Saturday Morning Diary 2002

Hurling coaching for the under 4 to under 10 groups finished at Church Road last Saturday morning. This has been a most successful coaching period, which commenced last April, with huge numbers of eager hurlers coming together each Saturday morning to enjoy the skills and pleasure of hurling. Our dedicated coaches can now enjoy a well-earned rest for a few weeks. Indoor coaching will commence at St.Anthonys School Hall on the weekend of 1st / 2nd of November.

Under 4s and 5s The under 4s and 5s received a special medal presentation last Saturday. Coaches Joe Phipps and Paul O'Callaghan manage this enthusiastic group and do a brilliant job with them on Saturday mornings.

Under 8s and 9s Timmy Murphy, Blackrock Senior hurling coach, also presented the medals for the super leagues to the under 8 and under 9 groups last Saturday. He urged the youngsters to develop their skills, practice daily and listen carefully to their coaches. Coaches Nick Bond, Jamie Harrington, Liam Meaney, JP Devine, Richard Stokes, Charlie Barry, Kieran Ryan and Tim Aherne have worked very hard with these groups over the past year

A very busy morning ahead, traffic jams on Church Road by 10 am. Joe and Paul's group just grew and grew in numbers as the minutes passed until there must have been about 100 there eventually. No praise is enough for these two men who have the hardest job in Church Road. The super league coaches were all set, many are tense and excited, many of the children had barely any sleep with the excitement of their All -Ireland finals.

There was a huge crowd present for the games, which were played out with great passion and intensity. The Fianna, remained undefeated and emerged the winners in the cup final over the Firbolgs who fought hard to the very end. Meanwhile the luck finally turned for the Celts who overcame the challenge of the Craobh Ruas in the Plate Final.

The under 10s were heading out to Trabeg to play Bishopstown in the Nemo Tournament Final, which they duly won, again a great bunch with excellent coaches at the helm. The 8s and 9s were on the backfield getting ready for their matches with Na Piarsaigh, tomorrow morning at Church Road.

About 200 rockies under 7 were present in two groups for the medal and trophy presentations later on. Mr. Joe Carey of Carey Tool Hire who very kindly sponsored the tournament presented the trophy to young Joe Logue for the Fianna. Tim Murphy, Blackrock senior coach and Alan Brown, Fergal Ryan, and Liam Meaney (who also coaches on Saturday mornings) presented the other cups and medals. Timmy praised all the kids and got a great response.

All the coaches of the 4s, 5s, 6s and 7s can take a bow, at the progress the youngsters have made is a credit to them. Eventually each boy received a lovely medal, a drink and a bar and a lot of very tired and happy Rockies retired for the day. The hall eventually emptied around 11.30 but only for a little while as the Simon Murphy Tournament organised very efficiently by St. Michaels was commencing at 12 o clock. Church Road is one busy place folks!

.Saturday Morning Diary 14th September 2002.

The sun seems to be shining every Saturday morning now. Again huge crowds arrive. The super leagues eventually take shape and the battles commence. Two very close games with the Fianna just shading it over the Firbolgs by a point, while the Craobh Ruas get a wondergoal from young Fiacre Kelleher in the last few minutes to defeat the unlucky Celts by 2 points. There were tears of joy and tears of sorrow at the end with parents having to praise or comfort their young Rockies. No matter they are all hero s. Next Saturday is another day and another match.

Over 50 younger lads turn up for Joe and Paul's group. It is an incredible sight indeed to see them all hurling away and enjoying themselves. Nick and Jamie were organising their under 8s who were travelling to an away match in Eire Og, high excitement and pre-match nerves are the order of the day. The under 9s are having their usual battles on the back pitch. J.P. Charlie and Richard and the other lads have brought these on so much over the last while. If this bunch stays together, they will bring some great glory home in the coming years. The under 10s had recovered well from their successful trip to Trabeg last night under Norman and Tom where they played some delightful hurling.

As the young hurlers were trooping out or playing football, the under 12 hurlers from Thurles, Tulla, Newtownshandrum, Bishopstown, Bray and Blackrock were arriving to play in the Ger Dineen Memorial Tournament. The ladies of the catering committee were busy arranging to feed hundreds of kids and adults throughout the day, while other groups were erecting posts, laying out pitches, sorting out dressing rooms, the vital minutia of hurling games. The coaches from different clubs were trying to get their teams to concentrate on the hurling games.

