin at Darver on 14th November The Club this year also won their '9 in a row' U-14 Feile title, when team captain, Liam O Leary was presented with the trophy in Darver by Coiste Iomana Secretary, Mark Stephenson. Nine Feile titles in a row must be a national record? Later in the year they completed the double when they went on to secure the U-14 championship beating St Fechins by 3-6 to 0-3. Senior Hurling Champions Congratulations to the Senior hurlers who on Saturday, September 20th at The Ramparts won 'four in a row' Louth Senior Hurling Championships titles. Tony Teefey lifted the Paddy Kelly Cup for the club for the seventh time in nine years after a well earned victory over Pearse Og on a score of 2-12 to 0-9. Knockbridge beat Naomh Fechin in the 1st round by 3-21 to 1-10 in Collon on Thursday 12th June. In 2nd round, eight weeks later, on the 13th of August in Darver, Knockbridge were victorious over Wolf Tones by 2-14 to 0-7. In round 3 in Darver on Wednesday 27th August, Knockbridge defeated Naomh Moninne by 1-15 to 0-9. In round 4 in Ardee on 3rd September, Knockbridge defeated Mattock Rangers by 2-13 to 0-6. This qualified Knockbridge to take on Pearse Og in the final in the Gael's pitch in late September. Senior Hurling Final Knockbridge won beating Pearse Og on a score of 2 - 12 to 0 - 9 at the Gaels on 20th of September. This clinched 'four in a row' Louth Senior titles and their seventh in their short and illustrious 9 years since the founding of the Senior Club in 1999. Knockbridge got into the game right from the start and dominated the game right through the first half. Two goals from Paul Donohoe, got the village side off to a great start and gave them a commanding lead that they never relinquished. The first goal after 5 minutes came from a floated sideline cut from Trevor Hilliard that was finished to the net with a great ground strike by Donohoe. For his second goal, Donohoe gathered the sliothar got inside the defense and gave Stephen Smyth no chance. Further points from Ronan Byrne for 'the reds' and points for Pearse Og from Donnach, Shane Callan and Brian Mc Cabe left Knockbridge leading by 2-6 to 0-6 at half time. In the second half points by Ronan Byrne and Paul Donohoe stretched the lead to 9 points. Perase Og started the 2nd half in determined fashion and this promised hope of a comeback. But further points by Shane Fennell and Byrne sealed victory for Knockbridge The Paddy Kelly Cup was presented to team captain, Tony Teefey by Co Board Chairman, Paddy Oliver and sponsor Jimmy Myers. Tony thanked his teammates, mentors and supporters for their commitment and dedication throughout the year. Paddy Oliver congratulated both teams on a fine competitive game of hurling befitting a county final. Scorers for Knockbridge:Ronan Byrne 0- 8 (4f), Paul Donohoe 2-2, Shane Fennell O-1, Trevor Hilliard (0-1).. Knockbridge team : Brendan McNally, Mark Wallace, Tony Teefey (captain), Niall Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Paul Dunne, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne, Trevor Hilliard; Kevin Mc Nally, Shane Kerrigan, Shane Fennell; Paul Donohue ('man of the match'), David Kettle, Ronan Byrne. Subs: Shane Darcy for K Mc Nally (43 mins), Gavin Kane for Shane Fennell (47 mins); Gavin Kerrigan for D. Kettle (60+ mins); Paudie Kieran, Brian Dunne, Gareth Corcoran, Diarmuid Duffy, Oisin Quigley, Gerry Mc Keown, Michael Lundon, Paddy Mone and David Deane, Referee: Brian Brady (N. Moninne). Commentary: Knockbridge's two lethal corner forwards Paul Donohoe and Ronan Byrne led the charge on the scoreboard, scoring 2-10 between them. 'The lads performed really well', Ronan commented afterwards. 'It was a good old battle and Pearse Og put Shane Callan up front and that made it difficult for us.' 'I am delighted to be part of it; It's a great team and a great set up'. 'The lads in charge are brilliant, Aidan Kerrigan, Aidan Costello, Gerry Dunne and Niall Byrne and they put a lot of effort in all year'. It's hard getting lads out training with so many players on the Louth senior hurling panel. 