Crokes excel at U10 Tournament (19 Oct 08)
Having travelled the highways and byways of Ireland over the last few years, Kilmacud Crokes U-10s took the opportunity to return some hospitablity last weekend. Six visiting clubs joined two home teams in competing in a blitz tournament organised by the mentors and parents of KC’s U-10 group.
The leafs swirled around Glenalbyn as the teams lined out for the first round of matches involving two Co Cork teams – Newtown and Na Piarsaigh – along with Gorey from Co Wexford and Dublin clubs - Clontarf, Lucan Sarfields and Cula. The home club was represented by nearly 40 players split into Purples and Yellows. With the sideline blast of a sound more normally associated with basketball, matches on the two piches started and ended at the same time.
Attention to detail was also evident on the field of play as Kilmacud Purples displayed the skills perfected on the training ground every Thursday eveningand Sunday morning. Following their victory over Cuala, Kilmacud Purples were soon on a roll. A hard fought win aganst Gorey was matched by character and determination as the spoils were shared with Newtown.
In the second group Kilmacud Yellows found the competition a little tougher going. But heads were still held high as the Yellows gamely contested against Clontarf, Na Piarsaigh and Lucan Sarsfields.
By mid-afternoon - with a magnificant rainbow set against a blue sky - the teams moved into a series of finals. Kilmacud Yellows showed true form against Newtown in the third place final marked by stong hurling skills from a group of determined young hurlers. Victory went to the home team which set the scene for the first place final between Kilmacud Purples and Na Piarsaigh.
The hurling was fast and skilful with some wonderful blocks and scores. A fine indivdual goal from Michael Roche was an immeidate response after the Cork visitors had put the scliothar in the back of the home team net. There were nervous moments for those assocaued with each team as the final few minutes were played out. In truth, there was little between the two teams as the hooter sounded to signal the end of a tremendously successful day. The players on the Kilmacud Purples team were the ones leaping in jubiliation as their manager Barry Dunbar took the plaudits for his sideline motiavation skills.
Specially commissioned plaques were presented to each club to mark their particiation in the tournament. Each player took home a kitbag from AIB, a bag of goodies and, hopefully, happy memories of their October Sunday in Glenalbyn. The hardwork in the backgound ensured sandwiches, buns, teas and coffees were available to all throughout the day. Fiona Hayes was signed out in the ‘thank yous’ along with the U-10 mentors including Jim Ryan who had welcomed his home club from Newtown to Kilmacud Crokes. Eight teams contested, and eight teams emerged winners.