7's competition - a word of thanks from Tom Rock

Dear All,

I would like to thank all who helped with the recent All-Ireland Hurling Sevens most sincerely. The 6th of September and the week leading up to it was, to say the very least, quite a challenge. It was a challenge that was met head-on and dealt with. I believe it was quite an achievement that despite the inclement conditions we had sixty teams with over 600 players competing on the day, with grounds prepared and ready to receive them.

This work was not done solely by the Sevens Committee or in isolation from the rest of the hurling family, or indeed from the rest of the club.

I would first of all thank Billy Noctor and the people who worked so hard with him on the grounds, Gerry McGrath, Mick Noctor, Tom McIntyre, Richie Stakelum, Donie Dowling and Pat Halpin .Their work was invaluable.

I also want to thank people who took responsibility for other key tasks: Paddy Lenihan who organised the car park so efficiently, Pat Fenlon who liaised with Setanta, Barbara O'Loughlin who organised the ladies committee, Denis Gorey who catered for well over 1,000 meals, Paddy Hopkins who gave invaluable assistance in Glenalbyn House, Bernie Spillane in Glenalbyn Office. The O'Gallchobhairs - Oisín and Diarmuid - and Gerry McGrath who looked after the photography and website, Mick Hynes who assisted in the press room. I would like to thank our Pitch Managers, John Lonergan, Nicholas Canny, Shane Harte, Pat Halpin and Dermot O'Connor and their teams.

I would also like to thank the other committees for their help both on the day and leading up to it.

Finally I would like to thank our own Hurling Committee and its Chairman Tom Barry for their unwavering support and guidance and help.

Tom Rock, Chairman Sevens Group.

Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Section
www.kilmacudcrokes.com/hurling