Our U7 to U12 boys all took part in the annual Hurling Parish Leagues tournament last week, with the Final day taking place on Sunday 15th.
 
The morning started out wet but it didn’t deter our U7 & U8 boys from turning out in force ready to take part in the pre-match parades with our Pipers Norman & his grandson John. As the eight teams took the field to start the games the rain eased off and the large crowd of supporters were treated to 3 rounds of brilliant matches and some fantastic displays of ground hurling, all played in a great spirit. In the end victory went to Wexford by a single point, with Stephen O’Donoghue on hand to present the Brendan O’Donoghue shield to the winning captains, and a huge reception was given to all 62 players who all received medals and treats to celebrate their play.
 
The sun had broken through by the time our U9 & U10 boys took their positions in the pre-match parade, and the games that followed more than lived up to the build-up and the fine weather. Four teams contested this league playing a double round robin and the standard of play was exceptional throughout. Again a huge crowd lined the pitches for each game to encourage the lads and the league was in the balance until the final game when Ulster finally won out. Again the players were given a huge well-deserved reception after the games before Mary and Denise Russell very kindly presented the Barry Russell Memorial Cup.
 
Finally our U11 and U12 sides took to the field, 6 teams contesting a round robin format tournament. For our U12s this is always a particularly special event as it is their last year competing in the Parish Leagues, and the games were played with huge commitment, skill, bravery and effort throughout, no team giving an inch and all played in a fantastic spirit. Kilkenny came out on top in this event and club PRO Shane Jordan was in attendance to present the Cup named in honour of his grandfather and famous Blarney clubman, Joe Bradley.

The Parish Leagues in hurling & football retain a very important place in our clubs annual calendar and are a huge highlight of every year for some of our youngest players. This year 167 players took part and each and every one earned their medal through their efforts in the tournament and throughout the year. Huge thanks goes to all the coaches who’s work throughout the years coaching and mentoring the boys were clear to see in the skill and passion on show on the pitch. Thanks also to everyone who helped organising the event, all of the supporters who attended and cheered on the lads right through the games, and especially to the families who come along to present the very special trophies to our winners this year in both Hurling and Football.
 
The future of Blarney and Rathpeacon GAA is in good hands!