Please see below for u14 hurling report which was omitted from AGM booklet due to technical difficulties with emails
U14 Hurling Report 2019 – By Kevin McGarry
Training started in late January with indoor and circuits. Our first tournament of the year was the indoor in Dunloy at the beginning of February whereby we made it to the final and were beaten narrowly by Glenariff. Next up was the NA Feile group stage. We started off with a draw against Ballycastle followed by a defeat at the hands of Glenariff. Wins however against Cushendall and Dunloy would see us through to the North Antrim Feile final against old rivals Glenariff. Following a great performance by the team, we were crowned Feile champions for the second year in a row. We then faced St. Paul’s in the All County final. The team dug deep and were crowned All-County champions for the second consecutive year.
We then had a great weekend in Cork representing Club and County at National level which was a huge honour. On the Friday evening, we were beaten in the group stages by a very strong Kilcormac Killoughey side by 6 points, this game was played a short time after our close hard-fought victory over Mallow. (Kilcormac Killoughey subsequently went on to win the overall competition). A victory against our hosts Club Bride Rovers on the Saturday morning would be enough to see us through to the quarter final where we would face Camross (who were the group winners of their respective section). Four points down with only a minute to play the team found the heart and resolve to force the game into extra time where we would then go on to seal our place in the All Ireland semi final. This game was regarded by many as one of the finest game’s and displays of hurling at U14 level of the competition and the team received a lot of praise and respect from neutrals who were at the game. The support we had over the weekend was immense but the reception we received after the game that day was surreal and will live long in the memories of anyone that was in attendance. Next up we faced a very strong Valley Rovers side, who defeated us in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. Our performance on the day was not a true reflection of the way we can play but nevertheless, the team represented their club and county with great pride and distinction in what was a fantastic trip to Cork.
In the NA U14A Shield, we made it to the final and once again faced close rivals Glenariff. Glenariff on this occasion defeated us following another hard-fought game. The boys did however enjoy an unbeaten season in the league and were crowned champions registering maximum points from the 12 games.
The last competition of the year was the Loughgiel U14 Hurling tournament, for the Shane Mulholland memorial cup, which we won by defeating Ballycastle in the final.
All in all, it was a very successful year. All credit must go to the boys on their dedication and commitment throughout the year, they are a true credit to themselves, their families and their club. This team has huge potential and many of them in the not too distant future, can be playing senior hurling which is great for the club.