'The start was crucial, he continued, Paul got two goals early on'. 'The plan today was to get goals, so it was great to get them so early'. 'Over the years we have let them back into it in the second half, but today we dug deep'. 'The're a good side and we knew they would come back at us, so at half time our objective was to keep them at bay, give no frees and concede few scores and we done that very well'. 'The championship has definitely been better with Mattock and Fechins in it'. 'There's more games and it's better for those teams too'. 'There's no point in them just playing our second XV'. 'They need to play against the best and progress from there'. 'I'm delighted to be playing at all after my cruciate ligament operation left me missing a lot of last year and the earlier part of this year, hopefully now I can stay injury free'. 'It was a hard lonely road, going to training and watching the lads knowing you can't take part'. 'Then you have to go to the gym and build back up the leg and the fitness on your own'. But while victory was sweet, Ronan admitted, it will not make up for Louth's Nicky Rackard Cup disappointment in the final in Croke Park in the Summer. 'Not really, no'! 'That will hurt deep in the heart and soul for a while, but 'four in a row' for the club is a great achievement'. 'It's a small community here and it's hard to keep things going, but we stick together like all the hurling clubs do. 'Hopefully now we can make an impact in Leinster like we did two years ago, he concluded . Leinster Club Championship The Senior hurlers had a solid four weeks to recover after winning the County final before meeting the Offaly Intermediate champions Ballyskenagh in the AIB Leinster quarter final of the Club Championship. Knockbridge got a first round bye because they had got to the Leinster final in 2006. The game was played in Shinrone grounds in Offaly and in a tight contest the Offaly side ran out eventual winners by 2-11 to 1-9. Knockbridge settled first with a couple of early points and it was clear that the home side had a battle on their hands. But two brilliant goals from corner forward Tadgh Maher after some great solo running steadied the ship for 'The Faithful' side. Ballyskenagh scored 1-1 without reply just before the break and this proved to be the turning point of the match. First half points from Shane Kerrigan, David Dunne and Shane Fennell saw the home side go in at half time 2-7 to 0-7 ahead. On the resumption Knockbridge began to get on top in the half backs and at midfield. Then Knockbridge were duly rewarded when Shane Kerrigan found the net from close range after some excellent hand passing put him through for a great goal. Then Konckbridge were dealt a severe blow when one of their key players, Ronan Byrne was sent off for a second yellow. Knockbridge began to peg back the lead with further scores from Paddy Mone, David Dunne and Gavin Kerrigan. Next disaster struck for the visitors when influential midfielder, Trevor Hilliard for Knockbridge and Derek Middleton for the home side got the line for a very innocuous incident. Knockbridge's gallant effort ran out of time and they could not find another goal due to sterling defense by the Offalymen. There were excellent performances from David Dunne (man of match) (0-3, 2f), Trevor Hilliard, Adrian and Mark Wallace, Tony Teefy, Paul Dunne, Conor and Shane Kerrigan (1-2), David Kettle and Kevin Mc Nally. Knockbridge: Brendan Mc Nally, Mark Walllace, Tony Teefey(captain), Niall Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Paul Dunne, Adrian Wallace, David Dunne, Trevor Hilliard, Kevin Mc Nally, David Kettle, Shane Fennell, Gavin Kane, Paul Donohoe, Ronan Byrne. Subs:Oisin Quigley, Shane Kerrigan (for P. Donohoe) Gerry Mc Keown, Paddy Mone (for G. Kane), Gavin Kerrigan,( for S. Fennell) Brian Dunne (for N Byrne), Noel Callan, Sean Byrne, David Deane, Phillip Mc Govern. Hurling League Champions 08 The 2008 Senior Hurling League was won by Knockbridge on the 9th of November, by defeating Mattock Rangers, thus completing 'the senior double' for Knockbridge in the Gael's pitch. Knockbridge emerged victorious