Following a wonderful afternoons hurling, Richard Dineen captain of the Blackrock under 12s eventually lifted the Ger Dineen trophy. It was a fitting climax to the competition and Ger must have been extremely proud of his nephew. The beautiful trophy and medals which were presented by the Dineen family will be staying at Church Road in the custody of Richard and his colleagues in the under 12s who fought so hard to win this competition.

As the lovely day turned into evening, the senior hurlers began to arrive; many were already in match focus although the County Final was almost 24 hours away. The quiet determination evident in all concerned inspired confidence for tomorrows big game.

Bright sunshine, yet a few drops of rain. Crowds pour into Church Road for the under 6/7 super league matches. Frantic preparations to set up pitches arrange teams, find the chieftains. Unsuspecting gentlemen like Ger O' Leary and Brother Patrick became Chieftains of unruly armies for the morning. The brave referees Seamus Hartnett and Bill Reidy felt that Sundays All Ireland Final would be easier to handle.

Many of the young Rockies were playing their very first serious match on the hallowed Church Road grounds and were they taking it serious! The battles commenced about 10.20 and provided a wonderful spectacle with the various chieftains leading their warriors into battle from the middle of the pitches rather than the sidelines.

Tom Daly and Jody Crowley led the Celts with their captain Eric Grimes in command on the field, however a lucky point early on from the Ger O Leary/ Martin O Farrell combination of the Fianna eventually won the day. Fianna captain Joe Logue commanded a strategically brilliant defence and held on by that point.

The goals were flying in like cannonballs in the other battle. The sturdy Firbolgs, ably led by Chieftains Peter Fitzgerald and Jim Cashman (who appeared the following day in Croke Park ), under the field command of Ian O Keeffe proved too powerful for the Craobh Rua. The "reds" under the chieftainship of Brother Patrick and the command of Eamon Kelly fought bravely all the way and scored all of 6 goals yet lost by 3. An amazing match which drew warm applause from the huge crowd.

The battles resume next Saturday morning…….be there!

Another 150 young Rockies also turned up and played away with their coaches, all the groups have matches lined up, so September looks like being an extremely busy time in Church Road. There are huge numbers of 4 and 5 year olds with Joe and Peter and from the happy sounds coming from that part of the grounds, there is some great hurling being done.

Well done to all concerned, Church Road never looks better than when every inch is covered with young people playing our most ancient game.

Saturday Morning Diary 31st August 2002.

A lovely sunny morning at Church Road.  About 150 young rockies turn up. Huge numbers turn up for Joes group. Paul ably deputises with some help from Seamus and Maurice. Young Eoin O Farrell also lends a hand. A really tough game again among the under 9s on the back pitch as Richard Stokes gives the orders. Noel, Kieran and Norman are organising their lads for the Nemo Under 10 tournament, their introduction to fun competitions in hurling and football.  

Welcome to the latest Rockies, Jacob Bradley, Matthew Buckley and Jack Canning who joined up this morning.  Much talk about the semi-final with the Sars tomorrow, lots of young Rockies going to the match.

Lovely summer morning! Joe was all ready and waiting for his young charges. Very relaxed mood this morning as holiday time is still with us. About 80 young fellows turn up and the coaches got down to business. Welcome to young Glenn Quigley from the Skehard Road who became our latest Rocky this morning. Welcome Glenn! Under 10s getting ready for the Nemo Tournament which will start shortly. The under 6/7 superleague details have just gone out. The calm before the storm!

Saturday morning diary 27th July 2002 . A very relaxed atmosphere pervaded Church Road. The final morning before the coaches have a well earned rest on Saturday mornings until August 24th. About 90 children turn up. The under fours, fives and sixes are well represented. The sevens and eights come together for a match. On the back field a fiercely contested challenge match gets underway between the under nines and under tens. A surprise arises when the nines pull off a spectacular victory by a goal ( although this margin varies). The celebrations among the nine year olds were worthy of All Ireland Final proportions. Somehow this rivalry may give us many great games in the future. The nature and standard of the hurling was very good indeed and a tribute to the children and their coaches. Enjoy the "Summer", see you all on 24th August. The under six/seven superleagues begin in early September……now theres something to look forward to!.

Saturday Morning Diary 6th July 2002.

