Knockbridge 'Five in a row'
December 30, 2009Winning the the Senior Championship was again the main aim of the Club for 2009 and it was a historic occasion when team captain David Dunne proudly lifted the Paddy Kelly Cup in Pairc na nGael on 13th of September. Great credit must go to the squad of dedicated and hard working players and also to mentors, Gerry Dunne and Aidan Kerrigan. The Club this year again entered a Junior team in the Maurice Murphy Cup but narrowly missed out on a place in the final. The Club this year is also hoping to complete 'the double' as they have secured a place in the Louth Senior Hurling League.
The U-16 Hurlers, under the expert guidance of Derek Kettle, ShaneDarcy and Aidan Costello won the championship in Darver beating Fechins in the final. The minor squad have qualified for the county final also this year. The Club this year failed in their record breaking attempt to win their '10 in a row' U-14 Feile title, when they were beaten in the final by a very good Fechins team, who subsequently went on to win the championship also.
Senior Hurling Champions
Congratulations to the Senior hurlers who on Sunday, September 13th at Dowdallshill won 'five in a row' Louth Senior Hurling Championships titles. David Dunne lifted the Paddy Kelly Cup for the club for the eight time in ten years after a well earned victory over Pearse Og on a score of 2-13 to 0-9
Knockbridge beat Naomh Fechin in the 1st round by 4-17 to 0-2 in Collon on Wedensday 1st July. In 2nd round, two weeks later, on the 15th of July in the Clans, Knockbridge were victorious over Pearse Og by 3-11 to 1-8. In round 3 in Drogheda on Wednesday 29th July, Knockbridge defeated Mattock Rangers by 2-13 to 0-8. In round 4 in the Clans on 18th August, Knockbridge defeated Naomh Moninne by 1-14 to 0-11. This qualified Knockbridge to take on Pearse Og in the final in the Dowdallshill on 13th September as they got a walkover in Rd 5 from Wolf Tones.
Senior Hurling Final
Knockbridge won beating Pearse Og on a score of 2 - 13 to 0 - 9 at St Bridgids Park on 13th of September. This clinched 'five in a row' Louth Senior titles and their eight in their short and illustrious 10 years since the founding of the Senior Club in 1999.
Gerard Smyth got the Pearse Og first point from play on 18 minutes with a long range effort to level matters up at 0-2 each. Brian Mc Cabe then pointed a close in free before Ronan Byrne (65) and Gavin Kerrigan (free) hit back for Knockbridge. The score was tied at 0-3 each after 20 minutes before Aidan Callan and Brian Mc Cabe put two points between the sides for the first time. But then sensing danger the champions upped the pace and added four points on the bounce, from David Dunne, Gavin Kerrigan (free), Kevin Mc Nally and Paul Dunne. Before half time David Dunne and Donnach Callan swapped points to leave 'the reds' leading by 0-8 to 0-6 at the break.
On the resumption half time substitute David Kettle increased the lead to three points with a well taken point. The decisive break in the match was a well taken Gavin Kerrigan goal on 14 minutes to give the village side a five point lead. Then Mc Cabe and Byrne swapped points. Pearse Og kept battling with Gerard Smyth and Shane Callan adding points to leave just a goal between the sides with six minutes left. Knockbridge were now starting to dominate and a David Dunne free was followed by Gavin Kerrigan's second goal put the issue beyond doubt. David Kettle added two more points to bring the winning margin to nine points in favoour of Knockbridge
The Paddy Kelly Cup was presented to team captain, David Dunne by Co Board Chairman, Paddy Oliver. David thanked his teammates, mentors and supporters for their commitment and dedication throughout the year. Paddy Oliver congratulated both teams,with players that consisted of most of the Louth Senior side on a fine competitive game of hurling befitting a county final.
