When you're at the very top sometimes there is only one way you can go. Knockbridge know this more than most with all of the other hurling clubs in Louth setting their crosshairs on the village outfit at the start of the year but they overcame injuries to end the year as still number one. By James Rogers. It's been quite a couple of years for the county's youngest senior hurling club. By the end of 2006 it seemed they could do no wrong and many predicted that they would dominate the sport within Louth for many years to come. Who could blame them either? Having clinched their second Paddy Kelly Cup in-a-row as well as a minor championship, Knockbridge embarked on a fantastic run in Leinster which put hurling in the county firmly on the map for the first time. On an impressive run to the final they accounted for the likes of Offaly outfit Ballinamere, Ballyfin of Laois and Our Lady's Island of Wexford. Their Leinster Junior Hurling final clash with Kilkenny outfit Danesfort may ultimately have ended in defeat but the progress made in that competition suggested an incredibly bright future for Knockbridge in their home county and perhaps even at a provincial level. Looking back on things now though it is apparent that the progress the club made in 2006 had its effects on 2007. The warning signs were there from an early stage. In February they met old rivals and biggest challengers Pearse Og in the delayed 2006 Senior Hurling League final. They trailed their opponents for the full hour before a Shane Fennell goal five minutes into injury time earned them a replay with the final score finishing 1-9 apiece. To their credit, Aidan Kerrigan, Gerry Dunne and Aidan Costelloe's side came through the replay to claim another Paddy Rice Cup on a 1-10 to 2-3 scoreline and suddenly things looked rosy again. The Knockbridge team that featured in the 2006 league final replay was as follows: Brendan McNally; Tony Teefey, Dermot Plunkett, Niall Byrne; Conor Kerrigan, Ronan Byrne (0-1, f), Adrian Wallace; Trevor Hilliard, David Dunne (0-1); David Kettle, Shane Fennell (0-2), Sean Byrne (0-5, 4f); Mick Lunden, Paul Dunne (1-1), Paul Donohoe. Sub: Diarmuid Duffy for M Lunden, 60 mins. The problem with being the county's most successful club, however, is that invariably many of your players get called up to the Louth panel and unsurprisingly Knockbridge players made up a large bulk of Pat Clancy's side for their National League campaign. With many of the club's players also playing football for various other clubs the amount of action began to take its toll. Injuries became more and more frequent and their achievements of 2006 and early 2007 were beginning to take its toll. Influential figures such as Ronan Byrne and Paul Dunne were ruled out with long term injuries and the other clubs began to believe they could knock the county champions from their perch. At the start of June Knockbridge once again found themselves in a Senior Hurling League final against arch rivals Pearse Og only this time it was the Dundalk side who came out on top by 0-17 to 1-9 in Roche. It was Pearse Og's first Paddy Rice Cup success since 1993 and talk of a change in the balance of power in Louth hurling began to grow. Knockbridge had been at the top for a number of years but it now became apparent that if they wanted to stay there in 2007 they would have a real fight on their hands. When the championship came around they quickly got back to winning ways, however, with opening round victories over Naomh Moninne and the Wolfe Tones setting up another final clash between themselves and Pearse Og. The game was played at Clan na Gael Park on Sunday October 14 before the Junior Championship final between St Mochta's and Dundalk Young Irelands and was a highly-tense affair. Pearse Og believed it would be their year while Knockbridge were hoping their big match experience would stand to them. In the end it did, but only just, as they came out on top by the narrowest of margins on a 1-13 to 0-15 scoreline to claim their third Louth Senior Hurling Championship in-a-row. David Dunne's 67th minute free proved the major difference between the sides as Knockbridge retained their right to be called the county's hurling kingpins. The Knockbridge side that beat Pearse Og in the Senior Hurling final was as follows: Brendan Nally; James Quigley, Tony Teefy, Niall Byrne; Conor Kerrigan, Raymond Kelly, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne (0-3, 1f), Trevor Hilliard (0-1); Eddie Quigley (0-2), Shane Kerrigan (0-3), Shane Fennell; David Kettle (0-2), Paul Donohoe (0-1), Paudie Kieran (1-1). Subs - Gareth Corcoran for J Quigley, 38 mins; Dermot Plunkett for C Kerrigan, 40 mins; Gavin Kane for P Kieran, 52 mins; Diarmuid Duffy for A Wallace, 58 mins. A couple of weeks later Knockbridge overcame Pearse Og again with Mick Lunden captaining the side to the Junior Hurling League final. Add to that a four point victory over St Fechins in the Minor Championship final, an U-16 title and an U-14 championship and Feile title and you get the feeling the club are going to be on top for a long time to come. A 2-10 to 0-10 defeat to Dublin outfit Raheny in the opening round of Leinster put an early end to any hope the side had of going one better than their provincial run of the previous year. The village outfit can be pleased with how things turned out even if it was by no means an easy campaign, as selector Aidan Kerrigan explains. "It turned out to be a great year but we had to work very hard for it," he said. "We had had a great run to the Leinster final at the end of last year and that was a wonderful achievement and a great experience. After that we won the delayed league final but come June Pearse Og had the edge over us and beat us in this year's final. Fair play to them they deserved it but we felt then that we had to win the county title to avenge it and we did it the hard way. "Overall it was a very good year but we were disappointed not to make a bit more progress in Leinster. The game against Raheny was one we could've won but it was fair to say that the better team won on the night. "We had a good year at underage level though and to come back from the beating we took against Pearse Og in the league final to claim a third championship in-a-row was just superb. The future looks bright but we'd be nowhere without all those who promote hurling in the area and to St Brides who very generously let us use their fabulous facilities. "We're moving well at the minute though. Hopefully that will continue into next year," said the club treasurer. It was quite a year for Knockbridge. They took a few blows but still came out fighting. They're still on top of their perch and if 2007 was anything to go by, it'll be a while before they're knocked off it yet. OUR YEAR Congratulations to all who helped to make 2007 a very successful year for the Club. The senior team made history by winning the 'three in a row' Senior Hurling Championship titles which was a first for the club. Winning the the Senior Championship was again the main aim of the Club for 2007 and team captain Anthony Teefey proudly lifted the Paddy Kelly in the Clans 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 Costelloe. The Club this year again entered a Junior team in the League and Championship and everyone in the squad was delighted when team captain Mick Lundon was presented with the shield in Roche 28th of October. Great credit must go to the Junior players and their mentors for the large number of players at training and on match days. The Club also reached the final of the Louth Senior Hurling League, but were beaten by Pearse Og by 0-17 to 1-9 in the Gaels on the 1st of June. Congratulations to the minors who did the double again this year. League captain, Peter Brennan was presented with the cup in Knockbridge when they beat Naomh Moninne in the final on the 29th of April. The minors made it seven championships in a row in the last match of the year when team captain Frank Mc Geeney was presented with the Cup