Club News

17/10/02 Thank God (and others) for our juveniles.

As the proud father of 3 sons and 1 daughter it was with great pride, and relief!, that the youngest son has decided to follow in the familyfootsteps and wear the blue-and-white with pride. Alas his older brothers have decided to steer their talents in other directions, but that's their problem!

Laura is battling away at the camogie so I suppose 50% of them being involved is something.

Anyway, my main reason for writing is to register my praise for the juvenile mentors in the club. Until this year I have had very little to do with the juvenile section, instead concentrating mainly on the senior teams. Because my youngest is playing at under-10 level I have had to be about that particular bunch very often this year. Also other groups of juvenile teams have been about at the same time, therefore I've seen a lot of what has been going on.

The success of our under-16s has been documented already so I'll say nothing except that their exploits have made a lot of us very proud. Credit to everyone involved with this group, this year and in past years through their development.

Back to the under-10s. The work put in by a few people has been fantastic. There is a bunch of about 6 or 7 I can think of, but I'll not name them all for fear of leaving somebody out and getting a slap in the bake! however two in particular I think deserve a special mention.

Firstly, Micky Johnston is as close to fanatical as I've seen about the hurling - and thank God for it. Some of the times Johnty is maybe a bit over-the-top in his enthusiasm but mostly he is brilliant with the kids. He has a group of lads there that, if they themselves give him the effort he deserves, could produce something special for our club in years to come. Let's hope. This team also made me especially proud (for obvious reasons) when they won the 'Tommy Best Memorial Trophy' this year - the first time we've won it.

Secondly, Liam Knocker. Liam, I think I'm right in saying, only came into the club when his son Liam began playing. He never played for the club (watch him kicking a ball to verify this!) but what he lacks in playing experience he more than makes up for in dedication and enthusiasm. Liam has been working with these lads for quite a few years now, and his efforts were rewarded recently when they won the St.Teresa's tournament - beating all that Belfast had to offer at this grade. Again a sign of hope for the future.

Wouldn't it be brilliant if we could continue to produce teams that could win 'doubles' consistently through their years playing. I believe that such a team exists with out current under-10s. They are equally at home at either code, and the relationship between the football and hurling selectors is very good, which makes things easier for both selectors and players alike (food for thought for other age groups?).


Is mise
Rory Best
17/10/02

 

(Thanks Rory for the report, perhaps this will get the ball rolling and now others will join in with their own reports)