Scorers for Knockbridge:Ronan Byrne 0- 2 (1 65, 1f), Gavin Kerrigan 2-3, (2f), David Dunne O-3(1f), Kevin Mc Nally (0-1), Paul Dunne 0-1, David Kettle 0-3
Knockbridge team : Brendan McNally, Mark Wallace, Tony Teefey, Niall Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Ronan Byrne, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne (captain), Trevor Hilliard; Kevin Mc Nally, Shane Kerrigan, Shane Kennedy, Shane Kennedy; Gavin Kerrigan, Paul Dunne, Shane Fennell. Subs: David Kettle for Shane Fennell(ht), Paul Donohoe for Paul Dunne (45), Paudie Kieran for Shane Kerrigan(58 mins), Gavin Kane for Kevin Mc Nally (60), Mick Lundon for Trevor Hilliard (60), Paddy Mone, Brian Dunne, Gareth Corcoran, Diarmuid Duffy, Oisin Quigley, Eugene Mohan, Michael Lundon, and David Deane,
Wides: Knockbridge 13 (4 in first half); Pearse Og 8 (4)
Frees awarded:Knockbridge 14 (7); Pearse Og 12 (5)
Referee: Brian Brady (N. Moninne).
Commentary: 'Not bad for my first final' was Gavin Kerrigan's modest reaction to scoring 2-3 to secure the record 5 in a row for Knockbridge. 'We knew Pearse Og would give us a tough match, but these dry conditions and the Dowdallshill pitch just suit us. I hadn't played with Knockbridge in the Senior championship before, even though I had played with Louth. I wasn't expecting to do as well as I was marking Mick Martin who is one of the most experienced players for Pearse Og. I went for goal with a free in the first half and missed, so the confidence was down a bit after that. But I was lucky enough to to get the break for the first goal and for the second I just kept running and smacked it'.
'It's our tenth anniversary so we wanted to have something to celebrate and hopefully we can continue on from here. It was a tough championship, tougher than people might think. I know there is only a handful of teams but its not easy and winning 5 in a row is special. I was on the panel for the last two years, but that definitely was one of the toughest games we had'
Leinster Club Championship
The Senior hurlers had a solid 4 weeks to recover after winning the County final before meeting the Kildare Intermediate champions Maynooth in Rd 1 of the AIB Leinster Junior Club Championship. The game was played in brilliant sunshine on Sunday October 18th in Maynooth grounds in Kildare where Knockbridge ran out decisive winners by 2-14 to 0-4 to book their place in the Leinster Quarter Finals.
Knockbridge settled first with an early pointed free by Kevin Mc Nally, the first of seven he put over for the afternoon. It was clear from the outset that the home side had a battle on their hands after further points from Shane Darcy and David Dunne. Then came the crucial moment for Knockbridge when David Kettle scored a goal from close range. Further frees from Mc Nally a point from play from David Dunne and a 65 from Ronan Byrne saw Knockbridge lead at the break by 1-7 to 0-2. Two frees from Marc Cummins was all the homeside had to show for their efforts in the first half.
Knockbridge kept up the pressure on the resumption. Further frees from Mc Nally another point from Dunne and a decisive second goal from Kettle stretched the lead further still and the game was effectively over as a contest long before the final whistle. Points for the home side from Fergal Molloy and Graham Kelly were all Maynooth could muster in the second half. Two long range points from David Dunne and Shane Kerrigan completed a fine win for Knockbridge.
Team mentors Martin Nolan, Aidan Kerrigan and Gerry Dunne were delighted with the performance which showed plenty of pace and power and was argueably the team's best performance of the year.
Knockbridge scorers: Kevin Mc Nally (0-7 6f),David Kettle 2-1, David Dunne 0-3, Ronan Byrne 0-1,(65), Shane Darcy, Shane Kerrigan 0-1 each.
