Our U8 players saw there year draw to a close on Friday night last. It was a great occasion with 44 players in attendance. Fintan the piper set the tone as the players were paraded in front of the thousands of supporters in attendance. The players then stood to attention for the Amhrán na bhFiann. Ian Chaplin on MC instructed the players to break up into 6 teams for matches where the players got the chance to show off the many skills they learned all year. It was obvious from the skills on display that they have put in a tremendous effort all year since their training commenced in the first week of April. These players also participated in 9 blitzes throughout the year.

After the matches the players were presented with medals and certificates for their commitment and development over the year. The medals were presented by a very special guest.

Huge thanks to Séadna Morey for presenting the players with their medals. Séadna is only 23 years of age and has achieved more than most players could dream of. At club level he has won 1 U14, 1 U15, 3 U16, 1 Minor, 3 U21, 2 Senior Championships and 1 Clare Cup. While representing his club at county level he has also won 2 Munster Minors, 3 U21 Munster championships, 3 U21 All-Irelands, 1 Senior All-Ireland and 1 Senior National League medal. He has also won the Bord Gais Energy breakthrough player of the year 2012, Munster U21 hurler of the year and an U21 All Star. He is also a Nissan Generation Ambassador and he has represented his country at Shinty. He is a great role model for the U8 players and how lucky they were to meet Seadna afterwards for a cup of tea and some jersey signing!

After the presentation all the players and their families enjoyed a chat and a laugh in the hall while enjoying the Michelin Star refreshments provided. Thanks to all parents for providing the refreshments and for helping out with the tough task of feeding the 44 hungry players!

Nights like this don’t happen easily. Many valuable club members were involved to make this night so special for our players. Thanks to all the U8 trainers that made the effort to get involved every night at training. Thanks to the club for organising the parent night with Peter Casey early in the year. This exercise certainly helped involve more parents with the training. The trainers who gave a huge commitment all year are David O’Connor, Noel Flannery, Mike O’Halloran, Mike Tobin, Peter Kearney, Richie Flanagan, Damien Keane and Adrian Chaplin.

A special thanks to our minor club chairman Mike Quinn who gave up many a morning to facilitate our blitzes. Mike provided us with all our requirements during the year instantly. Thanks to our minor club secretary John McNamara who arranged our field bookings.

Many thanks to Pat Chaplin, John Corbett and Tony Downes for having the pitches in such excellent condition. It was mentioned that the Cappagh Lodge field was cut so well when the main pitch was closed that it was being considered for the Irish Open!

We would like to thank our child welfare officer Corey Downes for his input all year and to Mike O’Halloran our coaching development officer. Mike provided great insight and support all year to ensure the training was advancing the players skills while having fun.

Thanks also to Frances Downes for ensuring the hall was available when we needed it and to Barry Downes for accommodating our blitz dates when they clashed with U8 soccer.

Finally, a huge THANKS to all our U8 players and to their parents for bringing them to training. These players have a bright future and there is no doubt that some of these players will represent their club at county level just like Séadna. And maybe in the not too distant future and just like Séadna, they will be presenting U8 medals and signing jerseys in the hall afterwards!

Abú U8 SMBGAA

Adrian Chaplin

PHOTO: U8 Players

VIDEO: Piper & Players entering the pitch in front of the crowd.