TY/5th year Hurling blitz organised by Stephen Murphy (New Ross VC & Wexford Senior hurler).
This is the first time this competition has been organised for this age group.
Wexford TY/5th year Hurling ‘B’ blitz
Date: Wednesday 18/4/13
Venue: Geraldine O’Hanrahans Pitch
Teams involved: Wexford VC, Ramsgrange CS, New Ross VC, Enniscorthy VC
Despite the atrocious weather conditions, hurlers from Wexford VC, Enniscorthy VC, New Ross VC and Ramsgrange CS journeyed to the Geraldine O’Hanrahans Grounds in New Ross recently for the Wexford Transition Year and Fifth Year ‘B’ Blitz.
The blitz started at 11am and all schools played three games and the top two teams went into the final. All games were 13 players a side and 12 minutes per half. Despite the very difficult weather conditions, with a gale force breeze greatly impacting the scoring, some good hurling was played and many promising hurlers demonstrated their considerable talent.
The blitz opened with wins for Ramsgrange and Enniscorthy VC over Wexford VC and New Ross VC respectively. In round two, the New Ross students got their first win – over Wexford VC – while Ramsgrange continued their unbeaten start with a fine win against Enniscorthy VC.
The Ramsgrange teenagers also defeated New Ross VC in their final group game to make it three wins from three. This meant Ramsgrange qualified for the final as group winners while New Ross VC got through as runners-up.
The final was a tense and tight affair. Thankfully the weather had picked up for the final two group games and was now quite pleasant despite the breeze. In a low scoring final, the free taking of Ramsgrange was the difference and they won the game by three points.
Players to impress for each respective school were: Niall Roche (who dominated many games at centre back), Adam Foley and James Rochford from Ramsgrange CS; Owen Grace (who cleared numerous balls at full back), Shane Murphy and Steven Cody from New Ross VC; Dale Kirwan (who demonstrated some lovely skilful touches throughout), Barry Leacy, Peter Cullen and Mark Brennan from Enniscorthy VC and from Wexford VC Dylan Byrne, Shane Bates, Luke Doyle and Lee Roche all impressed.
The organisers would like to extend massive thanks to the groundsmen as well as Dave Guiney, Wexford Games Manager who greatly assisted the smooth running of the blitz. The referees also deserve honourable mention for the manner in which they conducted the games in a professional and efficient manner.
A big thanks also has to be extended to the teachers who accompanied the students and braved the weather conditions. On a day when perseverance won out, all those involved and especially the students deserve great credit for sticking with it. Congrats to Ramsgrange CS on their blitz victory.