Knockbridge team: Brendan Mc Nally; Mark Wallace, Tony Teefey, Niall Byrne; Shane Kennedy, Ronan Byrne, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne (captain), Trevor Hilliard; Kevin Mc Nally, Shane Darcy, Shane Kerrigan; Gavin Kane, David Kettle, Paul Dunne. Subs: Conaill Byrne, Paudie Kieran, David Deane, Michael Lundon, Paddy Mone, Paul Donohoe, Phillip Mc Govern and Eugene Mohan.
Leinster Quarter Final
Knock bridge's Leinster ambitions were halted by a display of skill and pace by Kilkenny Junior champions Blacks and Whites when they ran out clear winners on a score of 5-15 to 1-10 in Pairc an Chuinnigh on Sunday 1st November. The Knockbridge lads had to work twice as hard for their scores due to a tight marking and well organised visitors defense.
To their credit Knockbridge got a good start and were very much in the game playing against the wind in the first 20 minutes. However, the concession of three goal before the interval, put the game almost out of reach for the home side.
Niall Kennedy and Tom Moloney had the opening points for the Kilkenny champions inside six minutes before Trevor Hilliard opened the Knockbridge account with a well taken point.. That score was soon cancelled out by two further points from Kennedy and Paul Murphy. Then Kevin Mc Nally scored an 11th minute free to leave the score 0-4 to 0-2 for the visitors. Subsequently Mc Nally and Kennedy exchanged a brace of points to leave just three points separating the sides on 20 minutes. The first break came for the visitors on 21 minutes when Tommy Farrel's neat touch put Michael Ryan in for a goal. Kevin Mc Nally responded with a free for the hosts, but a Tom Moloney flicked goal on 27 minutes was followed by another two minutes into stoppage time from Kennedy to leave a score of 3-9 to 0-5 at the break.
To their credit Knockbridge hit three of the opening four points at the start of the second half. Hopes of a turnaround were shattered on 37 minutes when Tommy Farrell found the net after collecting a long sideline cut from Michael Moloney. This left it 4-10 to 0-8 at which time all the Blacks and Whites forwards had got their names on the scoresheet. Then David Kettle had a shot saved at the near post by John Murphy. Blacks and Whites killed the game off when Tom Moloney cored his second of the game when he drilled a goal from close range to leave it 5-12 to 0-10 after 52 minutes. A minute later Knockbridge captain, David Dunne, volleyed a low hard shot to the net, after the sliothar had rebounded off the crossbar from a shot by David Kettle. But it was the visitors that had the final scores with a point from Murphy and a brace of points from 'man of the match' Niall Kennedy.
Scorers: Blacks and Whites: Niall Kennedy (1-8, 3f), Tom Moloney (2-1), Michael Ryan (1-1), Tommy Farrell (1-0), Paul Murphy (0-3), Paul Whelan, Sean Kealy ( 0-1)
Knockbridge: Kevin Mc Nally (0-7, 7f), David Dunne (1-0), Trevor Hilliard (0-2), David Kettle (0-1.
Blacks and Whites: John Murphy; Charlie Ryan, James Brennan, Denis Brennan; Aidan O Dowd, Michael Moloney, John Lawlor; Peter Cleere, Paul Whelan; Paul Murphy, Niall Kennedy, Sean Kealy; Tom Moloney, Michael Ryan, Tommy Farrell. Subs; Pat Hayden for A O Dowd ,50 mins; James Foley for M Ryan ,52 mins; Joseph Murphy for P Whelan, 54 mins; Barry Mooney for P Murphy, 57 mins.
Knockbridge: Brendan Mc Nally; Mark Wallace,Tony Teefey, Niall Byrne; Shane Kennedy, Ronan Byrne, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne (captain), Trevor Hilliard; Kevin Mc Nally, Shane Darcy, Shane Kerrigan; Gavin Kerrigan, David Kettle, Paul Dunne
Subs: David Deane for T Teefey, half time; Paul Donohoe for N Byrne, half time; Gavin Kane for S Darcy,44 mins; Paddy Mone for G Kerrigan, 50mins; Michael Lundon for S Kerrigan, 56 mins.
