Senior Team Report AGM 2004

At the start of 2004 we set out to make amends for the disappointment of the previous season when we failed to bring home the Sean Murchu Cup and capture the unique 3 in a row. Team management felt it was an ideal opportunity for the Team to show its true ability and bounce back to recapture the Senior Hurling Title to once again place ourselves at the Pinnacle of Club Hurling in Cork. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as we failed to deliver any Silverware never reaching our true collective potential.

Throughout the year our preparation was disrupted, fragmented and disjointed resulting in inconsistent League and Championship performances culminating in our eventual demise at the hands of Na Piarsaigh in the County Semi-Final. So near and yet so far again and almost a sense of resignation and relief given the injuries and difficulties that we were experiencing within.

But in the broader and bigger picture this present Blackrock Senior Hurling Panel both individually and collectively has been quite magnificent in recent years crowning themselves, their families and our Club with great glory and freely adding to the already enviable roll of honour.

At this point I wish to thank John Brown, Captain and Adrian Coughlan, Vice Captain and all the players for their efforts throughout the year. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the back room team of Tom Cashman, Jim O Brien, Maurice Duggan, Alan Russell, Pat Deasy and Jim Cashman. These men have put great work into both the Senior Team and the Club and deserve great credit. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with them.

Also our Medical Team Dr. Paddy Hayes, our Physio Carol Nyhan and First Aid man John O Driscoll for their expert care, attention and treatment of our Players. Noel O Flaherty must be mentioned for top class work on the hurleys and Mrs. May O Brien for her always immaculate preparation and presentation of the Jerseys.

 I also want to thank Tommy O Sullivan, Chairman, Roger Ryan, Secretary and the Senior Hurling Committee for their support in our quest for glory. They never left us wanting for anything. Also Maureen, Helen and Mary for their excellent catering for the Team during the year.

So, now times move on, Player and Team profiles change, circumstances alter and a new challenge begins under a new Management Team. Some Scribes and Hurlers on the ditch even within this Club have written this Team off, I do not agree with them. They would be better off working for the Club rather than running it down! I believe there are more exciting days ahead for our genuine supporters, more Championships for the current Panel and more glory and honours for this great Hurling Club. Of course there can be no room for complacency, excuses or passengers because the opposition will be fierce and must be met head on and defeated.

So let us wholeheartedly support those who will manage and coach our Teams in the coming season, who will put their minds, bodies and spirits to winning the Sean Murchu Cup for this Club for the 33^rd time and lead us on to further glory.

In conclusion, let me thank everyone for their support and encouragement during the year and in recent seasons. I also wish to congratulate the magnificent Wayne Sherlock on both his All Ireland success and his long overdue and richly deserved All-Star Award and also our Captain John Brown and Paul Tierney on their All Ireland Senior medals. Also let me take this opportunity to wish the incoming Officers, Committees, Selectors, Coaches and Trainers every good luck in 2005 and hope that this time next year we will have moved to 33 Senior Hurling Titles and widened the gap that little bit more over our nearest and fiercest rivals.

Timmy Murphy

Senior Team Coach