Éire Óg Greystones
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Weekly Notes - 5th March 2008

Hurling

The sparring is over the real business has begun for the hurling fraternity. The season opened on Sunday the 16th when the first salvos were fired in the Minor Championship. Our lads were away to near-neighbours Bray. The outcome of the encounter was inconclusive – in the lingo of another sport it would have been described as a result for Éire Óg (and for Bray) - in other words it was a draw. It was a game of “shreds and patches” which told us very little about the true potential of either team. It had all the hallmarks of a season’s opener with the displays of both teams telling of machines greatly inhibited by rust – poor decision making, indecisive striking, dropped passes and poor delivery. All these observations, however, are the product of mature reflection for one had not time to dwell on the inadequacies of the spectacle in the welter of excitement generated by a contest which was at all times balanced on a knife edge.

Some straws of hope were, however, identified in the winds of the post-match analysis. There was the beautiful stickwork of Cormac Greene at cornerback, the commitment of Jack Tanner at halfback and the inspiring steadiness of Daniel Salmon at fullback. Then there was the return to form of full-forward Phelim Byrne whose two early goals did much to settle the team. (We wish Phelim’s mother Louise, who recently underwent serious surgery, a speedy return to everyday activity). Marty Byrne also played well, especially when moved to centrefield, and tagged on his usual quota of scores. Jack Douglas, Leon Hargan and Stephen O’Neill also showed promise of better things. The team was short a number of stronger players whose return should lend it a sharper cutting edge. Incidentally young Michael Walsh who deputised in goal for the absent Mark Doran could not be faulted for any of the Bray scores. We wish Scott Smullen who broke his thumb in a recent practice match against Newcastle a quick return to the fray.

The preliminary stages of the Minor Hurling Championship are played on a home and away basis. Éire Óg is grouped with Glenealy, Carnew and Bray. They played Glenealy at the weekend and this Sunday face Carnew.

The hurling academy continues in its indoor form on Friday nights at 6.30p.m under the tutelage of Pauline Sutton, Michael Walsh, Felicity Keane and Fionnuala Nolan.

Summer Camps

Reminder from Colm Gaskin that leaflets for the Summer Camps in Hurling and Football are now in the schools. Last year’s camps in Greystones were deemed by all participants to be hugely enjoyable and were among the best attended in Wicklow. To avoid disappointment early registration is advised.

Social & Personal

The Lotto stands at well in excess of €8,000. Surely a worthwhile gamble at €2 a ticket.

Congratulations to Johnny Barry who will be celebrating his 30th birthday this weekend and to Jamie McDonald on reaching his 21st. Congratulations also to Emma Leonard on her recent engagement.