Wides: Blacks and Whites - 4 (2 first half)
Knockbridge: 8 (1 first half).
Leinster Club Hurling League 2009
Knockbridge entered the Leinster Intermediate Club League for the second year and played four games, eventually getting through to the final against Oulart the Ballagh of Wexford. In round 1 on Friday 10th of April, Knockbridge played Coill Dubh of Kildare in Tallanstown and won on a score of 2-15 to 1-13. In round 2 on Easter Monday, April 13th they traveled in the rain with an under strength squad to Laois to take on Clonad only to narrowly loose on a score of 2-5 to 0-8. In round 3 Knockbridge received a walkover from Setanta of Dublin who did'nt travel. Knockbridge then beat Saint Peregrines of Dublin in the quarter final by 1-14 to 1-6 in Darver on Wednesday 6th May and qualified to meet Davidstown Courtnacuddy of Wexford in the Leinster semi final on Monday May 18th. In an epic encounter at the DCU grounds, Knockbridge came out on top by the narrowest of margins beating Davistown on a score of 3-13 to 3-12. In the Leinster Intermediate Club final in DCU onTuesday 2nd June; Oulart beat Knockbridge by 1-13 to 0-11in a very close contest with the Wexford side led by the legendry Martin Storey, the 96 All Ireland Winning captain, pulling away at the end.
Junior Hurling
Knockbridge junior hurlers this year had Paul Dunne and Niall Byrne in charge. They managed to get good numbers out to training and organized numerous challenge matches in the Spring. In Round 1 of the All County League (played without the county players) on 15th March in Darver, in a very high scoring affair, Knockbridge lost by the narrowest of margins to Fechins on a score of 4-12 to 3-14. In Rd 2 one week later, Knockbridge had a decisive victory over Wolf Tones in Tallanstown winning by 4-20 to 1-4. In Round 3 on 29th March they drew with Pearse Og in DkIT on a score of 1-13 to 3-7.
In the first round of the Maurice Murphy Cup on June 27th, Knockbridge were defeated by St Fechins by 2-13 to 1-12.
Knockbridge Junior team: Gavin Kane, Brendan Mc Nally, Ken Thornton, Gareth Corcoran, Diarmuid Duffy, Paul Donohoe, Mick Lundon, Paddy Mone, Paudie Kieran, Sean Byrne, Conail Byrne, Oisin Quigley, Richard Mc Guinness, Paul Dunne, Niall Byrne, David and Conor Deane,, Phillip Mc Govern, Shane Darcy, Gerry and Ricki Mc Keown, Noel Callan, Cathal Mc Kenna, Stephen Kettle, Eamon and Sean Peticrew, Kevin Hearty
Louth Hurlers League and Championship
Louth senior hurlers started training early in January under 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: Tony Teefey, Shane Fennell, David Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Trevor Hilliard, Conor, Shane and Gavin Kerrigan, Kevin Mc Nally, Adrian and Mark Wallace and David Kettle
Competition started with the Keogh Cup in January when Louth were beaten by Fingal in Darver by 3-9 to 1- 8. In The Keogh Shield, Louth beat Trinity College on a score of 3-11 to 0-3 in Darver. In the Shield semi final in Darver on January 25th Louth overcame Pete Finnerty's Mayo by the narrowest of margins0-13 to 0-12. In the Shield final in Darver on 1st February Louth were well beaten by Kildare on a scoreline of 4-15 to1-2.
Rd2 (Rd1 Bye) of the Allianz National League in Fingalian's grounds on the 15th February, Louth lost to Fingal by 0-13 to 1-8. Two weekslater they lost to London in Dowdallshill. In Round 3 on March 22nd, Louth beat Longfort away by 3-18 to 1-8. In Round 4 Louth had a decisive victory over Tyrone in Dowdalshill winning by 1-18 to 0-10. to brng their points total to 4. However, Louth's involvement with the League finished in Athleague on 5th of April when they were beaten by Roscommon by 1-16 to 2-8.
