Promising display from U14 hurlers
November 30, 2008
The Tony Forristal/Sonny Walsh Tournament took place in Waterford on the last weekend in August. Meath was represented by a squad of 24 players with three mentors, Conor Gavin (St Martins), Harry Randle and Ken McKenna (both from Donoghmore-Ashbourne ). The squad headed to Waterford with great hope but also knew that they were in a tough division, drawn again Antrim, Carlow and Kildare. Only one team could win through to a final.
The first match against a strong Antrim side was going to be crucial as to the final outcome of the division. A disastrous start for the Meath team conceding two goals in the first five minutes left the players a bit shell shocked and led to a 'flat' first half effort. It was important to get back in at half time and regroup. A huge effort to peg back an unassailable lead commenced in the second half, however the game was gone after the initial twenty minutes and a final score of 2-12 to 2-01 saw Antrim run out comfortable winners.
The disappointing performance meant the mentors had to focus all efforts to ensure the team was brought back on line and in a position to show their true form and ability, in the remaining two matches. If the team was to go out, it would need to go out by at least overcoming their final two Leinster' counterparts. Knowing themselves that they could perform to a much higher standard the squad steeled themselves for these two challenges.
Led from the very front, by a fantastic captain's performance by Darren McNevin (Killyon), a constant scoring and attacking threat in the guise of Vinny Moore (Navan O'Mahonys), plus noted half-back displays by Conor Darby (Boardsmill) and Martin Quinn (Donoghmore-Ashbourne) the whole team upped their performance considerably. No ball or score was conceded lightly as all teams members fought for the slightest bit of possession. Each team player showed the value of the hard efforts put in over the previous few months. Each team player showed that the expected passion and pride to wear a county jersey and perform to the highest standard did exist in abundance in this squad.
Kildare and Carlow were blown away with clear victories for the Meath team, Kildare being defeated 6-06 to 1-08 and Carlow going down by 2-12 to 1-4. This was the display expected from the beginning but which didn't materialize in the first twenty minutes against a strong Antrim side. In fact, that was the only twenty minutes that the Meath team had 'lost' on the day. When called upon to overcome that first loss and return to a winning fashion, the squad ably came up with goods and great pride could be taken by all involved with the team.
The weekend was completed with a challenge game against the host club Roanmore U14s. Again although tired from the previous day's exertions that lads did not let up and ran out comfortable winners. A perfect result to end the year.
It was a year when new friendships were forged and solidifiedyoung hurlers improved their ability ten fold from when they started at U13 Development squad level. Future county stars could be seen. As the squad sat in the stand, watching the final between Antrim and Laois, mentors, players and supporters all reflected back to the opening twenty minutes against Antrim the day before and thought if only!
Squad: - Garry Reilly - Moylagh, Shane Whitty - Blackhall Gaels, James Andrews - Trim, Dylan Keenan - Dunderry, Martin Quinn - Donoghmore Ashbourne, Darren McNevin - Killyon, Conor Darby - Boardsmill, Adam Flanagan - Killyon, Declan Smyth - Kilmessan, Fergal Flattery - Boardsmill, Vinny Moore - Navan O'Mahonys, Conor O' Shea - Dunderry, Eamon Ryan - Kiltale, Paddy Potterton - Kildalkey, David Fox - Trim, Aaron Ryan - Clann na nGael, Sam Benville - Donoghmore Ashbourne, Sean Gavin - St Martins, Mark Chesser - Kildalkey, Chris Reilly - Kiltale, Steffan Kelly - Killyon, Shane Lenihan - Trim, Donogh Fitzpatrick - Navan O'Mahonys, Gerry Nolan - Rathmolyon. -Mentors - Conor Gavin (St Martins), Harry Randle (Donoghmore-Ashbourne), Ken McKenna (Donoghmore-Ashbourne)
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