Light rain begins about 9.50, the worst possible time as the television and playstation suddenly become attractive to Mams and Dads. Nevertheless about 100 hardy souls arrive at Church Road. By 10.15 the rain had passed and serious coaching had commenced.

Despite many coaches now being on holidays, each age group is covered . For four new Rockies it is their first day…welcome to Niall Casey, Shane Doody, Paul Redmond and Stephen Trevor. As the morning brightened up and the matches got underway it was clear that the youngsters were enjoying themselves.

Back at the shop the entries were coming in for the Summer Camp with Gobnait looking after the applications. Pat as usual was supplying the helmets……is there anything as exciting as a four year old trying on his first helmet ?

Many of the St Michaels football coaches and administrators were gone to Carlow for the Feile Competition where they were to eventually reach the final on Sunday only to lose to a goal near the end . Although heartbreaking it was a fantastic achievement, one to be extremely proud of .

Hurling weather appears to have arrived at last. The car park was full by 10am. Very little parking remained on Church Road itself by 10.15 am. Superleague finals morning. Slight delays due to the traffic problems. Following the photographs taken by Martin and pre match talks by the excited coaches, the finals commenced.

The lucky spectators witnessed two incredible games, which provided nail biting finishes, thrilling goalmouth clashes and all the hurling action anyone could hope for in the game. Anxious parents watched in awe and wonder at the endeavours of their boys who hurled with a passion and commitment that would put many older players to shame. . The powerful Lions maintained their unbeaten run to win the Cup Final after a fantastic battle with the Sharks. Short some regulars due to the holidays, the Sharks fought fiercely to the end and having conceded a last minute goal lost out by four points.

The Shield Final was captured by the Tigers who defeated the Bears by one point on an amazing score line of 7 goals and 3 points to 7 goals and 2 points. One cannot describe the heart stopping excitement in the final minutes.

Bill Reidy, Vice Chairperson, Minor and Primary Section presided over the presentation of trophies to the Captains. Senior Blackrock players Fergal Ryan, Liam Meaney, Ger Murphy and Derek Gosnell presented the trophies to Stephen O Brien (Lions), Owen Smith (Sharks), Kevin O Keeffe (Tigers) and Shane O Keeffe (Bears).

Our thanks to the excellent managers Richard Stokes, Kieran Ryan, Charlie Barry, Tim Aherne, J.P Devine, Nick Bond, Jamie Harrington and Liam Meaney. Special mention to our impartial referees Bill Reidy, Brother Patrick and Seamus Hartnett…Pat, Mairead, Paul and Colm for setting up the hall, the St. Michaels ladies for the catering, and the parents of the superleaguers and all others who contributed to making the leagues such an extraordinary success. Most importantly, our thanks to the children, who are the real heroes.

Elsewhere at Church Road over 100 other children were being put through their paces by our coaches. Great to see Paul back helping out with Joe again, the "smallies" seemed to be having a ball. The under 6s look to be improving and learning the basic hurling skills in a friendly relaxed setting with Peter, John, Jimmy and Jody. It is incredible to note the skill levels of some of these youngsters. Tom Daly, Jim Tyner and Jim Cashman are busy getting ready their charges for the next superleagues which will begin on Saturday 7th September. Noel, Kieran Tom and Norman were working with the under 10s which will have their debut in the Nemo Tournament in September. Have activity levels ever been as high?

Eventually the frenetic activity winds down by 11.30. Thurles beckons.

Cloudy morning. Where is our Summer? Super leaguers arriving from 9.45. Gradually the place takes shape despite a Golden goal competition on the television. Under 11s gathering to go to meet Slieve Rua . A visiting London school team also arrives. By 10.30 over 210 children hurling all over Church road. Normally the numbers begin to decline around now as the school holidays take over.

The main action is once again on the backfield. A light rain envelopes the super league games however the kids barely notice. The Lions just overcome the Sharks while surprise; surprise the Bears beat the Tigers, (well done Jamie and Liam) to record their first victory.

As the Sharks, Tigers and Bears now finish on the same number of points, the mathematical skills of our esteemed Vice-chairman Bill Reidy were required. The calculations were to be based on scores difference over the three matches. Amid frantic calculations John Meyler suggests that it should be based on scores differential, more panic (thanks John!) The upshot is that the Sharks squeeze through by 2 points to participate in the Cup Final next Saturday. The Premiership was never like this.