TheNicky Rackard Cup Championship started on 6th of June and Louth had a good start with a win at home over Monaghan by 1-12 to 1-8. However, in Round 2 away to Meath in Navan, Louth were beaten and the had to go into a playoff against Fingal in Swords where they were narrowly beaten on a score of 0-16 to 1-11. Later Louth manager Pat Clancy left his his position after his three years in charge. He left behind a proud record when along with his selectors Aidan Costello and Tony Corcoran they took the Louth hurlers to the Nicky Rackard final in Croke Park in 2008 and the team won the Division 3 of the Allianz National League title also in 2008. Louth also won the Leinster Junior Shield in 2008 and again this year.
Louth U-21 Hurlers
The U-21 Management team of Pat Clancy, Aidan Kerrigan and Paul Callan did a huge amount of work with the squad at the start of the year. There was a great turnout at training and numerous challenge matches were arranged, mainly against teams from Down, Dublin, Monaghan and Meath. The preparation paid off when the team had a resounding victory by 2-14 to 0-9 over a much fancied Wicklow side in the first round of the Leinster championship on the 4th of April. This qualified Louth for the quarter final against a rapidly improving Carlow side. Louth lost by 4-16 to 0-8 in Dowdallshill to this very mobile and skillful Carlow side, who have been together now for a number of years. Many of the Louth squad are eligible again next year and this augers well for the team in the future.
Knockbridge U-21 players included, David Kettle, Kevin Mc Nally, Phillip Mc Govern, David Deane, Gavin Kerrigan, Gerry Mc Keown, and Ken Thornton
U-14 Feile Champions
This year the U -14 hurlers were unsuccessful in their quest to add another to their ,9 in a row titles,, a run which started back in 1999 when Knockbridge were hosted by Lamh Dearg in Belfast. In the first Feile Blitz in Darver on the 23 rd of April Knockbridge picked only 2 points with a win over Moninne. A week later in the 2nd blitz the village side picked up more points and qualified for the final. Knockbridge were beaten in the final on 7th May in Darver by St Fechins on a score of 5-7 to 2-3. This was the first time for Fechins to win Feile in Louth and subsequently they lost out on score difference in qualifing for a semi-final spot at the National Feile in Portlaoise. The Louth U-14 team manged by Derek kettle and Donal Lynch and Gerry Dunne went on to win the All Ireland Roinn C title later in the year.
Knockbridge U -14 team: Donal O Leary, Alan Dunne, Ronan E Molloy, Sean Mc Loughlin, Paul Halpenny, Jarlath Cassidy, Ronan Mulholland, Neil Mulholland, Paul Tynan, Liam Molloy, Ciaran Deane, Mark Dempsey, Conor and PJ Belton, Dara Mc Gee, Shane and Ronan Murphy, Ronan Cunningham, Ronan and Darren Bailey
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 Kieran's College, Kilkenny from 13th to 16th of July in 2009. Three mentors Gerry Dunne, Derek Kettle, and Donal Lynch traveled with the team, which consisted of players also from Mattock, Fechins and Moninne . 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 Paulstown and ran the local side very 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, Brendan Headen, Noel Boyce and Paudie Butler. Henry Sheflin, Brendan Cummins, James Mc Garry and Brian Cody also illustrated skills and also coached 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 Nolan Park.
Louth Panel: Donal O Leary, Ronan Mulholland, Ronan Molloy, Padraig Mackin, Paul Halpenny, Mark Dempsey, Aaron Mc Mahon, Joseph Mc Cann, Dara Flannagan, Eoghan Lafferty, Patrick Lynch, Ruairi Clinton, Brian O Connell, Sean Mc Connell, Conor Matthews, Caoibhin Seery, Cian Leddy, Kieran Conway, Brian Mc Keown.
