40 years of the Hurling 7's - previous winners honoured

Previous Sevens winners honoured at special function in Glenabyn.

Just prior to the start of the 2012 One Direct Kilmacud Crokes All Ireland Hurling Sevens Senior final, previous winners were presented to the large and enthusiastic crowd at Páirc de Burca in Glenalbyn. At a special function later in the evening, each Captain - or representative - was presented with a special commemorative medal and pennant, together with a copy of the excellent chronicle of the history of the Sevens, edited by Tom Barry (extract below).

Extract from the History of the Ireland Sevens:

The Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens Saturday has become almost as much a part of the All-Ireland weekend for many hurling supporters as the following day’s trip to headquarters.

It is a focal point for great contests, conversation, celebration and memories. The last elusive match tickets are snapped up. Old friends are greeted, new friends made and rivals seen in a different light. The Sevens form of the game emphasises speed, good striking, maintenance of possession and score-taking. Once the ball is thrown in it is Devil take the hindmost. “Go! Go! Go!" roar the sideline.

“Pick up the nearest man", “burst through” "take your score". The pace is awesome. Concentration cannot lapse. In a blink the ball is back in play and down at the other end. Players are in perpetual motion. Every scoring opportunity must be taken. In Sevens a ten point lead is nothing. The teams that make it through to the latter stages earn their passage the hard way. The ultimate winners can proudly take their place in a distinguished line.