St.Brigid's Hurling Club Notes
	Date: 24/04/01

UNDER AGE

In the past few weeks our under 12 team played two matches. Their first match was an away game versus Ringtown.

Despite two thirds of the team never having played a game of hurling before they had a very good win on the scoreline of  6-1 to 1-1. The teams mentors were very pleased with the performance as a lot of the team only started hurling in the last few months. Overall it was a very good team performance. Brian Slevin played a captains part at centrefield as did Francis Nally. In defence James Keegan, Damien Moran, Eanna Gallagher and Darren Quinn played well with Darren displaying all the trademarks of his father Joe. Up front when they found their mark Kevin Loughrey, Brendan Keegan, Christopher Gallagher and Christopher Coyne, scorer of two goals, all played a big part in this victory. Of the substitutes Ian Kenny, who also scored two goals, Conor Slevin, Owen Nugent shone when introduced. The team was Kevin Morgan, James Leogue, Fechin Gavin, Eanna Gallagher, Damien Moran, Darren Quinn, James Keegan, Brian Slevin, Francis Nally, Sean Bagnall, Christopher Coyne, Kevin Loughrey, Daniel Crombie, Christopher Gallagher, Brendan Keegan, Subs. Ian Kenny, Stuart Hayes, Conor Slevin, Cathal Coyne, Owen Nugent and Brian Fitzpatrick.

We also played an under 12 match versus Turin on last Friday week. This was a thriller played down in Turin with the home team getting a goal in the last minute to win on a scoreline of 7 – 1 to 6 – 1. Once again this was a spirited performance with some great patches of hurling. There was only one point between the sides at half time with Darren Quinn, Brian Slevin, and Christopher Coyne putting in great displays. With more training this bunch of lads can go places over the next few years. With a limited amount of hurling they have done exceptionally well. Along with the above mentioned James Leogue made some brilliant saves and has a bright future. Fechin Gavin, Damien Moran and despite getting some hard knocks, Francis Nally, all played well. In the forwards Sean Bagnall, Kevin Morgan, Daniel Crombie and Aiden Fallon when introduced also had very good games. The team was James Leogue, Francis Nally, James Keegan, Fechin Gavin, Eanna Gallagher, Darren Quinn, Damien Moran, Brian Slevin, Kevin Loughrey, Sean Bagnall, Christopher Coyne, Daniel Crombie, Christopher Gallagher, Ian Kenny, Kevin Morgan. Subs Aiden Fallon, Owen Gorman, Enda McCabe, Cathal Coyne, Stewart Hayes and Brendan Keegan. Were it not for a five star display by the Turin No.6 we could quite possibly have won this game. I apologise for not remembering his name but he is as good a hurler at this age group as you are likely to see. Well done young man !.

Despite some great help from some of the parents it would be good to see more of them helping and supporting the team. These players are young and need all the support they can get and parents will get as much enjoyment out of the games as the lads themselves.

Training continues on Monday nights. There are a number Helmets are now available for sale at a subsidised price of £20. Hurleys are also available at £5 each.

HURLING LEAGUE

We played Crookedwood in Division 2 of the hurling league on Sunday week last in Crookedwood.  In this game we never adapted  to the heavy underfoot conditions due to the previous nights rain. Forced to field an understrength team due to injuries and exam commitments we found ourselves under pressure from the start. The introduction of a number  latecomers late in  the first half gave us some momentum and we were only a few points adrift at the interval. However a Crookedwood goal immediately after the restart put paid to our chances and we were left chasing the game from then onwards. The only highlight from a St. Brigids point of view was the gem of a goal scored by Jimmy Gallagher. Our performance in general leaves us in no doubt of what must be done in the coming weeks if we are to make any impression on the Senior ranks.

 TRAINING

In the absence of Rom Deegan, who is sunning himself in the USA at the moment  , training will be taken over by Greg Balfe. Training continues on Wednesday evenings in Rochfortbridge.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to both Westmeath Senior hurling and football teams on their great victories on Sunday last.

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