On Saturday our U-10 team did us proud in the annual Mullinahone Tournament. We paraded through the village with teams from Cork, Tipperary, Carlow, Derry, Antrim, Clare, Galway, Meath, Laois, Limerick, Tyrone, Waterford and Offaly. We were honoured to represent Kilkenny along with Windgap. Charles J. Kickham was born in Mullinahone in 1828 and is famous for his novel “Knocknagow” and the Tipperary Anthem “Slievenamon” which he wrote.
We first played St. Mary’s Clonmel. We started well, contesting strongly for every ball. Finn O’Byrne put us into the lead with a well taken goal. Charlie Cleere was solid in goal making many a fine clearance from the goalline. Jack Guiry having one of his best games so far this year and the strong Dylan Teehan worked tirelessly in the backs. James Brennan continued his good form from the Callan Tournament sending many fine passes to the forward line. St. Mary’s levelled the game with a goal and in the second half scored another winning the game 2-1. This is a ground hurling tournament.
In the second game we faced Fermoy from Cork. The team hurled well in this game and every player did their best. Martin Brennan, Pat Purcell and Aidan Cahill were solid in defence. Our good play was rewarded with goals from Jack Docherty, Dylan Teehan and the dependable James Casey who scored two fine goals. We won this game 4-0. Ryan Cody put in a great performance at midfield in this game.
Our final game was against neighbours Ballingarry. Finn scored a goal and Ballingarry got two goals putting us under pressure. Just before half time Charlie struck a fine ball from the midfield line into the top corner of the net. This was the best score of the day. Half time score 2-2. Dean O’Brien was superb in goal particularly making one fine save in the second half. Sean Dillon and Jake O’Brien worked hard in the forwards. There was nothing between the sides but the clever Jake O’Brien sneaked in to score the winning goal for Graigue-Ballycallan. Unfortunately we were not the best runner-up in all the groups which was decided by score difference. However, the boys showed once again how much they are improving and their determination, work rate and skills represented Kilkenny so well in this well organised tournament. Well done boys . We are all proud of you and keep up the hurling when you go back to school.
Panel: Charlie Cleere, Martin Brennan, Pat Purcell, Aidan Cahill, Jack Guiry, Dylan Teehan, Ryan Cody, Jack Docherty, Jake O’Brien, Sean Dillon, Dean O’Brien, James Brennan, James Casey, Finn O’Byrne