Louth Hurlers win U-14 All Ireland
Louth U-14 hurers won the All Ireland Roinn C in Termonfechin on the 29th August beating Fermanagh in the final by 2-7 to 2-2. Louth lost their opening match to Fermanagh by 2-4 to 1-6. However, they recovered and produced great displays of skillful hurling to record wins over Cavan, 3-8 to 0-3 and Monaghan, 3-5 to 2-3. This qualified Louth for a semi final spot against Longfort, where they proved too strong winning out on a scoreline of 2-7 to 2-1.
In he final they trailed Fermanagh by 2 points at half time, but two second half goals by full forward Brian Mc Keown secured the All Ireland. Afterwards the trophy was presented to the Louth captain and player of the tournament Paddy Lynch. Other to perform well for Louth included Donal Connolly, Ronan Mulholland and Eoin Lafferty, Rory Clinton, Ronan Molloy and Paul Halpenny. Congratulations must go to the managers of the team, Donal Lynch, Derek Kettle and Gerry Dunne
Louth U-14 All Ireland Winners: Donal Connolly, Ronan Molloy, Sean Mc Connell, Conor matthews, Dara Flanagan, Ronan Mulholland, Caoimhin Seery, Paddy Lynch (captain), Rory Clinton, Fintan Martin, Eoin Lafferty, Joseph Mc Cann, Conal Mc Eneaney, Brian Mc Keown, Paul Halpenny; Subs: Neil Mulholland, Paul Tynan, Jarlath Cassidy,; Luke Montague, Sean Hodgins, Brian O Connell, Conor Victory, Michael Callan,; Stephen Bellew, Emmet O Driscoll, Darren Whyte, Kevin Conway, James Russell and Glen Watters
U-16 Championship Winners
Knockbridge won the U-16 championship this year by overcoming challenges from , Mattock Rangers, St Fechins and finally Naoh Moninne in the final on a score of 8-17 to 2-7. The final was played in Darver in which Knockbridge had a convincing win. Team captain Kevin Hearty had an outstanding game at center back. The foundation for the victory by 'the reds' was laid in the first half, with Knockbridge leading by 6-7 to 0-2 at the interval, with Cathal Mc Kenna, Liam O Leary and Robert Wallace amongst the goal-scorers. The Moninne points were scored by Paddy Mc Gee and Ronan Geoghegan. The second half was well contested as Moninne raised their game , with Geoghegan getting 2 goals from frees. Knockbridge, however, with more craft and combined play added further scores to comfortably retain their title.
Best for Knockbridge were, Conor Deane, Richard Halpenny, Cathal Mc Kenna, Stephen Kettle, Liam O Leary, Andrew Smith, Ronan Mulholland, James Costello and Sean Mc Donnell. The pick of the Moninne players included RonanGeoghegan, Jamie Kerr, Liam Blundell, David Yore, Eoin Lafferty and David Bellew.
Afterwards the magnificent Brian O Broin Cup was presented to the Knockbridge captain, Kevin Hearty by Miceal O Broin.
Knockbridge: Niall Brennan, Andrew Smith, Sean Mc Donnell, Ronan Mulholland, Chris Bellew, Kevin Hearty (captain), James Costelllo, Conor Deane 0-3, Cathal Mc Kenna 3-1, Richard Halpenny1-2, Liam O Leary 2-3, Stephen Kettle 1-5, Robert Wallace 1-0, Laurence Steen, Stephen Brannigan.
O Broin Shield
The U-12 championship was held in Termonfeckin this year on Saturday October 20th. Knockbridge were pipped in the first match by eventual winners Naomh Feichin by 2-2 to 1-1. In subsequent matches Knockbridge had a narrow defeat to Mattock., but lost out to Naomh Moninne in the Plate by 2-3 to 1-2. In the final, Fechins defeated Mattock to win the U-12 championship. The Shield was presented to Fechin's captain Shane Ryan by Miceal O Broin of Coiste Iomana and he praised all the teams and their mentors for the fine display of hurling on the day.
