Dublin U12s Achieve Triple Success in Carlow

  • Nov 08,2012

 

Many weeks of hard work culminated in a fantastic day when the Dublin U12 players brought home three trophies from the Leinster Blitz in Carlow on 22 September. This was a massive achievement for this group of players who started training together in April this year.

The day started bright and early before 8am in the grounds of St. Brigid's GAA Club. All the players were in good time setting a good example for one or two of the mentors J

Over 80 players from 39 clubs (and 13 mentors) were organised into four squads. We set out with high hopes of improving on the positions of Division 1 runners-up and Division 3 winners in June Blitz. The first surprise was sprung when it was discovered that two of the Dublin teams were to compete against each other in Division 2 with one each of the other teams competing in Divisions 1 or Division 4.

The Division 4 team with their mentors of Gabby Harding and Clare O'Dea performed an excellent task of gelling the team together to produce an unbeaten series of games in the morning. The final was played against the host team, Carlow, who were supported by the majority of the partisan crowd. Despite this, Dublin kept their noses in front to claim the trophy. Following celebrations, the team made their way to the Carlow Hurling Grounds to see how their colleagues were performing in the other divisions.

Despite getting off to a slow start against Kildare, the Division 1 team improved significantly in subsequent games to defeat Laois, Meath and Wexford to set up a repeat of June's Division 1 final against arch-rivals Meath. With master tactics from mentors Noel O'Leary and Mark Kelly and some assistance from the crossbar, Dublin held off the strong Meath attack in the final moments to yield a highly deserved victory by a single point. After the disappointment of losing in June, the players were ecstatic.

And so to the Division 2 competition in which two of the Dublin teams were to meet. With both teams off to a winning start against Wicklow, it was difficult not to be distracted by the upcoming fixture between our 2 squads. With many neutrals intrigued by the match-up and adding to the crowd, it was fascinating to see the Dublin team-mates (and sometimes club-mates) in opposition giving their all for their team. In the end, the "Blue" managed to prevail with a second-half goal to break the hearts of the "Orange" squad. Amazingly, the results of the group games produced a tie for second place and a shoot-out was required between the two Dublin teams to decide the Division 2 finalists. On this occasion, the "Orange" team held their nerve to take their place in the final against the unbeaten Westmeath. Despite going in a point down at half-time to a late goal, the mentors Paul Hamill, Niall Murphy, Carol Conway and Fintan Keeling rallied the troops and kept spirits high. Two splendid second-half goals put paid to a tiring Westmeath and Dublin had claimed a third trophy 2-3 to 1-3.

The teams and mentors and not a few supporters made their way to The Dew Drop Inn in Kill, Co. Kildare to savour their victories over a well-earned meal and some drinks followed by the presentation of medals and trophies by our Chairperson, Maureen King. As the day closed, we arrived back tired but happy to St. Brigid's with great memories of a successful day. Hopefully the players will continue to enjoy their football careers and new friendships for many years to come.