County senior hurling champions 2014
Castleblayney regained the Silver Hill Foods Monaghan senior hurling championship on Sunday last when they defeated Inniskeen in Aughnamullen on a scoreline of 1-13 to 0-9. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, a determined performance from Blayney saw them go in at half time 1-5 to 0-6 ahead, the goal coming from a Hugh Byrne free. The opening 15 minutes of the second half proved to be the decisive period as Blayney raced into a 1-12 to 0-6 point lead with seven unanswered points. From that point on the result was never in doubt and Blayney went on to record a deserved 7 point victory. David Connolly, Niall Garland, Hugh Byrne, Stephen Forde and a man-of- the match display from Mark Treanor caught the eye while the six backs formed a strong defensive unit which was the foundation for an excellent team performance. Well done to team management and players and thanks to all who came out to support the team.
Focus this week returns to the Monaghan SHL and a game away to Carrickmacross on Thursday evening. Players to meet at the Commons at 6.45
U6/U8/U10
Training continues on Wednesdays at 6pm in Concra. Our young hurlers attended a blitz in Carrickmacross on Wednesday August 6th. Thanks to Carrick for hosting this blitz
U12
A superbly presented pitch in Blackhill set the tone for a very skilful and entertaining u12 final between Blayney and Carrickmacross on Monday the 28th of July. In their league encounter Carrick had run out easy winners by four scores and no doubt were favourites to take the title.
Having won the toss Carrick elected to play with the wind and this made the challenge for Blayney all the greater. It was perhaps in this first section of the game that Blayney got on the ladder to success with some tenacious tackling and some lovely skilful play. While Carrick may have been edging the midfield battle it was Blayney who were first on the score board with a lovely point from Leo Moloney to settle the nerves of management and supporters after some near misses from Mikey Carville and the birthday boy Thomas Hughes.( maybe the cake had him too wound up Martina) . Some stout defending from Ian Kindlon and Caleb Mc Ardle kept the Carrick threat hat bay. With the wind in their back Carrick pressed forward and it took fine saves from Conor Brennan to keep out efforts from Jack Slevin and Jack Cassidy. Conor Mulligan was by now working his way into the game and showing great determination and neat flicks got on to the end of a delivery From Senan OBrien to finish to the Carrick net to put two scores on the board for Blayney. For the next while it was Paudie Heavin and Eanna Sherry in defence who kept the ship afloat for the Blayney men as Carrick were off target from an numer of 65’s.
The middle section of the game gave the up and coming stars of Pauric Bolger,Zachery Mc Ardle,Jodie and Charlie Mc Quillan, Thomas Keenan,David Moorehead, Jason Campbell , Brandon Mc Cague and the outstanding Joe Carey a chance to show their worth which they did with some aplomb.
In the third section with the wind in their backs Blayney began to assert themselves a bit more thanks to Trojan work from Mikey Carville and Senan O Brien ably assisted by some determined play from Conor Mulligan who was popping up all over the field. As the game ebbed and flowed in the early stages of this sector it was Conor Mc Cooey who got in for a well taken goal to increase the lead to two scores again . With this slight advantage the young Blayney boys seemed to relax more and began to demonstrate their skills with great effect and a delightful move ended with The Wizard Hughes scoring with a delightful point from over his shoulder. Carrick to their credit never gave up and a scrambled goal aided their cause.
As the game entered the final few minutes a clever free from Conor Mc Cooey to the unmarked Conor Mulligan who split the posts for a terrific point really sealed the deal for Blayney. The final whistle saw scenes of great joy for this young team and delight to parents supporters and family members. Senan O Brien accepted the cup on behalf of the team and Killian Hanratty and Conall Mc Hugh who were on vacation.
The team and supporters then retired to Watters Old Coach Inn for refreshments and to savour their moment in the spotlight.
U14
U14 training resumes this week and a text will be sent out to players in advance. The next game for the U14 team is on the11th August
U16
Our U16 team are due to play Truagh in the Tri County hurling league on Wednesday 13th August. Game is at home and time is yet to be confirmed. Watch out for text
