Last night marked the end of season for our U8 hurlers with a night of hurling and celebration at O'Garney Park. Famed Clare FM commentator Syl O'Connor announced the teams arrival onto the sod of O'Garney Park with 4 teams playing 2 games each. While the weather was poor it did not scare off the 42 brave souls from showcasing their skills in front of a large attendance under lights.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Players V Coaches games with John Reddin hitting 1-2 for the coaches to get man of the match and a rumored call up by John O'Meara for Sunday. After a few photos and the odd Dab the players finished off on the field with a sing song lead by Cillian O'Connor along the lines of ......
"Everywhere we go, people always ask us
Who we are, where do we come from,
And we always tell them,
We're from the Bridge, the mighty mighty Bridge!"
This was followed up with the U8s own anthem of "Lets go Bridge, Lets Go" before the players raced to the presentation in the hall.
A feast of buns, cakes and the like was laid on by the parents as people mingled to reflect on the year and discuss the county final on Sunday. Spotted at the back of the hall was Bridge, Clare and now Wexford legend Davy Fitz who was proving just as popular with the Mammies following his recent appearance on Living with Lucy!
Fitzy had super words of wisdom for the audience and players as he reflected on his playing days with the Bridge and how lucky we are to be part of a great club. He complimented all the parents for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to keep encouraging the kids to practice and enjoy the great game of hurling.
Each player received a Certificate of Completion for the U8 Bridge Bucks along with a training Sliotar and skills booklet which included a monthly skills test to track their winter progress. All players who ordered gear received their T-Shirts on the night with Zip Up tops due for arrival later next week.
As Syl continues proceedings as MC he soon handed the Mic over to head coach David to say a few words ..... As you may be aware DOC is getting married in a few weeks and rumor has it hes is very nervous about his speech so the U8 players all sat on the floor to give him a chance to practice his public speaking before the big event ....
A List of thank you's he mentioned:
Sixmilebridge GAA Club who provide us with the best facilities for training in throughout the year
Minor chairman Mike O'Halloran & Orla chaplin (Secretary)
Lynda Quinn from the club shop for equipment, balls, cones etc.
John Corbett - field, kitchen, dressing room access at all times.
Grace Fawl - field organizer, no hassle with main field for blitzs.
Flynns centra for goodies bags and treats throughout the yr.
Martin conlon of under 6s, great co operation especially with the cross over of coaches
John Maloney and the soccer club, great cooperation for training and blitzes
To all the parents who supplied goodies and treats and helped out with the blitzs during the year.
The club, John Reddin of Intouch Controls and Boru Sports for there contributions to the gear received!
Thanks to the parents who brought there kids hail, rain or sun and supplied them with there hurley, helmet and training gear.
Thanks to all the coaches especially Caimin who set up every second week and took charge of the sessions I couldnt attend, John Reddin, Tony Brew, Peter Kearney, Richard Flanagan, Declan Murphy, Noel Flannery, Chris Moylan, John White, Gerry O Halloran, Eamon Healy, Donal Mullins.
Thanks to Davy Fitzgerald for his attendance tonight, great smb clubman and his company tonight was a pleasure.
Finally the reason we train and attend and organize everything thanks to the wonderful under 8 group of 2017. Its been a pleasure all year and everyone has improved and has become a better hurler since the start of the year. Keep up that winter training schedule plan!!
Last but not least best of luck to our own under 8 coach Caimin in the county final sunday!
Thanks for a great year and hopefully all the kids had fun and enjoyed it, its been a pleasure from us coaches point of view.
PS Coaches won the coaches v players game!!😜
Wrapup
From all the coaching staff we wish the very best of luck to Caimin on Sunday and encourage all parents to bring their kids along to support the Bridge at 3:30 in Cusack Park and we also wish David the best for his upcoming nuptials and for his future married life.
