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HURLING REVIEW OF 2007

November 8, 2018

HURLING 2007

 
2007 was another solid year in the development of hurling in Kingscourt. We had two teams entered this year at both under 12 and under 14 level. The year started in spectacular fashion when the St. Josephs N.S indoor hurling team, entering the competition for the very first time, firstly won their regional heat, and subsequently the county indoor hurling completion for Cavan schools.
 
For first time entrants this was spectacular result considering that Mullahoran, Ballyconnell, Ballymachugh and Cootehill which are the strongest hurling areas in the county had entered teams. Congratulations to all and in particular Miss Carroll who has helped tremendously with the hurling within the school.
 
The two teams had differing fortunes in the league. The u-12s found the going quite tough at times but they stuck with it and had made great improvement as the summer wore on. There was a great team effort and their never say die attitude earned them great respect throughout the county. Laura Clarke, Cian Fleming, Ronan Burns and Ronan Wilson had a very good first year of hurling outside and as with all these players will be a lot better in 2008.
 
The u-14 had a very impressive year. In 2006 they found the going tough but this year was different. The skills learned the previous year and the indoor hurling over the winter meant that they were far better prepared and more competitive. In only one game were they well beaten in the rest they were fantastic.
 
They were very unlucky to lose to Gowna by a single point in their first game. Lacken came to Kingscourt in July and were given a tremendous fright by Kingscourt. Lacken had beaten Kingscourt handsomely in 2006 but had to fight to the bitter end to come out of Kingscourt with a victory. They were shocked at how well Kingscourt had improved in 12 months.
 
The final game of the year was against their old foe’s from Cootehill in the Division 2 shield final played in Breffni Park in August. This was without doubt their best hurling performance to date. Cootehill flew out of the blocks with an early goal and they must have thought they were in for an easy day ahead. Kingscourt had other ideas and took control of the game after a nervy start.
 
 A goal from Stephen Clarke and a point from Aaron Brown put the Stars ahead. Cootehill equalised just before half time to leave the teams level at the break. Cootehill regained the lead after the restart and a further point followed by a flukey goal left them well in control or so they thought! A long range point from a free from Aaron Brown proved inspirational as the Stars began to rally.
 
 Rory Sheridan hand passed to Kevin Gavigan who went on a 50 yard solo run towards the Cootehill goal. As he reached the square the ball dropped and Dylan Ward flashed the ball to the back of the net for a tremendous goal. A point from Robbie Rountree levelled things up and Cootehill were rattled. A further point from Paudric Faulkner left the Stars two points up heading into the final minute.
 
Then disaster struck. With their last attack Cootehill won a free from 60 yards out. The ball was dropped into the square and a mad scramble ensued. Amidst the chaos the ball somehow found its way into the net and a goal for Cootehill which they scarcely deserved. From the puck out the referee blew fulltime and Kingscourt were beaten.
 
This was a heartbreaking defeat as Kingscourt controlled much of the game. This was a great improvement on 2006 and below are some of the most impressive performers of the season. John Harrington, Rory Sheridan, Joe Dillon, Aine Reilly, Aaron Brown, Dylan Ward, Orla Mccabe, Eoin Fleming , Ronan Burns, Paul Clarke, Gillian Curtis, Kevin and Christopher Gavigan, Rory Malone, Shea Rooney, Conan Smith, Darren Clarke, Stephen Clarke, Ronan Wilson and Robbie Rowntree.
 
Congratulations also to Shea Rooney, Stephen Clarke and Dylan Ward who were selected on the Cavan under 14 development squad which participated in competition in Waterford in August. They never gave up and were more than a match for their more experienced opponents. All in all it was a good year for hurling in Kingscourt.
 
Our friends from the football teams also joined with us and made for a more formidable team. We hope that more footballers take up the game in 2008 as their experience of having played Gaelic Games for longer really helped us when we needed it. Training for the 2008 season starts soon and we look forward to seeing some new faces on the field representing Kingscourt.