Plans made for next week, many coaches now going on well-deserved holidays, however hurling will continue through July. Entries for the Summer Camp coming in Football coaching commences, where do the kids get the energy? More teams arriving, the sun comes out. Has our Summer arrived? Time to go!

Overcast again but at least the rain held off. The under 8/9 super leagues continued on the back pitch which has cut up badly due to the overnight rain. This did not prevent some lovely hurling as the Tigers beat the Sharks and the Lions defeated the Bears . The updated league tables can be located in the superleagus section of the website. Two more exciting mornings to go, The Cup Final and the Shield final are scheduled for the 29th June. There was a large turnout all over the main pitch. It is amazing how well the numbers have held up despite the attractions of the World Cup matches on the TV. It is great to see so many children actively involved in sport rather than vegetating in front of the box.

Overcast again! First arrivals 9.30 am. Obviously Superleague morning. Great excitement, jerseys issued, the Bears, Sharks, Lions and Tigers get ready, no swopping of teams allowed. Coaches nervous, youngsters playing in their very own World Cup, parents reassuring their young charges. Referees Seamus and Patrick arrive and the games begin. The games are fought with the intensity of youth, no quarter asked or given as over 80 young Rockies try for glory. From the hurling skills on display, the next generation of Rockies will do us proud. The final whistles bring the tears of joy and sorrow ……..it will be repeated again next Saturday. Come along!

Elsewhere another 140 Rockies work away under their coaches, the Church Road grounds buzzed with activity. Welcome back Joe! Best wishes go to Paul and it was great to see him walking around again. The St. Michaels shop is a great addition, well done to everyone concerned.

Saturday Morning Diary  25^th May 2002.

The rain just held off as about 160 young Rockies report for coaching.  The pitches are saturated as the rain keeps coming down day after day. Nearly June, peak of the hurling season, yet matches being cancelled every hour. Joe not available today, Paul ,Dave and Seamus fill in for the 4s and 5s. Afterwards this very tired looking trio of coaches all agree that Joe is a “saint”. 

Great excitement at the 8s and 9s as the teams for the Superleagues are about to be announced. The Blackrock Sharks, Bears ,Tigers and Lions are about to commence battle on Saturday 8^th June. The under 6s and 7s groups are working very well and very organised . Here the correct grip , stance and swing is practiced and is absolutely vital later on. These lads will have their superleagues in September.

The notifications for the friendly matches with Erins Own issued during the week to the under 8s and under 10s so coaches fielding many questions  …"no it is not all-ticket”, “ will we have mars bars before the game?”,  “no Roy Keane won’t be there”. Lets just hope the sun shines for these excited young Rockies next Wednesday evening.

After one of the more eventful weeks in Irish sport, it is refreshing to watch and listen to these youngsters who just want to get on with their hurling.  The playing of the sport is more important than all the noise that surrounds it. Good luck to Munster today (especially Peter Stringer and Paul O,Connell) and good luck to Captain Wayne and the other Rockies (John, Fergal and the Alans ) tomorrow in Thurles where they take on Waterford.

Next weekend is the June Bank Holiday weekend so no hurling.  We will see everybody on 8^th June.

Saturday Morning 18^th May.

About 200 children turn up. Morning overcast but dry.Great excitement at Joes group, goals being scored all morning, we have to get good goalkeepers as the keepers never manage to save the shots from the under 4s. Paul’s under 5 s are coming on very well.

 The under 6s are a new group and they seem to be enjoying themselves under the expert eyes of Peter, John, Jimmy and Jody.  The 7 year olds were given a tough workout on the tyres this morning by Tom and the two Jims , a lot of energy was used up by this group.

The under 8 s group has several lads who should be in the under 7s. (If you are born in 1995 you are under 7)  The lads should go to their correct group as it will cause problems later with the matches and the under 8/9 super leagues. Jamie, Nick and Liam look after this group.  Thanks to Andrew and Derek for helping out this morning.

Richard, JP, Charlie work with the under 9 group.  There are some lovely hurlers in this group who will have a great opportunity to display their skills in the 8/9 super leagues which are commencing on Saturday June 8^th..