by Coiste iomana chairman, Tony Corcoran. The Club this year also won their Eight in a row' U-14 Feile title, this must be a national record? Later in the year they went on to secure the U-14 championship. Knockbridge were also won the final of the U-16 championship Senior Hurling Championship Congratulations to the Senior hurlers who on Sunday October 14th at Clan na nGael park won 'three in a row' Louth Senior Hurling Championships. Tony Teefey lifted the Paddy Kelly Cup for the sixth time in eight years after a hard earned victory by the narrowest of margins over Pearse Og on a score of 1-12 to 0-14. Knockbridge beat Naomh Moninne in the 1st round by 3-21 to 1-10 in the Gael's pitch on Wednesday 1sh August. In 2nd round, four weeks later, on the 28th of August in Termonfeckin, Knockbridge were victorious over Wolf Tones by 2-14 to 0-7. With Knockbridge and Pearse Og on four points each, both teams went through to the final in Clans, 6 weeks later, on 14th of October. Senior Hurling Final Knockbridge edged out their old rivals Pearse Og on a score of l - 12 to 0 - 14 at the Clans on 14th of October. This clinched three in a row Louth Senior titles and their sixth in their short and illustrious eight years since the founding of the Club in 1999. Knockbridge got into the game right from the start and dominated the game right through the first half. Points from Shane Kerrigan David Kettle, David Dunne, Paudie Kieran and Eddie Quigley gave the village side a half time lead of 0-7 to 0-4. On the resumption points by Eddie Mc Carthy, Aidan Callan and Brian Mc Cabe moved the town side to within a point of Knockbridge. As the mid point approached, Knockbridge added 1-2 in the space of a couple of minutes, with Paudie Kieran firing past Stephen Smyth after he was put through by 'man of the match' Shane Kerrigan. In the final quarter Pearse Og staged a great comeback with points from frees and play by Gerard Smyth and Brian Hasset, after David Dunne was waved wide with two free attempts. Smyth leveled the match with a free in injury time. But deep in injury time David Dunne held his composure and pointed a free after a fowl on Gavin Kane to secure the title. The Paddy Kelly Cup was presented to team captain Tony Teefey by Co Board chairman, Paddy Oliver, who congratulated both teams on a fine competitive game of hurling. Scorers for Knockbridge: Paudie Kieran (l - l), Eddie Quigley (O- 2), David Dunne (O-3, 1f),Shane Kerrigan (0-3),Paul Donohue (0-1), David Kettle (0-2),Trevor Hilliard (0-1). Scorers for Pearse Og: Gerard Smith (O-9, 5f), Brian Hassett (0-2), Eddie Mc Carthy (0-1), Brian Mc Cabe (0-1), Aidan Callan (0-1) and Noel Callan (0-1). Knockbridge team : Brendan McNally, James Quigley, Tony Teefey, Niall Byrne, Conor Kerrigan, Raymond Kelly, Adrian Wallace; David Dunne, Trevor Hilliard; Eddie Quigley, Shane Kerrigan ('man of match'), Shane Fennell; David Kettle, Paul Donohue, Paudie Kieran. Subs: Gareth Corcoran for J Quigley (38 mins), Dermot Plunket for C Kerrigan (40 mins); Gavin Kane for P Kieran (52mins); Diarmuid Duffy for A Wallace (58 mins), Shane Darcy, Mark Wallace, Kevin Mc Nally, Oisin Quigley, Gerry Mc Keown, Michael Lundon, Paddy Mone, Gavin Kerrigan, David Deane, Kevin Kirk Referee: Hugh Leonard (Monaghan). Commentary: Afterwards relief and joy beamed all over Shane Kerrigan's face 'l am delighted for the team as we made it very hard for ourselves at the end. But we are absolutely delighted to win the championship, having lost the League title earlier in the year. We all stood together in the dressing room and said we would give it our all, and we got our reward. We intend to give Leinster a good run again this year. We got to the final last year, so hopefully we can learn from the experience and win the Leinster Junior title this year. We always really respect Pearse Og, as they always give us a great match. The teams are very even and we won in the end by pure grit and determination. As regards Paudie Kieran's goal; I heard him roaring and screaming