on a scoreline of 2-15 to 3-5 after a gallant fightback in the second half by Mattock, having trailed at the interval by 2-10 to 1-2. With the aid of a strong breeze early goals by Ronan Byrne and Shane Fennell gave Knockbridge a great start. Paul Dunne at center back added to the tally by sending over a couple of long range frees. Mattock did peg back a goal with a sweet ground shot from Johnny Matthews. Some fine point scoring by influential midfielder David Dunne along with Shane Fennell, Kevin Mc Nally and David Kettle gave Knockbridge an 11 point interval lead. In the second half a resurgent and wind assisted Collon side staged a comeback with goals by Jason Condon, from a free after a fowl on Tony Corcoran, and another by Gary Rellis. However, stout defending by the Knockbridge defense especially Tony Teefey, Brian Dunne, Paul Dunne, Conor Kerrrigan, Niall Byrne and Mark and Adrian Wallace ensured victory. County Board Chairman, Paddy Oliver presented the Paddy Rice Cup to Knockbridge captain Tony Teefey and he congratulated him and the team for winning the Championship and League for 2008. Knockbridge Senior League winners 08: Brendan Mc Nally, Brian Dunne, Tony Teefey (captain), Niall Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Paul Dunne 0-2, Mark Wallace, David Dunne 0-4, Adrian Wallace, Kevin Mc Nally 0-1, David Kettle 0-2, Shane Fennell 1-2, Paddy Mone, Ronan Byrne1-4, Paul Donohoe. Subs: Noel Callan and Diarmuid Duffy. Leinster Club Hurling League Knockbridge entered the Leinster Club League for the second year and played three games. On Easter Monday 24th of March Knockbridge played Navan O Mahony's in Knockbridge and lost narrowly on a score of 3-11 to 1-15. The following Saturday, March 28th they travelled to Wicklow to take on Bray Emmets. In a very even high scoring encounter Knockbridge were narrowly beaten by 2-15 to 1-14. In round 3 on Wednesday 16th of April, Knockbridge traveled away to Brownstown (Westmeath) and secured a draw, 1-12 each in a very tight game. The club hope to take part again next year, when it may be a double round (home and away) format. Minor Hurling Champions 2008 The curtain fell on the hurling year when the U-18 squad did the double (league and championship) by overcoming Naomh Fechin in the 2008 final at Darver grounds on Friday 14th of November. One of the notable features of this game was the closeness of the exchanges up to halftime when Knockbridge, with some late scores, went in at the break, leading 3-2 to1-1. Knockbridge, however, pulled away in the second half with some superb scores from Peter Brennan, Daire Mc Kiernan, Gavin Kerrigan and Cathal Mc Kenna to win on a scoreline 6-13 to 2-1. Knockbridge took an early lead with Daire Mc Kiernan taking a great strike to register the first Knockbridge goal. Peter Brennan and Gavin Kerrigan got on top at midfield. The half backs of Greg Kehoe, David Deane and Ricki Mc Keown began to dominate the exchanges fro early on. Niall Mackin struck for another goal before half time. In the 2nd half, Knockbridge continued to excel with Gavin Kerrigan adding a brace of points from frees and play. Cathal Mc Kenna and Stephen Hoey got through for two well taken goals at the three quarter stage. Knockbridge seemed now the more determined side and began to dominate proceedings throughout the field. Fechins always looked dangerous especially from frees with Cathal Ryan adding the goal from the penalty spot midway through the 2nd half. However, further points from Peter Brennan, Paudie Gallagher, Brendan Marry and a long range effort from captain David Deane meant that in the end Knockbridge ran out comfortable winners. Coiste Iomana, Secretary, Mark Stephenson, presented the cup to team captain David Deane. David congratulated his teammates and thanked Fechins for a very competitive and sporting game. He also had great praise for team manager, Aidan Kerrigan, and also the other team mentors and all who helped them down through the years. Knockbridge Minors 08: Shane Devine, Conor Deane, Frank Mc Geeney, Richard Mc Guinness, Greg Kehoe, David Deane(0-1,captain), Ricki