Under 21 Report AGM 2005

The U-21 squad commenced training in July and the season lasted until the 30th October when we were beaten by a goal in the City Division U-21 City Final replay. During the season the team played 14 matches and trained on another 20 occasions.

The objective of the management at the start was firstly to reach and then win the City Division final and secondly to produce players capable of making the step up to Senior level. While we did not ultimately succeed in our first objective, we are hopeful that within a short space of time some of the players who played against Douglas will represent Blackrock at Senior level.

The U-21 grade is probably the most difficult grade in hurling at present with the pool of players being drawn upon by Minor Hurling & Football, Intermediate & Junior Hurling and Senior Hurling and Football. This is compounded by the timing of the Championship, as without a definite slot in the calendar the Championship is run off when all else is over and the weather is no longer ideal for hurling.

Despite the difficulties the squad of players gave a good commitment to the cause and after gaining an understanding of playing to together in challenge games the team lined out against St Catherines in a Senior League game in Ballynoe, winning 3-10 top 0-11. This was followed up by a loss to Douglas in the Senior League. The U-21 Management would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Senior Management in allowing us to take up these fixtures and thereby giving the U-21 team experience of playing together in competitive matches.

In the City Semi-Final we beat St Finbarrs by 2 points, a score line which did not reflect our dominance in the game. However as with any semi-final the result was the important factor.

In the drawn City Final Douglas, who were firm favourites, were lucky to escape with a draw over the course of the match while we were fortunate to survive the last two minutes. The team played their best hurling of the year on this day with emphasis on fast ground hurling. Unfortunately with the soft frees given away and the failure to take our chances we left Ballinlough with it all to do again.

In the replay which was played in atrocious conditions in Pairc Uí Chaoimh the greater physical strength and fitness of Douglas was the difference between the two teams. A spirited display was not enough to win on the day.

The progress of the team throughout the Championship should be viewed as a foundation on which to build. The potential remains within the squad as only four of this year's squad are overage next year. However progress will only occur if the issues of physical strength and fitness are addressed in line with skills training and this is where the players must display their commitment.