for the ball and I knocked it in to him. But just like last year they came back at us very strongly at the end. The free though by David Dunne was unbelievable; to hit that over with all the pressure was amazing'. Leinster Club Championship The Senior hurlers had only 2 weeks to recover after winning the County final before meeting the Dublin Intermediate champions Raheney in the Leinster Quarter final of the Club championship. Knockbridge got a first round bye because they had got to the Leinster final last year. The game was played under lights in St Vincents grounds in Marino and in a tight contest the Dublin side ran out eventual winners by 2-10 to 0-10. The Dublin side settled first with a couple of early points and an early goal and it was clear Knockbridge had a battle on their hands. But two brilliant points from midfielder David Dunne after some great solo runnning steadied the ship. Further points from Eddie Quigley and David Dunne saw the sides go in level at half time 1-3 to 0-7. On the resumption Raheny had built up a five point lead by the end of the third quarter. Then Knockbridge were dealt a severe blow when Shane Fennel had to retire with a hand injury. Just after the halfway point play had to be stopped due to the partial failure of the lights. When play resumed 10 minutes later Knockbridge began to peg back the lead with further scores from David Dunne (man of match) and Shane Kerrigan. Then disaster struck when a clearance out of the Knockbridge defense was gathered by a Raheney forward and his shot at goal rebounded to the net. With the Raheney defense on top Knockbridge were starved of good possession and the Dublin went on to the semi final to take on Kilkenny champions Conahy Shamrocks. There were excellent performances from David Dunne (0-8, 3f) Adrian Wallace, Niall Byrne, Tony Teefy, Ray Kelly, Shane Kerrigan (0-1), Trevor Hilliard, Mark Wallace, David Kettle, Shane Fennell, Shane Kennedy, and Eddie Quigley(0-1). Knockbridge: Brendan Mc Nally, Mark Walllace, Tony Teefy, Niall Byrne, Ray Kelly, Shane Kennedy, Adrian Wallace, David Dunne, Trevor Hilliard, Eddie Quigley, Shane Kerrigan, Shane Fennell, David Kettle, Paul Donohoe, Paudie Kieran. Subs: Garret Corcoran, Conor Kerrigan, Diarmuid Duffy, James Quigley, Shane Darcy, Oisin Quigley, Mick Lundon, Gavin Kane, Dermot Plunkett, Gerry Mc Keown, Gavin Kerrigan, League Champions 06 The 2006 senior Hurling League was postponed to February 2007 due to Knockbridge's long run to the Leinster Club championship final. In the Gaels on 4th of February Knockbridge and Pearse Og played out a draw, 1-9 each. The following Sunday at the same venue, Knockbridge emerged victorious by 1-10 to 2-3 with full forward Paul Dunne getting the vital goal at the finish. County Board Chairman, Paddy Oliver presented the Paddy Rice Cup to Team captain Dermot Plunkett and he congratulated him and the team for winning the championship and league for 2006. Knockbridge panel: Brendan Mc Nally, Tony Teefey, Dermot Plunkett (captain), Niall Byrne,Conor Kerrigan, Ronan Byrne, Adrian Wallace, David Dunne, Trevor Hilliard,David Kettle, Shane Fennell, Sean Byrne, Mick Lundon, Paul Dunne,, Paul Donohoe, Diarmuid Duffy, Noel Callan and Oisin Quigley. Knockbridge lost the title to a very good Pearse Og side 1st of June in the 2007 League final on a score 0-17 to 1-9. Leinster Club League 2007 Knockbridge entered the Leinster Club League for the first time during the year and played three games. On Saturday 14th of April the team traveled to Kildare to play Confey. In a very even high scoring encounter the teams finished level, Confey 1-20 Knockbridge 3-14. In round 2 on Sunday 22nd of April, in a very tight game, Knockbridge at home lost to Bray Emmetts by 1-11 to 1-9. In the final match Knockbridge traveled to Tallagh and had a convincing win over local side Thomas Davis by 6-13 to 1-12. The club hope to take part again next year, when it may be a double round (home and away) format. Minor Hurling League Winners 2007 The