Feile Na nGael 2008 - Laois Offaly
Feile Na nGael 2008 - Laois Offaly
Anybody involved in training an under 14 team or involved in this in any way. Should be an exciting weekend of hurling due to take place on the 20/21/22 of June.
Re: Feile Na nGael 2008 - Laois Offaly
anybody involved in this - kicking off this weekend should be a busy weekend of hurling?
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Plain of the Herbs
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Division 1 semi final - James Stephens' v Patrickswell
I was at the Feile semi final in Rath yesterday evening between James Stephens’ and Patrickswell. It was a superb game of hurling with ne’er a bad hurler between the two clubs. Stephens’ as you’d expect had all the Kilkenny hallmarks in abundance, style and craft throughout the field.
James Stephens’ won 3-13 to 2-1 and while the scoreline might give the impression of a one sided encounter it was anything but. Patrickswell went into an early lead though Stephens’ were still hurling well, with Michael Drennan leading the attack and Diarmuid Cody, son of you-know-who, anchoring the defence. Drennan is quite a sportstar in the making, having attracted the interest of Blackburn soccer club in England.
A string of points gave the Kilkenny boys, who had earlier beaten Roscrea, Birr and Kilmacud Crokes, a half time lead of 2-6 to 2-0, though the game was still very much up for grabs. A third goal soon after the break and the Limerick boys, who qualified for the semi final with wins over Kilcormac, St. Rynagh’s and Clarenbridge, were unable to break down the Kilkenny side’s defence as Stephens’ scored at will, some coming from hurling the ball out from their own square. Stephens’ made their height and strength advantage count not to mention the aforementioned skill and craft.
James Stephens’ won 3-13 to 2-1 and while the scoreline might give the impression of a one sided encounter it was anything but. Patrickswell went into an early lead though Stephens’ were still hurling well, with Michael Drennan leading the attack and Diarmuid Cody, son of you-know-who, anchoring the defence. Drennan is quite a sportstar in the making, having attracted the interest of Blackburn soccer club in England.
A string of points gave the Kilkenny boys, who had earlier beaten Roscrea, Birr and Kilmacud Crokes, a half time lead of 2-6 to 2-0, though the game was still very much up for grabs. A third goal soon after the break and the Limerick boys, who qualified for the semi final with wins over Kilcormac, St. Rynagh’s and Clarenbridge, were unable to break down the Kilkenny side’s defence as Stephens’ scored at will, some coming from hurling the ball out from their own square. Stephens’ made their height and strength advantage count not to mention the aforementioned skill and craft.
Pat Donegan. Signed out of respect for players and all involved with Offaly.
"Offaly's hurling is exact and abrasive: full of assurance on the ball, devoid of fumbling and slicing and sod-busting". Kevin Cashman RIP (September 1994).
"Offaly's hurling is exact and abrasive: full of assurance on the ball, devoid of fumbling and slicing and sod-busting". Kevin Cashman RIP (September 1994).
Re: Feile Na nGael 2008 - Laois Offaly
I was at the finals in Portlaoise today and I have to say that I thought the standard of hurling was very high.The pace and touch of some of the under 14 players was exceptional - similiar to that of an intercounty team.James Stephens won the final albeit in dramatic fashion . Na Piarsaigh of cork were ahead throughout the game and time was almost up and they were two points up. James Stephens got a 21 m free and went for goal. Goalie saved and it was heading for top corner but tailed out for a 65m. 65 was taken and a few mins later Stephens got another free in 25 m out. I think Codys son stepped up again to take it and it was either goal or lose. He struck a bullet of a shot just beneath the crossbar and hit the back of the net. Na piarsiagh pucked out the ball and the ref blew for full time. James Stephens won with the last puck of the game and invaded the pitch - typical Kilkenny team never dead till last minute.
Full marks to all involved in the organisation of this years feile particularly those on the County Executive - The parade in Portlaoise was absolutely brill and ran smoothly from the start to the end - some achievement considering it had over 130 teams. The programme was also exceptionally well put together. The complimation of fixtures and to organise pitches must have been a mammoth task. Overall a smooth operation and the people of Laois / Offaly can be duely proud of the weekend.
Full marks to all involved in the organisation of this years feile particularly those on the County Executive - The parade in Portlaoise was absolutely brill and ran smoothly from the start to the end - some achievement considering it had over 130 teams. The programme was also exceptionally well put together. The complimation of fixtures and to organise pitches must have been a mammoth task. Overall a smooth operation and the people of Laois / Offaly can be duely proud of the weekend.