Hurling: A total of 12 U6’s and 23 U8’s this year came to training on Sunday mornings from February to October. Several games were played against local teams throughout the summer ending with a 5 game blitz for the U8’s at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan. The lads played excellently in all games winning the majority of them.
Our U10s played 10 games throughout the year starting with a trip away to Na Piarsaigh in Limerick and also ending their playing year with a tournament in Bekan Mayo. They had an excellent year remaining unbeaten throughout.
Our U12s won six games and drew one out of eight group matches to reach the semi-final against Abbeyknockmoy who won the match in extra time. This was an excellent run by a very young but determined team.
The U13s played in a number of highly entertaining and closely fought matches in Gurteen where they qualified for the semi-final playing Meelick-Eyrecourt and were victorious. The U13s went on win the B1 final against Cois Fharraige. This team played excellent hurling throughout the year and were deserving champions, in Duggan Park. Captain Cian Murphy collected the cup, while Luke Mitchell was named Man of the Match.
The U14s won three and drew one out of their 5 group games and reached the U14C Quarter-Final where they defeated Annaghdown. The U14s were defeated by Sylane in the semi-final. The Féile competition was held in Tuam Stadium this year. The U14s played excellent hurling and were victorious against St. Thomas’s, Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy and only losing out to Portumna by a point. Portumna went on to win the group.
The U15s Championship ran in September/October. They won their group which included Kilconieron, Cappataggle and Tynagh Abbey-Duniry and followed this by a big Semi-Final win over Ballygar before losing to Loughrea in the County final, in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
The U16s played and were successful against Ballinasloe, Oranmore-Maree, Tommy Larkins, Rahoon- Newcastle and Kilconieron in their group games. They beat Michael Cusacks in the semi–final and lost the County final to Ardrahan, played at Duggan Park.
Football: A very young U12s team took their first foray in competitive football playing Oranmore-Maree, Kinvara and Headford. They showed great skill and enthusiasm losing narrowly in their games. The U16s were successful against Clarinbridge, St James and Loughrea and losing to Headford and Oranmore-Maree in the Division 2C league.
Thanks to a committed and dedicated club executive for their help throughout the year. Thanks to all parents for their continued support. A special thanks also to the juvenile mentors who give so much of their time coaching our youth: Michael Carr, Des McCabe, Declan Moran, Tomás Kenny, Tomás Flannery, Johnny Mullins, Michael Kelly, Paul Hogan, Adrian Queeney, Paul Feeney, Dermot Lydon, Niall Barrett, Martin Scarry, Eddie Mitchell, Niall Skehill, Larry Hillary, Sean O’Neill and Sean Moran for their efforts and dedication throughout the year. Thanks also to the parents who have helped out on many mornings. A special note of thanks to Noel Burke for keeping Gurteen pitch in such good condition.
(Text by Dorothy Scarry, from 2016 AGM Report)