Knockbridge U-18 hurlers were the first team of the year to win a trophy when on Sunday 29th April, the minors won the 2007 championship. The beat Naomh Moninne by 10-6 to 0-5 in a match that they dominated from start to finish. For the village side, Gerry Mc Keown and Shane Devine dominated midfield for long periods and this provided the platform for a convincing victory. They were ably assisted by Sean Kearns, Richard Mc Guinness, Greg Kehoe and Frankie Mc Geeney in a strong and determined defense. Up front was where all the damage was done. Gavin Kerrigan had a field day, scoring almost at will. Peter Brennan (captain) Niall Mackin, Stephen Hoey and Chris Berrills contributed many fine scores from play also. The cup was presented to captain Peter Brennan by Coiste Iomana chairman, Tony Corcoran and he thanked all those involved, both mentors and players for supplying such a fine exhibition of skillful hurling.Team captain Peter Brennan thanked the mentors and his teammates for the hard work and effort in training and he expressed the wish that Knockbridge would also do well in the championship later in the year. Knockbridge Minor League Team: James King, Ken Thornton, Sean Kearns, Richard Mc Guinness, Greg Kehoe, Frank Mc Geeney, Ricki Mc Keown, Gerry Mc Keown, Shane Devine, Gavin Kerrigan, Chris Berrills, Niall Mackin, Stephen Hoey and Peter Brennan (captain) and David Dean. Minor Hurling Champions 2007 The curtain fell on the hurling year when the U-18 squad did the double by overcaming Naomh Feckin in the 2007 final at John Mitchel's ground on Sunday 11th of November. One of the notable features of this game was the closeness of the exchanges with Knockbridge pulling away in the last quarter to win on a scoreline 3-10 to 3-5. Knockbridge took an early lead with Stephen Hoey taking a great ground strike to register the first Knockbridge goal. The switch of Peter Brennan from full forward paid immediate dividends and allowed the village side to get a grip at midfield. Stephen Hoey struck for another goal before half time. With Cathal Ryan's accuracy from frees and points by Rory Mc Evoy and Sean Brennan, the Feckins went in at the break trailing by 2-1 to 1-3. In the 2nd half, Knockbridge continued to excel with Gerry Mc Keown scoring a brace of points from frees and play. Daire Mc Kiernan got through for a well taken goal at the three quarter stage. Knockbridge seemed now the more determined side and began to dominate proceedings in midfield; whilst capt. Frank Mc Geeney, Sean Kearns, Ken Thornton, Ricki Mc Keown and David Dean were steadfast at the back. Feckins always looked dangerous especially from frees with Cathal Ryan capitalizing at every opportunity. Further points from Niall Mackin and Shane Devine brought the margin to 5 points, and in the end Knockbridge ran out comfortable winners. Coiste Iomana chairman, Tony Corcoran, presented the cup to team captain Frank Mc Geeney. Frankie congratulated his teammates and thanked Naomh Feckin for a very competitive game. He also had great praise for team mentors and all who helped them down through the years. Knockbridge minors 07: James King, Kenneth Thornton, Frank Mc Geeney (Captain), Richard Mc Guinness, David Dean, Sean Kearns, Ricki Mc Keown, Gerrry Mc Keown (0-4), Shane Devine (0-2), Gavin Kerrigan, Niall Mackin (0-2), Daire Mc Kiernan (1-0), Greg Kehoe, Peter Brennan (0-2), Stephen Hoey (2-0), Subs: Alan Meegan, Brendan Marry, Chris Berrills, Thomas Muckian, Paudie Gallagher, Gareth Hall, Cathal Bellew Junior League Champions Knockbridge retained their Junior League title on Sunday 28th October in Roche when they defeated Pearse Og. In a very close match, Knockbridge made sure of victory with a last minute goal from midfielder Connor Kerrigan. The other goal came in the first half courtesy of his younger brother, Gavin, who volleyed to the net from close range. Point scorers included Kevin Mc Nally, Paul Donohoe, David Kettle, Mick Lundon and Gavin Kane. Knockbridge's best defenders included Tony