Ulster Champions 2014!!!

For the second time in the last ten years ‘Blayney are Ulster Junior Hurling champions after an historic win against Na Magha in the provincial final in Dungannon on Sunday. Excitement had been steadily building throughout the week and supporters travelled in great numbers to the Co Tyrone venue for a 2.30 throw in. The game was played in very blustery conditions with Blayney opting to play against a strong wind in the first half. Despite the elements, the lads started very strongly and took an early two point lead before being pegged back by the Derry champions. A goal from Niall Garland following a Hugh Byrne free restored the lead and another goal ten minutes before half time from Fergal Rafter, after great work by Paddy Finnegan and Hugh Byrne, meant that Blayney were in a very strong position approaching half time. On the stroke of half time, Na Magha responded with a goal of their own sending the teams in level at the break on a scoreline of 2-4 to 1-7. The large ‘Blayney following felt that their team was in a strong position coming out in the second half with a strong wind behind them and this proved to be the case. A hugely dominant second half during which Na Magha were held scoreless sealed the victory, with two goals from Tony Forde putting the icing on the cake. Castleblayney ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 4-13 to 1-7. Best for Blayney were Peter Treanor, Brian McGuigan, Hugh Byrne and Tony Forde in what was an impressive all round team performance. The club would like to extend heartiest congratulations to the players and management on what has proven to be a very successful year. A well deserved rest is now in order before attention turns to the All-Ireland semi-final against the winners of the quarter final between the London and Munster champions. Thanks also to everybody who travelled to Dungannon to support the team on Sunday.

Our extended run through the AIB club championships has put an extra cost on the club and as a result we organised two fundraising activities over the last two weeks. The people of Blayney responded in very generous fashion with over 200 signs wishing the team the best of luck in the final being bought and displayed on poles around the town.  We also held a successful curry night in the Iontas theatre last Saturday evening. Thanks so much to all who supported us. It has been greatly appreciated.

U16 Tri County League final

The U16 Tri County League final against East Cavan Gaels has been fixed for the 9th of November. Time and venue are still to be confirmed and players will be told by text when we the information. The club sent two teams to an U15 floodlit blitz on Tuesday last in Cloghan.

Juvenile Winter Training Programme

The club’s juvenile training programme for our U6s to U10s will restart for the winter next week. U6 and U8 training starts in Our Lady’s Secondary School from 6 to 7pm on Monday the 3rd of November while U10 training will take place in Rath na nOg on Wednesday the 5th November from 7.30 to 8.30pm. The cost for each age group is 2 euro and hurls and helmets will be provided if needed.

Juvenile coach education

Can all club coaches please put Tuesday the 11th of November in your diary as there is a coaching course in Our Lady’s Hall , Castleblayney from 7pm to 9pm . This is a ‘Coaching the coaches’ session and it will show club coaches specific activities, games and ideas for coaching children in an indoor environment  from U8 up to U12