U9's, Trip to Tipp – Part II

The Under 9 Hurlers hit the road again last Sunday (25 May 2014) and visited old friends JK Brackens in Templemore.

This has become a semi-annual tradition at this stage with us visiting them in the early part of the year and they visit us as part of our festival of hurling blitz in the latter part of the year.

26 Boys took to the field and played 45 minutes of tough no nonsense hurling in damp conditions in Templemore. In a new format to be played over the three fifteen minute quarters the Boys accounted for themselves very well but unfortunately came out second best in this instance to a stronger and better drilled JK Brackens teams. This was nothing to be ashamed of as the JK lads had been training 4 times a week for the last few weeks in school in preparation for their Schools County final.

The last quarter saw the Boys put down their hurleys and helmets and take on the JK Brackens boys in a 20 minute football match. Our hosts had requested this specifically as they were preparing for the Community Games final the following day (which they subsequently won). Our boys did really well in the game narrowly coming out on top in both games.

As ever afterwards plenty of photos were taken and a good chat was had with our friends over tea, sandwiches and cakes in the clubhouse. It was then back on to the Bus and off to Thurles to witness a great Munster Hurling Championship Match between Cork & Waterford. Great excitement ensued with an electric atmosphere in Semple Stadium. A draw a fair result on the day and the Boys enjoyed their autograph hunting and puck around on the pitch after the match.

Home via Roscrea saw us make a quick pit stop to McDonalds and the Quiz kept all entertained on the Bus on the way back.

Next up hopefully a Dublin match and a fixture closer to home in June.