Mc Keown, Gavin Kerrigan (0-3), Peter Brennan (0-3), Daire Mc Kiernan(1-3), Niall Mackin (1-1), Cathal Mc Kenna(1-1), Paidi Gallagher(1-1), Brendan Marry (0-2), Stephen Hoey (1-1), Subs: Michael Keane, Stephen Kettle (1-0), Phillip Brennan, Gareth Hall; Gerry Mc Keown, Sean Kearns and Kenneth Thornton Louth Minor Hurlers pipped in Semi Final Louth minor hurlers just missed a place in the All Ireland Final of the Roinn C hurling championship in a blitz in Termonfeckin on 5th of July. In the opening they were beaten by South West Antrim by 2-8 to 2-5. In the next game they were beaten by Tyrone by 2-5 to 0-4. In the last match they defeated South Down (eventual All Ireland Champions on July 26th) by 2-4 to 1-6 in a pulsating contest. Louth Minor Hurlers 2008: David Begley, Sean Kearns, Rory Moynagh, Ken Thornton, Oisin Drumm, Ruairi Murphy, Brian Sweeney, Peter Brennan, Gerry Mc Keown, Garry O Brien, Sean Brennan, David Deane, Stephen Hoey, Gavin Kerrigan and Brian Corcoran. Junior Hurling Knockbridge junior hurlers got to the final of the inaugural Maurice Murphy Cup competition on 23rd July but were beaten by Pearse Og on a score of 4-10 to 0-6. On the way to the final they had beaten Wolfe Tones and Mattock rangers. In the final played in Darver a great second half display by a very fast Pearse Og side saw them clinch victory with a brace of goals. Knockbridge Junior team: Ken Thornton, Gareth Corcoran, Diarmuid Duffy, Paul Mackin, Mark Wallace, Eddie Quigley, Noel Callan, Kevin Mc Nally, Gavin Kane, Mick Lundon, Sean Kearns, Paddy Mone, Gavin Kerrigan, Paudie Kieran, Sean Byrne Subs: Stephen Hilliard, Conail Byrne, Oisin Quigley, Barry Mc Closkey, Richard Mc Guinness Allianz National Hurling League Division 3 Champions Louth Hurlers started training early in January under new manager, Westmeath's (Brownstown) Pat Clancy. Team selectors were Aidan Costello, Knockbridge and Tony Corcoran from Mattock Rangers. Knockbridge had a substantial representation of senior players on the Louth panel again this year. Players involved included: Anthony Teefey, Paul Donohoe, Shane Fennell, David and Paul Dunne, Ronan and Niall Byrne, Trevor Hilliard, Conor and Shane Kerrigan, Shane Darcy and Adrian Wallace. Competition started with the Keogh Cup in January when Louth were beaten by Trinity College in Darver by 3-16 to 1-17. Louth were beaten by Donegal on a score of 1-20 to 3-8 in Rd1 of the Allianz National League in Letterkenny on the 18th February. Three weeks later on Sunday March 9th, Louth had a good win in Dowdallshill over Sligo winning by 6-12 to1-10. This the Sligo team showed none of the great form that beat Louth at headquarters later in the Summer in the Nicky Rackard final. Louth next beat Tyrone by 3-11 to 3-9 at St Brigid's Park on 16th March. Louth qualified for the final against Donegal when they beat Longford by 3-8 to 1-10.in Slasher Gaels groundson 23rd March. Louth won the Allianz National Hurling League Division 3 by beating Donegal by 1-16 to 1-10 in Gavin Duffy Park in Monaghan town on 13th of April. GAA president Nicky Brennan presented the shield to team captain David Dunne, who thanked the players, mentors, County Board and supporters for their commitment and support in winning the National League title: 'Lu Abu' ! he concluded. David was also awarded the title of 'Man of the Match after he gave a powerful and skillful display of hurling that included, catching, soloing and excellent scoring and free taking. Louth hurlers made further history when they had a good victory over Wicklow in the final of the Special Leinster League. Along the way they had comprehensive wins over Leitrim, South Down, Longford and Wicklow . Nicky Rackard Cup 2008 Louth were in a group with Fingal (Dublin North) and Donegal. They qualified for the quarter final of the Rackard Cup by score difference when they went down to Longford by 0-15 to 0-13 in Pearse Park on the 12th of July. Warwickshire was the next scalp which secured a semi-final spot against arch rivals, Monaghan, whom they beat by by 0-18 to 1-13 after extra time in Clones on 26th of July. Due to their