Social Hurling is the new up and coming activity that is getting more and more popular by the day across the country. Usually when a hurler hangs up his/her boots, that's it, but as we know with most sports there is usually an opportunity to keep playing but in a more relaxed environment and thats exactly what social hurling offers. And its not only retired hurlers, there are some taking up hurling for the first time which is fantastic to see.

So further to a good few weeks of training in the Arena, the clubs current 5th team (The Togging Out Team) made their debut on Saturday last, donning the famous saffron and blue colours for a tournament in the Abbey CBS Astro Turf pitch in Tipperary Town on a cold, dry but sunny day. The Tournament was organised by West Tipperary Gaa and was in aid of Tipperary Town Meals on Wheels.

With over 12 teams taking part in the Social Hurling tournament the format was much like underage blitzes, with participation being the main focus, roll on/off subs and no final score being kept. Nevertheless the games were anything but non competitive! And every player gave their all on the day as did all the opposition teams!

The panel was formed from the Toggin Out crew who train each week throughout the year, with the aim of keeping fit but there is also a healthy social aspect to the group. The group have been in operation now for the last 5-6 years and it was great to see one of the founding members Kevin Phelan lining out on the day aswell.

Led and managed now by Brian O'Neill, the adopted 'Bridge man puts in a huge effort each week, organizing the sessions, training slots, communications and even running the sessions himself as well as participating.

The opposition on the day was provided by Castlecomer of Kilkenny, Liam Mellows Maulers from Wexford and Gortnahoe from Tipperary.

The matches provided an opportunity to step up from the weekly training matches in the Arena and there was no shortage of intensity on the field. There were some excellent performances all round, some reliving their earlier years, more taking the field for the first time and it was great to see the mixed element of Bridge team with lads and ladies participating together on the same team.

Lining out for the Castlecomer Team was none other than former National Hurling Director and Kilkenny All Ireland winning selector Martin Fogarty. Keith Walker had the job of keeping an eye on Fogarty for the afternoon!

Well done to all involved and there is more outings being planned as we speak!

Some notable mentions to Keith Walker after a hat trick of goals in the second game with one particular gem which can be viewed here. Keith set a marker down early that no body would mess with this Bridge team! Brian Glynn with an inspired move to full forward resulting in a few goals straight away, Oisin Casey who led strong from the back and Trevor Fitzgerald beside him showing off his hurling accumen, bursting out of defence. Richie Flanagan strong as always and even played with the opposition at one stage maybe as a result of all the slagging about Limerick men playing with a Clare team! May Corbett and Anna Doherty who didn't give an inch on the day and were more than a match for any of the opposition, Brendan Murphy who's pace was unrivalled when he got going, maybe as a result of the sports tights! Jimmy Corbett who soldiered hard in the full forward line holding up the ball and providing excellent link play to the midfielders. James Scanlan who maybe was a bit of a bad influence on the day, arriving late and leading a few astray with some unorthodox liquid refreshments between games 2 and 3 but nevertheless played his part in the forwards. Ian Chaplin who chipped in with a couple of goals, Tony Brew who was strong as an ox in the tackle, Colm Doherty organising the defence and not afraid to get stuck in either, Brian Murphy who was solid all day whether in goals or outfield. Aidan O' Conor the hurling enthusiast from Kerry also put in a great shift in goals and outfield as well as being the chief backroom organiser, providing first aid, soup, sadwiches and im sure if anything else was reqquired it would have been pulled out of Aidos famous van! Kevin Phelan with the lovely new white Cooper helmet (probably Callum or Zaks!) was great on the day also, Brian O' Neill using all his experience from his previous clubs Meelick and Wolfe Tones to pick off the right pass or shot at the correct time whether in goals or outfield. Peter Kearney who worked very hard on the day and had his own fan club on the line and personal camera man to track all the action! (Well done Aidan!)

Sixmilebridge Team
L-R, Back Row, Brian Glynn, Oisin Casey, Trevor Fitzgerald, Richie Flanagan, May Corbett, Brendan Murphy, Ian Chaplin, Anna Doherty, Jimmy Corbett

L-R, Front Row, James Scanlan, Tony Brew, Colm Doherty, Keith Walker, Brian Murphy, Aidan O' Conor, Kevin Phelan, Brian O' Neill, Peter Kearney