Lucan Sarsfields Inter Schools Junior Hurling Blitz for the Hugh McNally Cup.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, 8 schools lined up to take part in the Lucan Sarsfields Inter Schools Junior Hurling Blitz for the Hugh McNally Cup. The competition was based on a two group format of 4 teams each with each school taking part in a final match. In Group 1 there was Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig, St. Mary’s BNS A, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada and Divine Mercy, whereas Group 2 had St. Mary’s BNS B, Scoil Aine, Lucan / Griffeen Educate Together and Scoil Mhuire. Ground hurling was played in the first half with full hurling rules applicable in the second half. Despite not being able to rise the ball, all players showed superb skill and determination adapting to the rules, whilst entertaining parents and school pals alike that were clearly enjoying themselves in great conditions for hurling.

Group 1 played their games on the Sarsfield Senior pitch and word has it that some of the Lucan Senior hurlers would have been impressed with the future senior players on show. For St. Mary’s BNS A team, Joseph Dunne was working well across the pitch ably assisted by Brandon Moore and David Martin. Divine Mercy continue to improve as Conor Fagan, Rian Fortune and Jamie Carroll gave their all for the school cause. The two Gaelscoils were equally well represented with some excellent performances. Ross Campion displayed fine skills in midfield with Matthew O’Riain shoring up the defence alongside Conor O’Neill. Eventual winners Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig had some hard working and skilful performances from Maitiu O Cuagain, Fionn Bruton and Seimi Mac Aogain to name but a few.

In Group 2, all the games were very competitive with the play going from end to end. In the Educate Together V St. Mary’s game, there was some superb goalkeeping by Neil O’Leary, who bravely took a few hits for the team in one of the many goal mouth schamozzles that epitomised the players determination. Neil was ably assisted by Jack Behan and Alex Corrigan outfield. For Scoil Aine there was superb point scoring from Adam Duffy and Scott O’Sullivan with Brendan Kavanagh controlling the game from midfield. Scoil Mhuire battled bravely with Diarmuid Keher, Daniel Kane and Alex Hickey putting in a great shift outfield and Tommy Mulhall minding the nets. With the games being low scoring, we were lucky to see some fine long range free taking from Gareth Kennedy (Scoil Mhuire) and Dara Lyons (St. Mary’s BNS B). St. Mary’s B were determined in each game and got their rewards in the final game of the Group with Eoghan Kilduff manning the backline and Kian Quinn chasing their cause in midfield. In the battle of the red jerseys to see who would play in the A final Scoil Aine edged out Educate Together in a great game played in a great spirit by all.

The final games saw great matches as each team played out one final game as the sun started to desert the excellent crowd that showed up to support the next generation of hurlers. Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig played in a superb final game for the Hugh McNally Cup against Scoil Aine who battled all the way but just fell short. And so it was to be a double cup win for Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig who followed up their Senior Schools Blitz win with the Junior trophy but to all that were there, all schools deserve great praise for their participation in great spirit and respect.

Hugh MacNally Cup Winners – Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig