While most boys in the Country associate the end of August with a return to school all 10 and 11 year old boys in the 'Bridge know this time of the year only means one thing - the annual trip to Blarney GAA for the Kevin Kelleher U11 Hurling Tournament. The 'Bridge club have been lucky to form a close association with Blarney GAA and have been heading south to the outskirts of Cork City for the last 4 years now.
While hurling is always the highlight of this tournament the organisation and local hospitality off the field is a good match for the skills and fun experienced on the field of play.
This years tournament included Blarney (Cork), Cashel King Cormacs (Tipperary), Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) and the Bridge. Each club had 2 even teams with combined scores deciding match winners with the top 2 finishers meeting in the Cup final and 3rd and 4th playing out for the shield.
The Tournament kicked of with all clubs marching behind the piper around the field. At the start of the Tournament parents and coaches were looking for umbrella's & rain jackets while towards the end of the Tournament parents were looking for factor 50 sun-cream, the finals were played in beautiful Sunshine 🌞 which added to the occasion.
Both 'Bridge teams played outstanding hurling to go unbeaten in the group stages and qualify for a final showdown against the hosts - In the final one Bridge team won by 9 points while the second team lost by 6 so when the aggregate scores were totted up the Bridge came out winners by 3 points to joy and elation from the players.
Cork hurler Mark Coleman was on hand to present the the cup to our joint captains Jake McCarthy and Loughlin Downes and he commented about how he was so impressed with the skill levels that he hopes he's retired before these boys get to Senior.
Special thanks to all the parents that drove down to Blarney and gave plenty of help and encouragement to both Sixmilebridge teams on the day.
The journey home felt shorter with the Kevin Kelleher Memorial Cup in good hands heading back to Sixmilebridge for 2025 #alwayshurling | #bridgeabú
