One Direct All Ireland Hurling 7s - U13 Event

Fine Weather and Hurling on display as Erins make it their Own

This was the 11th instance of this prestigious All-Ireland event for U13s - As in other years we got a view of the hurling stars of the future. Whilst a cornerstone of the 7s weekend the u13 event is actually 11-a-side (with 4 interchangeable subs) with  matches  10 mins a half.

    The benign summer and some timely maintenance ensured that Deerpark was resplendent and supportive of top class play. In keeping with tradition Crokes invited another Dublin Team (St Vincents) and allocated the other six slots to a representative selection of strong u13 teams throughout the country. The long distance travellers were Sarsfields (Cork) and Salthill/Knocknacarra (Galway) - then  2013 winners Naas, Kildare, Wexford Reps Naomh Eanna and a pair of Kilkenny teams, James Stephens and Erins Own (Castlecomer)

The competion has 2 groups of 4 that play roundrobin - with the top 2 of each group qualifying for
semi-finals. The winner of the semi-final get to play their final in Glenalybyn just before the semi-finals of the 7s senior competition.

In Group A the 2 top teams were Crokes and James Stephens - Crokes narrow 1 point victory over Stephens allowed them to top the group.

In group B the 2 top teams were Erins Own and Salthill who actually drew with Erins Own topping the group of points difference.

Semi-Finals

So on one pitch we had a All Kilkenny derby with the country lads of Castlecomer beating their City cousins James Stephens.(3.7 to 1.4)
In the other semi Crokes overcame a gallant Salthill (1.7 to 2.1)

The scene was set for the final in Glenalbyn - Crokes were slow getting out of the blocks and Erins Own looked to be comfortable winners. In the second half Crokes were more effective and scored a goal leaving the gap to a point - but then Erins Own got 2 goals worthy of winning any competition and the trophy was theirs for the first time.

   The u13 shield was presented by Tipp All-Ireland Winner, Tommy Dunne in the presence of the 7s sponsor One Direct's Managing Director Dave Egan.

John Buggy, Erins Own Manager, who himself has played in the Crokes 7s had a gracious speech commending their hosts and encouraged continuance of their close-fought and friendly rivalry over the years ahead.

All 8 teams and supporters contributed to making it a thoroughly enjoyable day - and its always a bonus to get the fine weather! 

See the attached results table u13 2014 results.pdf