News

Under 12 Hurlers

November 8, 2018

The U12 Hurling team hosted St Fechins of Louth, Clane of Kildare and Dublin side St Peregrines on Saturday in a special Leinster Tournament and took away the winners medals with 3 wins. A strong 23 players squad lined out on Saturday to welcome the 3 guest teams to Pairc Ui Brine fresh from a fine win away to Raheny in the league on Wednesday night.

Olafs first game against St Fechins started badly with the visitors hitting the back of the Olafs net within the first minute. But Olafs battled back well and by half time they had reduced the deficit to just point after some good work by Daragh O’Connor , who having started in the half forwards moved into midfield and cancelled out the big St Fechins number 8.

In the 2nd half Olafs introduced Paddy Berry who linked up well with Andrew Kyne Delaney for two quick fire goals to turn the game in Olafs favour. At the back Jamie O’Malley was rock solid sweeping up.  In the end Olafs ran out winners 4-2 to 1-6.

The second game saw Olafs play Clane who having lost their opening game were looking to hit back and who opened well against a much changed Olafs side. Olafs took the opportunity to change things around and made 6 changes from the team that started the first game. At half time Olafs were up by a point but 3 changes at half time and a well worked goal by Dara Bonnar after a great ball in by Kevin Trainer helped Olafs turn on the style and take the game 4-6 to 2-2.

The final game against St Peregines would decide the winners and Olafs started well.  Darragh O’Connor and James O’Connor fought well in midfield while Oisin Mc Dermott and Mark Doyle were very solid in the half back line. At half time Olafs were ahead 2-1 to 1-1 with St Peregines matching Olafs stride for stride and Olafs thankful for a well taken goal by Sean Flynn. The second half continued to be a battle with St Peregines coming back at Olafs as both teams tired in the heat. A couple of positional switches and the introduction of fresh legs however helped Olafs push on as Peregines started pressuring the Olafs goal. Olaf’s keeper Ciaran Fitzpatrick superbly knocked one goal bound effort over for a point just when it looked like the game might slip from Olafs grasp. James O’Connor who was magnificent in midfield all day, swapped with half forward Andrew Kyne Delaney and as Kyne Delaney and Darragh O’Connor started to get on top in the middle of the park a long ball forward found James O’Connor who smashed it into the back of the net to give the momentum to Olafs.  When Paddy Berry struck the back of the net for the 5th time in the day just moments later the game was Olaf’s. The game ended 4-4 to 2-5 to Olaf’s

The mentors wish to congratulate all 23 players who played their part in a great days hurling and a great tournament win. The club would also like to thank the parents who made sandwiches for the visiting teams and who helped out at the lunch.