win earlier in the league, Louth were favourites when they took on Sligo in the Nicky Rackard final on August 3rd in Croke Park. Louth raced into a early lead of 1-3 to 0-1 after 7 minutes with a goal from Sean Conroy and points by Gerard Smyth and Diarmuid Murphy. Sligo then began to dominate the game at midfield and in the half back line and struck with a goal from Keith Raymond after 15 minutes and a point by veteran Paul Seevers. They then piled on the pressure and went on to tap over 5 points without reply followed by a Joe Bannerton goal. A goal from Ronan Byrne left the Reds trailing at half time by 2-12 to 2-5. In the 2nd half a last quarter revival was sparked by Diarmuid Murphy's goal. However, a goal from a Paul Seevers' long delivery secured a historic victory for the Yeats county. Louth: Stephen Smyth, Conor Kerrigan, Tony Teefey, Brian Hasset, Donnach Callan 0-2, Aidan carter 0-1 f, Johnny Carter, Trevor Hilliard, Shane Kerrigan, Shane Fennell, Ronan Byrne 1-0, Gerard Smyth 0-1, Sean Conroy 1-0, Shane Callan, Diarmuid Murphy ( captain) 1-6, 3f, 2 '65', 1-0f. Subs Used: Mark Kirwin for Tony Teefy, David Dunne for G. Smyth, Eddie Mc Carthy for S. Kerrigan, Collins Connolly for S. Fennell, Paul Dunne for S. Conroy. Poc Fada Paul Dunne took part in the Leinster Poc Fada competition at the Curragh in glorious sunshine on the 26th June. He came in with a very creditable 27 pocs after a number of hurley breakages. The winner was Shane O Connor of Offaly with 25 pocs and he duly qualified for the All Ireland on Aneverna at the August weekend. Liam O Leary won the Louth U-14 Poc Fada for the second year in a row. Liam finished third in the Leinster competition on the Curragh with a very good score of 31 pocs. Many of the Knockbridge hurlers and mentors were part of the various meithels that guide and score the hurlers at the Poc Fada Na h Eeireann in the Cooley mountains on the 2nd of August. The title was won again by Brendan Cummins of Tipperary with a score of 54 pocs U-14 Feile Champions This year the U -14 hurlers won a record 9th Louth feile title in a row. This must be a national record. The beat Naomh Moninne in the semi final by a point at Darver in a very close match. In the final at the same venue, they overcame Naomh Fechin by 3-5 to 4-1 to win their record breaking number of titles. The team went on to represent Louth in the All Ireland Feile competition in Portlaoise. Three mentors, Gerry Dunne, Aidan Kerrigan and Derek Kettle traveled with the panel of 23 players. Outstanding performances saw them pipped in the group stages. Knockbridge were narrowly beaten by host club, Portlaoise, Timahoe (Laois) and Clontibret (Monaghan). There were outstanding performances throughout the competition from Liam O Leary (captain), Robert Wallace, Ronan E Molloy, Ronan and Neil Mulholland, James Collins, Miceal Kearns, Paul Halpenny, Stephen Brannigan, Andrew Smith, Jarlath Cassidy and Ciaran Deane. U-14 Championship Winners When the championship came round Knockbridge were once again in the shakeup, beating Naomh Fechin in the semi final by the narrowest of margins on a score of 5-8 to 5-7 in Termonfeckin on 2nd of October. In the final they again beat Naomh Fechin in Darver grounds on 21st of October by 3-6 to 0-3. This was a very well contested game with Knockbridge ahead at the break by 1-3 to 0-3. But second half goals from Liam O Leary (man of match) and Andrew Smyth gave 'the reds' a commanding lead. Further points from Stephen Brannigan and Robert Wallace secured the Championship to add to the Feile title won earlier in the year. Best for Knockbridge were Liam O Leary, Robert Wallace, Ronan and Neil Mulholland, Miceal Kearns, Andrew Smyth, Stephen Brannigan, James Collins, Ronan E Molloy Jarlath Cassidy and Paul Tynan. Team captain Robert Wallace, who had an outstanding season lifted the trophy and gave great praise for team mentors Gerry Dunne and Derek Kettle for their great dedication to the coaching of the team all season. Louth U-14 Hurling Development Squad; DJ Carey School A total of six Knockbridge players joined the Louth U-14 development