Another busy week for our U13 Hurlers with 52 boys in action across 3 teams in 3 Championship matches and 1 tournament in Tipperary. A big welcome to the 4 new boys Harry, Morgan, Finn and Jamie who have returned to hurling in recent weeks following a very successful Jim Bradley hurling tournament in the local school.

U13A Championship Semi Final

On Friday evening we headed for Gurteen to face St. Josephs Doora Barefield in the U13A hurling semi final. This was a repeat of the Round 1 decider which took place in the same venue 55 days earlier - That day Barefield ran out winners by 2 points on a score of 4-10 to 5-05 . This day the Bridge were determined to reverse that result and continur on their winning run of 5 wins on the trot and book a place in the County Final.

The Bridge hit the ground running and were 1-04 up before the home side got off the mark with a pointed free. The goal was a well worked move with Cian Mullins launching a long range free into the Full Forward line where Noel Duggan fielded and raised our first green flag. The 'Bridge kept the scoreboard ticking over with points from Duggan, Liam Flannery, Caelan Hayes and Sean Conlone to put us up 1-07 to 0-03 on the short whistle.

While the wind felt like a storm the Bridge were also prepared for a Barefield storm but it was the visitors who got off to the best start with a very well worked move by the forwards landed in Noel Duggans hand and he made no mistake finishing into the top corner. Harry Loughnane added one from play before Liam Flannery who captains the team and postponed his holiday plans made it all worthwhile with a goal to close out the game and ensure a 3-11 to 0-11 win for the 'Bridge.

We now go on to face Clooney/Quin in the County final after they defeated Newmarket by 1 point today.

U13 Saffrons

We travelled to Clarecastle on Wednesday evening for Round 5 of the Academy Championship wit 1 win and 3 close loses to date - On arrival it was evident this Bridge team had only one thing on their mind and that was to get a result against the Magpies. The first half was a very close affair with the sides level on 2-2 a piece at the interval. The 'Bridge powered into the second half and ran out winners on a score of 5-05 to 3-05.

Next up for this team is Crusheen/Tubber in Sixmilebridge on this Wednesday at 7pm.

U13 Blues

Newmarket were visitors to O'Garney Park on Wednesday - The Bridge tore into the lead putting them 10 points up come half time. Both teams emptied their benches for the second half and Newmarket recovered with some early goals and following a penalty they ran out 4-05 to 3-06 winners.

Next up for the Bridge Blues is a visit to Inagh/Kilnamona on Wednesday evening.

Cashel King Cormacs Blitz

On Saturday last a convoy left the Bridge en masse to head for the Rock of Cashel to face the hosts King Cormacs and Middleton (Cork) in an U13 Tournament. A comment from the blitz organiser asking did we bring every team in the club with us such were the number of Bridge boys in attendance was very true as space in the dressing room was at a premium.

While the hosts and other clubs fielded 2 teams the 'Bridge fielded 3 teams and all were encouraged by the performances which were used as a warmup for the busy Championship week that lay ahead.