U-12 AGM REPORT December 16th 2002

Under 12 (1990 Group) report for 2002.for AGM 16th December 2002

The decision to divide the Under 12 Group into two teams for the purposes of the city league proved to be very successful. With the aid of eight under 11 hurlers both Blackrock teams qualified for the final in the premier league competition in October. The result is that the Under 12 panel finished 2002 with 35 active young hurlers, most of whom played regular games during the year.

Earlier in June and July, the under 12 championship team put together five wins to capture the under 12 County Championship. In a straight knockout competition, this team defeated Na Piarsaigh, Charleville, Sarsfields, Douglas and finally Midleton in a classic County Final played a Pairc Ui Rinn. For sheer good quality hurling and excitement this final with Midleton was a fantastic occasion and one that will never be forgotten by the boys.

In early September, the team played in the inaugural Ger Dineen Tournament, held here in Church Road. With strong teams from Newtownshandrum, Tulla, Bray, Bishopstown, and Durlas Og participating, the young Rockies were determined to win this competition as the late Ger Dineen had a special interest in this particular group. After some great contests during the course of the day, we were all particularly proud, when Richard Dineen, stepped forward to accept the Dineen Cup at the end of the day.

Patrick Parfrey was an outstanding captain of the championship team, while Olan Kelleher and Richard Dineen proved to be very able captains of the successful league teams. This group of young Rockies is a very committed, skilful and an extremely disciplined panel, having been together since the lads were about seven years old.

The challenge for the club and mentors is to keep them hurling together as they develop into their teens. As most of the young lads are heading into second level schools with either no serious hurling team at all or little emphasis on hurling, this challenge becomes very difficult. With competing codes displaying an increasingly professional approach to coaching in second level schools throughout the city, our response within the club will determine if we can compete.

Under 12 mentors: Maurice Griffin, Pat Roche, Seamus Hartnett, Brian Roche, Tony Falvey and Gerard O'Mahony. Special thanks to Ray Kelleher, Jamie Harrington and Michael Kilcoyne for their assistance and cooperation. Eamonn O'Donoghue and Billy Reidy were extremely helpful throughout the year.