Éire Óg Greystones
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Weekly Notes - 7th May 2008

U-14 Hurling

All has not been running smoothly for the u-14 hurlers in the league; in fact, they are struggling. However, it is in adversity that character is both honed and shown to best effect and, indeed, the team is not short on this commodity. Their mentors have been proud of the way in which they battle even in circumstances of inevitable defeat; it can be said of them as Goldsmith said of his schoolmaster ”that e’en though vanquished they can argue (contend) still”.

Last Thursday they lost to Avondale by a point but what a gutsy performance. There was nothing highly technical or tactical about the game yet it entertained hugely in its intensity, in its knife-edged uncertainty and in the enthusiasm and uncompromising commitment of the players. Players to contribute that extra bit on the night were Conor Cornwall, James Smullen, Glen O’Reilly, Anthony Byrne, John Foley, James Cranley, Joey Molloy, Kevin Byrne, Josh Campbell, Jason Mc Loughlin and Robert Byrne.

A word of thanks to Jimmy Shaughnessy who did an excellent job of refereeing.

Juvenile Football

Monday 28th was one of our juveniles footballers’ better nights with our u-12s and u-16s registering victories against opposition with credentials.

The u-12s were at home to Arklow who had been undefeated to date and had included in their successes a comprehensive victory over Avondale who had had a narrow victory over Éire Óg. We knew, however, that this defeat could not really be taken as a true measure of the team’s worth as on that night a number of circumstances contrived against us including the absence of a number of key players. We dared to hope. Arklow’s pre-match preparations which were very professional – we had plenty of time to view them as we waited patiently for the ref – sowed some seeds of unease. Equanimity was soon restored as Éire Óg was seen to take control from the throw-in and had the Arklow goal immediately under siege. However, it bore a charmed existence for about 10 minutes and we began to fear that later in the game we might be ruing this period of barren dominance. The dyke eventually gave and après ca, la deluge. By the break we had built up a considerable lead. The 2nd period was more evenly contested but every Arklow minor was answered with a major from Éire Óg. This Éire Óg victory opens up a very exciting vista going into the final two weeks of the competition. Four of the teams have each now lost just one game and there is the possibility that the winners will be decided on score difference.

The u-16s travelled to Bray to play Emmets in the East League. Éire Óg, in contrast to their opponents, had been without a game for a number of weeks so their preparedness was problematic. A local derby, both teams undefeated. A great game in prospect – and in the event we were not disappointed.

Comhgháirdeachas

to Eoin O’Neill who last week was conferred with a Ph.D. in planning. Eoin obviously brought the same assiduity and application to his studies as he displays on the field of play. His specialised knowledge proved invaluable during the building of the clubhouse and in the drawing up of the club’s development plan. Go n-eirí go geal leis in a chuid oibre.

VHI CÚL CAMPS

in football and hurling: Last year the Greystones camps were among the best attended in Wicklow and, despite not being favoured by the weather, were hugely enjoyed by attendees both boys and girls. These camps take place over 5 days. The Greystones football camp starts the 30th June. For further information contact Colm Gaskin 087- 2711124.