Over the past three weeks hurling clubs in Monaghan participated in an U13 Floodlite Hurling League in the County GAA Grounds, Cloghan. There was a good turnout for the league with 7 clubs participating, including the newly formed Clones Hurling Club, and over 80 players given the opportunity to play. The games were 9-a-side with two 10 minute halves and thus due to the fast paced nature of the small sided games the league proved to be a great way for players to speed up their striking, hooking, blocking, decision making and team play. This was highlighted throughout with fast paced and exciting games taking place over the three weeks.   

The league culminated in a final round of matches played on Thursday 27^th September in which the clubs were divided into two competitions, the Cup and Shield. Included in the Shield Competition were Cootehill, Castleblayney and Truagh. Despite a spirited performance from Castleblayney these close encounter games resulted in a Cootehill and Truagh final, with Truagh ultimately winning the game on a score line of 2-1. The Cup competition included Monaghan Harps, Carrickmacross and Inniskeen. Again these games were closely fought encounters which resulted in a Carrickmacross and Harps final, a repeat of last year’s final. Inniskeen were the team to lose out but gave an extremely resolute performance on the night. The Cup final was another close encounter with exceptional displays of hurling skills, including score taking, striking, defending and team play, and resulted in Carrickmacross winning the game 6-5. Both the runner-up and winners of each competition were presented with medals on the night. A special thanks to all the players, mentors, referees, supporters and Development Officers who attended each week and made the league a huge success. PHOTOS TO FOLLOW….