Knockbridge U-12 Team: Darren Bailey, Donal O Leary, James Byrne, Mark Byrne, Alan Dunne, Tiernan O Malley, Liam Molloy, Ronan Cunningham, Ronan Murphy, Conor Deane, Phillip Tynan, Michael Fitzpatrick, P J Belton, Sean Marry, Ronan Bailey, Chad Mc Eneaney, Jack Sadlier, Conor Hoey.
Mc Creesh 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 Darver grounds in beautiful Autumn sunshine on Saturday the 10th October. Great credit must be extended to the various hurling mentors and also to the officers of Coiste Iomana for organizing the blitz. A total of five teams played in the blitz. The Knockbridge side in the opening match were narrowly defeated Naomh Moninne, Knockbridge in the 2nd match defeated Cooley. They failed, however, to reach the final after a defeat by Fechins. The eventual winners were St Fechins who had a historic win in the final beating Naomh Moninne.
The Mc Creesh shield was presented to Moninne by Mrs Peggy Mc Creesh on behalf of the Mc Creesh family whom must thanked most sincerely for their much appreciated sponsorship of the championship over the years.
Knockbridge U-11 Team: Michael Fitzpatrick, Phillip Tynan, Chad Mc Eneaney, Darren Bailey, Jack Sadlier, Conor Hoey, Sean Marry, Liam Molloy, P.J Belton, Ronan Cunningham, James Byrne, and Mark Byrne.
School Hurling Winners
Congratulations must go to St Mary's School Knockbridge who beat Bay Estate School on a scoreline of 3-4 to 0-2 in he final of the National Schools INTO finals in Knockbridge on the 8th of June. The school's last victory in this very prestigious competition was four years ago. School principal Brian Mc Donnell was delighted with the very determined and skillful display by the boys in the qualifiers and also in the final. Knockbridge captain Alan Dunne led by example with a fine display of very skillful hurling. There were other good performances for Knockbridge school from Ronan Cunningham, Emmet Kirk, Sean Brennan, Shane Mc Caughey (0-1), Liam Molloy (0-1), Ronan Bailey (2-0) Ciaran Deane (1-2), Sean Marry and Shane Murphy.
Ciaran Dean was subsequently had the honour of been picked to represent Louth and played in Croke Park on All Ireland Hurling Sunday. Sean Brennan was also picked for his wide range of hurling skills and played in Croke Park for the All Ireland Hurling semi-final Sunday in August
St Marys Knockbridge also won the Louth County Championship 13 a side to complete the double for the school. This team fielded the following players along side those of the INTO winning side and included; PJ Belton, Conor Hoey, Ronan Murphy, Chad Mc Eneaney, Tiernan O Malley, James and Mark Byrne, Phillip Tynan, Darren Bailey and Michael Fitzpatrick
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. A special word of thanks must go to Colm Marry, Colm Smith, Miceal Mc Nally and Pat Mackin for their invaluable help with arrangements for the visit of Kilkenny championships, Blacks and Whites. Also to the Darver committee, especially Paddy Mc Mahon and Brendan Carthy for the use of their excellent 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 Partick and Aileen Kieran for their help with meetings. Thanks to the members of the ladies committee for their help with refreshments. Thanks to Ann Dunne and Derek Kettle for organizing playing gear, kit and laundry for matches. Thanks to John Byrne for his expert work with hurl repairs; also 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 rate. Thanks to Frank and Teresa Carney for their annual Table Quiz . A special word of thanks must go this year to Patrick Kierans, Gerry Dunne, Brendan Mc Nally and John Byrne and the sub committee in organizing the fund raising draw and sponsorship. 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 10 years. Tweet