Teefey, James Quigley, Niall Byrne, Adrian and Mark Wallace. Best of the forwards were David Kettle, Paul Donohoe, Kevin Mc Nally and Gerry Mc Keown. Louth County Board Development Officer Pauric O Connor presented the shield to the winning captain Mick Lundon. Pauric praised both teams for a good hurling contest and congratulated Knockbridge on retaining their title. Mick Lundon praised the players and mentors for the fine effort they put in over the year and thanked Pearse Og for a great contest. Knockbridge Team: James King, Mark Wallace, James Quigley, Niall Byrne, David Deane, Tony Teefy, Adrian Wallace, Connor Kerrigan, Gavin Kane, Gerry Mc Keown, Paul Donohoe, Kevin Mc Nally, Mick Lundon, David Kettle, Gavin Kerrigan. Subs: Dermot Plunkett, Diarmuid Duffy, Sean Kearns, Greg Kehoe, Ken Thornton, Frank Mc Geeney Louth Senior Hurling Louth Hurlers started training early in January under new manager, Westmeath's (Brownstown) Pat Clancy. Team selectors were Aidan Costello, Knockbridge and Kevin McDonnell from Wolf Tones. Knockbridge had a substantial representation of senior players on the Louth panel again this Year. Players involved included: Anthony Teefey, Paul Donohoe, Shane Fennell, Shane Kennedy, David and Paul Dunne, Ronan, Niall and Sean Byrne, Trevor Hilliard, Conor Kerrigan and Adrian Wallace. Competition started with the Keogh Cup in January when Louth were beaten by Wicklow in Arcklow. Louth commenced the National Hurling League on Sunday 18th of February with a game against Leitrimin in Drogheda where louth got the campaign off to a good start beating Leitrim by2-14 to 1-7. Two weeks later on Sunday march 4th, Louth had a good away win over Donegal in Ballybofey, winning by the narrowest of margins on a score of1-11 to 1-10. On Sunday 25th March, Louth hurlers lost away to Sligo on a score of 2-9 to 1-7. Finally Louth's interest in the NHL finished in Clones on Sunday 8th of April, they lost to Tyrone (AET) by 1-21 to 2-15. Nicky Rackard Cup 2007 Louth were in a group with Cavan and Warrickshire for this years Nicky Rackard Cup. Louth won both Games convincingly with a 1-22 to 3-8 win over Warrickshire in Birmingham on the 23 of June and a 0-17 to 0-7 victory over Cavan a week later at home. Louth advanced to the to the play off on 14 th of July when they had a very easy victory over Warrickshire in Dowdlshill and ran out winners by 5-24 to 1-3. But Louth's interest was ended at the same venue a week later by a very strong Roscommon team who beat them on a score of 3-13 to 0-5. Knockbridge were well represented on the management team also with selector Aidan Costelloe. U-14 Feile Champions This year the U -14 hurlers won a record 8th louth feile title in a row. This must be a national record. The beat naomh fechin in the semi final by a point at DkIT in a very close match. In the final at the same venue, the easily overcame Naomh Moninne to win their record breaking number of titles The team went on to represent Louth in the All Ireland Feile competition in Kilkenny.Three mentors traveled with the panelof 23 players. Outstanding performances saw them winning their way through the group stages, beating host club Blacks and Whites (Kilkenny), Tullogher/ Rosbercon (Kilkenny) and Clonguish (Longford) in the group final. The team met an exceptionally strong Conahy Shamrocks team in the quarter finals. There were outstanding performances throughout the competition from Cathal Mc Kenna, Stephen Kettle, Liam o Leary, Kevin Hearty, Conor Deane, James Costello, Richard Halpenny, and Patrick Reilly. U-14 Championship Winners When the championship came round Knockbridge were once again in the shakeup, beating Naomh Moninne in the Semi final. In the final they beat Naomh Fechin in the Naomh Martin grounds. This wasa very tight game with Knockbridge ahead at the break but at the final whistle the winning margin was down to two points. Sest for Knockbridge were Cathal Mc Kenna, Conor Deane, Robert Wallace, Liam o Leary, Stephen Kettle, and Laurence Steen. Team