Junior B Team Report AGM 16th December 2002

League Part 1

Looking back at the past year in Junior B hurling, much progress was made in getting a settled team to contest the Leagues and Championships after the disappointing previous year. Meetings were held in January and February between the A and B selectors. These meetings proved very beneficial as a panel for the A and B teams were drawn up, with the A selectors committing themselves to not taking too many players in the early part of the season.

The season began very well with good victory over Fr. O'Callaghan, Nemo Rangers and Douglas and a draw with Brian Dillons. The performance against Douglas was outstanding with a very young team playing some wonderful hurling . Two 1 pts losses to Redmonds and Rathpeacon severely dented our League qualifications hopes and a further loss to a very strong Na Piarsaigh meant that we were in mid-table coming up to the Championship encounter with Mayfield.

'B' Championship

Prior to the Championship game, a number of training sessions were held with a fairly good attendance of players. 31 players turned up for our encounter with the Champions of the previous year, Mayfield. In the first half of the game the team did very well against very experienced opponents and we went in at half time leading by 1-4 to 2 pts.

However, try as they did, scores were missed and despite a great effort by our defence, Mayfield slowly got on top and the conceding of a goal and 2 pts in the last five minutes meant our Championship hopes were gone for another year. The players were very disappointed as they felt they had a great chance to progress. The players are to be congratulated on their efforts and their sportsmanship after the game. With the additions or a couple of mature players this team has the ability to do well in this Championship.

League Part 2

A week after our Championship game, our next fixture was against our local rivals Ballinure, a game which drew the biggest attendance to any League game in Church Road this year. The team put their Championship defeat behind them and after a great hours hurling came out on top by a few points. A win against Passage kept our League hopes alive but losses against St. Vincents and Whites Cross saw us finish our League campaign in mid-table.

A total of 49 players were used in the B League campaign and our full programme was completed in very good time. Many of the players graduated to the A team for their remaining fixtures and helped them to qualify for a top four position. Some of them also played in the final senior league games also helping them to qualify for a top four position. Although no trophies were won, the players had plenty of matches which is the main objective.

The Selectors would like to thank the following for their support during the year:

1. Senior hurling committee.

2. Jim and May O'Brien who looked after the hurleys and gear.

3. Aiden Long, who looked after the pitches and dressing rooms.

4. Timmy Murphy (Senior Coach) who by his presence at many matches gave this young team much encouragement.

Snippets

Congratulations to B Selector and player Mickey Barry on the birth of his first daughter.

Congratulations to B Selector Redmond Quirke on his engagement to the beautiful Sharon.

Aiden Long B Selector went to Peurto Rico for his holidays.

Signed:

Redmond Quirke

Aiden Long

Michael Barry

Donal Fleming