Today saw our U8 Bridge Bucks take part in their first bitz for 2018 in a sun drenched home venue at O'Garney park. The weather was compared to Munster final day in 1995 while the atmosphere before the blitz was something similar to the square in Thurles but would the hurling match that famous day in July for Clare hurling? .. Time will tell.
The Bridge Bucks went through their warm up in the new astro turf behind the stand under the watchful eye of Martin Conlon who had assigned his coaches to each team. The coaches included the likes of Jim Gavins first cousin, the man who sings about walking 500 miles as well as the coolest named U8 coach in Ireland AKA The Iceman. Each coach gave some final words of advice to their team before running out through the guard of honour formed by the home parents and supporters.
O'Garney Park was in top condition and a big thanks to John Corbett and his ground staff for their efforts. Following a quick welcome to our visitors which included 3 teams from Kilmaley, 2 teams each from Eire Og and Clooney/Quin and 1 team from Tubber the starting whistle sounded at 10AM. 120 kids played their part on 8 pitches with each team getting 3 games.
The high skill level on display from all clubs and the smiles on the faces made all the effort in preparing the blitz worth while. The Bridge Bucks did the club & parish proud displaying some excellent stick work & great team spirit.
A huge thanks to all who helped out in any capacity including the Minor Club, Tony Keogh (signs). players, parents & Under 8 management and those who provided refreshments as well as O'Flynns Centra for the goodie bags. Thanks also to the visiting clubs for their cooperation in organising the event and confirming numbers etc early in the week. A special thanks to all the referees and especially senior hurlers Jamie Shanahan, Kevin Lynch & Aidan Quilligan. It was a huge lift for players to see their club heros refereeing their games.
With the bank holiday Monday training will resume on Wednesday at 6PM in Cappa Lodge - Today was the largest number of teams the club ever had at a blitz in 8 teams (56 players) and Minor Club Chairman Michael O'Halloran complimented the coaches on their organisation and urged some new parents to get involved and reduce further the ratio of players to coaches.
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe.
Bridge Abú