captain, Richard Halpenny,who had an outstanding season lifted the trophy and gave great praise for team mentors Derek Kettle and Aidan Costello for their hard work all season. Louth U-14 Development Squad; All Ireland Winners A total of eight Knockbridge playersjoined the Louth U-14 development squad in 2007, in what must have its most successful year to date. Team managers were Derek Kettle (Knockbridge) and Red Mc Grath (Naomh Mattock). The year started off with an exhibition blitz in Croke Park in June in which Louth played Longford, Wicklow and Kildare, with whom the won, drew and lost respectively. Next in July wasa week long trip to the DJ Carey schoolof hurling where the team stayedin St Kierans college and were coached by the country's top hurling coaches including Paudie Butler,,George O Connor, Martin Fogerty and DJ himself. But the highlight of the year must be the winning of the all Ireland Roinn Ccompetition. Louth had to overcome stiff opposition Donegal, Sligo and then Longford in the final. It is a great honour for these young men to have an All Ireland medal. The Knockbridge players on the squad were Cathal Mc Kenna (captain), Stephen Kettle, Conor Deane, Kevin Hearty, Richard Halpenny, James Costello, Laurence Steen and Liam O Leary U-16 Championship Winners Knockbridge won the U-16 championship this yearby overcoming challenges from Naomh Moninne, Mattock rangers andNaomh Fechin in the final. The final was played in Phillipstown in which Knockbridge had a convincing win. Captain Gerry Mc Keown was presented with the magnificent Brian O Broin Cup by Miceal, and Maura O Broin and the family. Greg Kehoe was awarded 'man of the match'. There were other excellent performances given by Stephen Hoey, Shane Devine, Paudie Gallagher, Ken Thornton, Daire Mc Kiernan, Dermot Mone, Sean Kearns and Brendan Marry. Mc Creesh Shield This U-11 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 Mattock Rangers grounds in beautiful Autumn sunshine on Saturday the 15th of September. Great credit must be extended to Mattock hurling mentors, Tony and Audrey Corcoran and to Coiste Iomana for organizing the blitz and the visit of All Ireland winner and Wexford legend George O Connor. George used his in dept knowledge of hurling to coach the young hurlers on the day. A total of five teams played in the blitz. The Knockbridge side won two matches, drew one and lost one. The team lost out narrowly for a place in the final. The eventual winners were the home side, Mattock Rangers who beat Naomh Moninne by 2-2 to 1-2 in the final Mrs Peggy Mc Creesh on behalf of the Mc Creesh family presented the shield to the winning captain, and then presented each team with a varied selection of complimentary refreshments. Great credit must go to the mentors on the day, Gerry Dunne, Donal Murphy and Eugene Deane. Knockbridge U-11 Team: Dara Mc Gee, James Bellew, Conor and PJ Belton, James O Connor, Ronan and Neil Mullholland, Ronan E Molloy, Patrick Wallace, Paul and Phillip Tynan, Ronan and Darren Bailey, Ciaran Deane, Ronan Cunningham Alan Dunne, Sean Marry, Shane and Ronan Murphy, Liam Molloy, Michael Fitzpatrick, Conor Hoey 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 Glyde Rangers G.F.C, St Pats, St Mochtas, Young Irelands, DkIT and Kilkerley. Special thanks to and Brian Mc Donald for his invaluable help in the use of the school grounds for training and for all their 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 Delores Mc Nally and the family for their help with meetings. Thanks to the members of the ladies committee for their help with refreshments. A special word of thanks to Gerry and Ann Dunne for organizing playing gear, kit and laundry for matches. Thanks to John Byrne for his expert work with hurl repairs and support at training ; 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, Bendan 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. 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 8 years. Supplied by Shane D'Arcy Tweet

Most Read Stories