The under 10s were hurling on the backfield, many of them hurled very well in the under 10/11 super leagues. Conor Weirs point in the final was outstanding, while young Cian Hartnett tried everything to achieve a Rovers victory.  Well done Noel, Kieran, Donal, Tom and Norman. These lads will have lots of matches. 

For many of the lads eleven o clock comes far too soon, however as we now have the long evenings ahead of us the hurleys should be out every day.

Sat 11th May

About 220 children turned up. A glorious sunny morning. The various age groups have settled into their routines. There is great credit due to all the coaches who give up their Saturday mornings to pass on hurling  Eoin, Andrew and Evan who signed on as Rockies as well as Conor who has signed up again

Each child aged between six to ten was given a summer camp application form, if interested they should complete as soon as possible as numbers are limited to 140.

The under 8/9 Super leagues will begin on 8^th June, team lists will issue shortly to all registered rockies.

 Sat 27th April

We had another successful. morning coaching last Sat. Jim Cashman, of Cork and Blackrock fame, was there and even tried to register his baby daughter afterwards !

A couple of coaches had to attend Communions but we were helped out by Br. Patrick, Maurice and Seamus. Thanks to them and indeed all the coaches. It stayed dry - the Gods were looking down on us as the rest of the day was miserable.

Sure they're great kids - they deserve good weather every Sat...

Martin (1-5-02)

April 20th 2002

In contrast to our first Saturday this one was wet and bleak.  Yet over 130 young rockies appeared out of the mists and took over Church Road from 10am onwards.

We had some great coaching sessions with the different groups and all the coaches have settled in now.  Gerard Crowley has joined us to help with the new lads at 4 & 5.

It was great to see Jimmy Brohan helping out with the under sixes.  Jimmy was a wonderful hurler, a legend with Blackrock and Cork, as a player and selector.  We are delighted to have the benefit of his experience and hurling know how to encourage this generation of young rockies.

First Day 2002 - April 13th

The famous hurling grounds at Church Road never looked better on Saturday 13^th April 2002 as over 250 children between the ages of four and ten took over the pitches for their first morning of outdoor hurling coaching this year. Some had arrived before 9.30 a.m.with their still sleepy parents in tow, wonder and excitement all over their faces.

 Blessed with glorious Spring sunshine hundreds of proud Mums and Dads and assorted siblings and friends watched as the future Rockies were introduced to their coaches and began brushing up on their hurling skills or learning for the very first time the correct method of holding the caman. Joe who looks after the very young group was delighted the 2002 arrivals

 By 10.15 am not an inch of space remained in Church Road as a team of 20 coaches got into their stride and the apparent initial chaos transformed into patterns and drills, order and effort around the fields.

 By 10.30 a dozen All-Ireland finals were in full progress all over the place as the future Wayne Sherlocks, Fergal Ryans, John Brownes and the Alans….. Browne and Cummins strived to control the sliotars.  Finally after famous victories, awful defeats and many many draws, tears and shouts of joy, animated discussions of great saves, goals and near goals, a very tired army of young battle hardened Rockies trooped from Church Road.  For many there is a very long week ahead until Saturday morning comes again.  Lets hope not too many broken windows this week.

 The coaches could now relax, for several it was their first outdoor morning coaching too  ( thanks…Paul, John, Peter, J.P, Norman  )… welcome back Charlie!  All survived.  The regulars and old hands looked forward to a good year, their young panels of hurlers a year older and a year wiser, new hurlers to encourage, their knowledge of our wonderful game being passed on to a new generation, their love of hurling being renewed.

 Back at the administrative headquarters, Eamon, Pat and their backup teams looked exhausted, each child had to have the correct size hurley, the correct size Rocky jersey, helmet and advice as to the exact location of their hurling panel. Blanche and Gobnait had dealt with dozens of new registrations.  In the midst of the contented happiness at a job well done there was sadness too….we all had missed Ger. Ger  Dineen loved mornings like this..his gentle spirit was everywhere.

 As the footballers of St. Michaels took to the field the sounds of happiness filled the air again.  In the background the noise from the work on our new hurling hall could be heard, it will be magnificent, the incredible vision of its planners becoming more real by the day, are the young Rockies of today not so lucky? A few quick discussions, improvements for next week to be discussed, more coaches needed, shop sold out, Martin very happy.  The next group of hurlers arriving for practice, a match….time to go home… Saturday morning at Church Road is not over yet.

 Ger O Mahony.

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