squad for the DJ Carey School in St Kierans College, Kilkenny from 14th to 17th of July in 2007. Three mentors Gerry Dunne, Miceal O Broin, and Donal Lynch traveled with the team, which consisted of players also from Mattock, Fechins, Moninne and Pearse Og. Louth played challenge matches against the other county development squads that were present, namely, Wexford, Dublin, Laois, Longford and Kildare. Louth also put up a great performance when they traveled to Johnstown and ran the local side 'Fenians' close, eventually loosing out by 6-8 to 5-6. The Louth players got excellent coaching and advice all week from well known coaches, Lester Ryan, George O Connor, Martin Fogarty, Joe Kearns, Padraig O Neill, Noel Boyce and Paudie Butler. Henry Sheflin, Brendan Cummins, James Mc Garry and Brian Cody also illustrated skills and alsocoached the young hurlers on attitude and personal development. One of the highlights of the week was the Kilkenny senior hurling squad training session taken by Brian Cody in St Kierans College, as Nowlan Park was not available due to a concert. Knockbridge player, Liam O Leary, received a special merit award for his outstanding skill and hurling ability. Louth Panel: Liam O'Leary, Robert Wallace, Andrew Smyth, James Collins, Paul Halpenny, Aaron Devine, Stephen O'Brien, Mark Cunningham, Brian Mc Keown, Darren Whyte, Patrick Lynch, Ruairi Clinton, Brian O Connell, Sean Mc Connell, Conor Matthews, James Toner, Caoibhin Seery, Cian Leddy. U-16 Championship Winners Knockbridge won the U-16 championship this year by overcoming challenges from Naomh Moninne, Mattock Rangers and finally Naomh Fechin in the final on a score of 7-9 to 3-6. The final was played in Darver in which Knockbridge had a convincing win. Team captain Ricki Mc Keown had an outstanding game, contributing 0-3 to the final score. The contest was very even in the first half, with Knockbridge leading by 4-3 to 3-0 at the interval. Further goals in the 2nd half from Gareth Hall, Michael Keane and Liam O Leary meant that Knockbridge ran out convincing winners. Team captain Ricki Mc Keown was presented with the magnificent Brian O Broin Cup by Miceal, Maura and Mary O Broin. Ricki thanked Fechins for the great game and Derek Kettle, Aidan Costello and Gerry Dunne for their time and effort in coaching the team during the year. Gareth Hall was awarded 'man of the match'. Also prominent for Knockbridge were Richard Halpenny, Stephen Kettle, Conor Deane, Daire Mc Kiernan, Kevin Hearty, Pauric Marry and Kieran Bellew. Knockbridge U-16 team: Alan Meegan, Oisin Kirk, Conor Deane, Pauric Marry, Kieran Bellew, Richard Halpenny, Kevin Hearty, Cathal Mc Kenna 0-2, Ricki Mc Keown 0-3, Stephen Kettle, Liam O Leary 2-0, Daire Mc Kiernan 0-2, James Costello, Gareth Hall 3-2, Michael Keane2-0. Subs: Sean Mc Donnell, Robert Wallace, Andrew Smyth, Stephen Brannigan, Frankie Steele and Miceal Kearns O Broin Shield The U-12 championship was held in Darver this year on Saturday September 27th. Knockbridge were pipped in the first match by eventual winners Naomh Moninne by 2-2 to 1-3. In subsequent matches Knockbridge had convincing wins over Pearse Og and Naomh Fechin. In the final Moninne defeated Knockbridge by 3-2 to 0-1. The Shield was presented to Moninne captain Ronan Reilly by Coiste Iomana Secretary, Mark Stephenson who congratulated both teams on a fine game of hurling befitting a county final. Knockbridge U-12 Team: Ronan Bailey, Dara Mc Gee, Ronan E Molloy, Donal O Leary, James Byrne, Shane Mc Caughey, Brian Laverty, Paul Tynan (captain), Alan Dunne, Liam Molloy, Ronan Cunningham, Shane Murphy, Conor Deane, Conor Belton, Phillip Tynan, Ronan Murphy, Michael Fitzpatrick, P J Belton, Neil Mulholland, Sean Marry, Emmet Kirk, Mark Byrne. McCreesh Shield This U-11 hurling championship has been sponsored by Kevin and Peggy Mc Creesh and the family since 1986. This year proved to be a very enjoyable and worthwhile exercise for the clubs taking part. The blitz was held in Termonfeckin grounds in beautiful Autumn sunshine on Saturday the 18th October. Great credit must be extended to Naomh