|
Hurlathon 2009. |
|
Blackrock Hurlathon 2009 Hurlathon report. The very first ever Hurlathon in Cork took place on Saturday 7th February 2009. It was an outstanding success with over 500 hurlers from 5 to 75 taking part, in games which were watched by several thousand spectators throughout the day. The match between the Rockies and Blackrock commenced with a throw in by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Brian Bermingham at precisely 10 am. The day concluded at 10pm when an incredible game between the Blackrock Legends and the Blackrock All-Stars finished level. For the record the final score, which was kept by Colm Daly throughout the day was Rockies 173 goals, Blackrock 172 goals! Church Road witnessed its first parade in many years in glorious Spring sunshine, when almost 100, four, five and six year olds marched into the hall behind the stirring music of bagpipes and let by the Lord Mayor and the Primary Chairman, Seamus Hartnett. Following a brief oration by the Lord Mayor and the playing of the National Anthem, the action began. Guests arrived with prompt regularity to throw in the sliotars on the hour, Deirdre Clune TD, Senator Dan Boyle, Frank Murphy, Sec. Cork County Board, Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheal Martin TD, Monsignor O’Callaghan, representing Bishop Buckley, Ray Cummins, Gerald McCarthy, while a host of Rockies legends attended during the day. (Although there were reports of secret training camps being held in preparation for the game of the year at 9pm!!) As shift after shift of hurlers arrived at the club, not even the Irish Rugby match V France broke the continuity of the hurling. 250 special medals were given out by 2pm; our special O’Neill training bags had disappeared by 3pm as the volume of participants grew. The Juveniles were followed in by the minors, who in turn were followed by the juniors. Another highlight of the night was when Terry Hassett led in the Bingo committee. The over 50 year old coaches had earlier challenged them to a game. The over 50s had intended to perform the new Blackrock Haka but referee Seamus Hartnett ruled it as not in accordance with Rule 23A (i) (b) subsection 98 of Treorai Oifigiuil of CLCG, along with just about everything else as well. Apparently as it did not include Irish dancing, it was not allowed. Person of the match was Blanche Mulconry, as she displayed some silken skills in putting one of two past Willie Coughlan in goals for the Bingo lads. Pat Roche in goal for the over 50s almost kept a clean sheet in goals before he abandoned his post in the second half and went back to his traditional role as umpire. Mossie Duggan scored for both sides but he wouldn’t admit afterwards that he ever played bingo! It appears like Robbie Keane, he beat the transfer deadline at half time and swopped sides (without telling anyone). Roger Ryan picked up the award for actor of the night with a dive in the square, although five men received straight reds for being on his back trying to bring him down. The Primary Juvenile coaches challenge game with at least 30 per team on court at the same time finished nil all as the referee lost control. Rival coaches blamed it on the fact that there was no room to swing a caman. “Outrageous” blasted former Tipperary star, John Cormack, manager of the Juveniles, however general opinion was that Liam Sheehy’s job is safe for the moment. “Outrageous altogether” fumed Paul O’Callaghan coach to the primary lads and ladies, “we could have won if we could have found the sliotar” The years rolled back as the Legends and All-Stars arrived through a huge guard of honour from the club coaches (who forgot the fireworks?) Stars such as Jim Brohan, Finbarr Delaney, Paddy Moylan, Frank Norberg, Richard Browne, Noel Keane, Alan Browne, Jim Cashman, Tom Cashman, the Barry brother, Wayne Sherlock, Aidan Ryan’s brother, Ian Walsh, David Cashman and a host of other stars played in a game refereed by Frank Murphy. By this stage a massive crowd had gathered at the club, dugouts were full, the balcony was black and dozen were along the sidelines of the hall itself. With commentary provided by Aidan Ryan, most of which could not be repeated in print, the supporters of both sides were entranced by the fabulous skills of the players and entertained by the slanderous commentary provided by Fergal Ryan’s brother. Frank Murphy managed to keep control as several pitch invasions looked possible but after a great game where great men once again became boys for an hour, where fathers and mothers pointed out the skills of these hurlers to the hundreds of young Rockies who thronged the venue and the stories of their golded exploits were once again recounted to a new generation, the result was irrelevant. At 10pm, after 12 solid hours the hurling was over and received thunderous applause for their efforts. The stories continued and grew as the Blackrock hurlers of all ages retired for a long night. It had been an outstanding day! While hundreds of Rockies young and old, parents, children and our guests had contributed to the Club Hurlathon, special mention should be made of the organising committee of Aidan Lougheed, Michael Scannel and Tom Cashman, who delivered a production that simply was perfect! Click here for Legends/Bingo/Over 50s and Primary/Juvenile Coaches Pictures
Click here for Pictures during the day
Click here for Pictures of under-age teams
Click here for report from Aidan Lougheed
|