Fechin hurling mentors Mark Stephenson, Tom Ryan and Donal Lynch and also to Coiste Iomana for organizing the blitz. A total of five teams played in the blitz. The Knockbridge side in the opening match drew with Naomh Fechin, 1-1 each. Moninne defeated Knockbridge in the 2nd match by 1-5 to 1-0. in the playoff for a place in the final Knockbridge were beaten by Fechins on a score of 2-2 to 1-0. The eventual winners were St Fechins who had a historic win in the final beating Naomh Moninne by 2-2 to 1-1. The Mc Creesh shield was presented to Fechins by Coiste Iomana secretary Mark Stephenson, on behalf of the Mc Creesh family whom he thanked most sincerely for their much appreciated sponsorship of the championship. Knockbridge U-11 Team: James Bellew, Michael Fitzpatrick, Phillip Tynan, Bernard Laverty, Chad Mc Eneaney, Darren Bailey, Conor Hoey, Alan Dunne, Conor Deane, Sean Marry, Liam Molloy, P.J Belton, Ronan Bailey, Ronan Cunningham, Ronan Murphy, James Byrne, Chad Cummiskey, Peter Garland and Mark Byrne. School Hurling Finalists St Mary's School Knockbridge were beaten by Cartown on a scoreline of 6-4 to 3-0 in he final of the National Schools Championship in Darver on the 7th of June. The O Connor brothers, Sean and Kieran along with Ruairi Clinton did most of the scoring for Cartown. Knockbridge captain Paul Tynan led by example with a fine display of very skillful hurling. There were other good performances for Knockbridge school from Padraic Macken, Ronan E Molloy, Sean Brennan, Jarlath Cassidy, Ciaran Deane, Liam Molloy, Dara Mc Gee, Ronan Bailey and Emmet Kirk. Sincere Thanks: Finally a sincere word of thanks is due to the following who gave invaluable help to the Club and the various teams during what has been another fabulous year on the playing field. Knockbridge Hurling Club officers and committee would like to thank the St. Brides G.F.C. for all their help and for the use of their facilities during the year. Also to the Darver committee for the use of their facilities. A special word of thanks to Donal Murphy (Oxy Arc) and Derek Kettle (Kettle Engineering) for their very generous sponsorship of our various teams. Special thanks to Brian Mc Donnell for his invaluable help in the use of the school grounds for training and for all his help with school hurling competitions. Great credit is due to the various mentors who have done a wonderful job in coaching the underage squads both at club and county level. A special word of thanks is due to Noel and Dolores Mc Nally and family for their help with meetings. Thanks to the members of the ladies committee for their help with refreshments. Thanks to Ann Dunne, Aidan Kerrigan and Derek Kettle and Aidan Costello for organising playing gear, kit and laundry for matches. Thanks to John Byrne for his expert work with hurl repairs; also Niall Byrne, Brian Dunne and James Quigley for their invaluable help with the first aid. A special word of appreciation to Gerry Quigley and family, especially, 'Bud', for the high sliotar recovery rate. Thanks to the following for their great help on match days, Paddy Farrell, John Byrne, Fintan Wynne, Seamus Moore, Noel, Brendan and Gerry McNally. Thanks also to the many people who helped with fund raising, especially Ann Byrne for her organisation of the annual Poker Classic, to Frank and Teresa Carney for their annual Table Quiz and Ann Dunne, Bernadette Kettle, Brendan, Kathleen and Dolores McNally for all their help. A special word of thanks must go this year to Patrick Kierans, Cormac Woods, Donal Murphy and the sub committee in organizing the fund raising draw and the Senior Championship victory celebration. Thanks also to Brian Brady and family for the use of their premises on flag days. Thanks also to the many sponsors whose invaluable financial help is much appreciated. Thanks to the players for their great loyalty and support throughout the year. The Club is looking forward to the continued support of everyone involved for the coming year in an effort to build on the great success of the last 9 years. Tweet

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