2004 under 8 (1996 group) Sarsfield Blitz

Under 8 Sarsfield Blitz - 2004

                                                             Under 8 Sarsfield Blitz - Winners 2004

The 1996 group, 27 strong squad, took the top honours in the Sarsfields Blitz on Saturday last Sept 18^th, beating Na Piarsaigh 3-3 to 2-0 (Alan Ring 1-0, Stephen Murphy 1-0, David King 1-1, Alan O Callaghan 0-2) and Douglas 2-2 to 0-0 (David King 1-2, Jack O Donovan 1-0) to proceed to the final with Carrigtwohill who had prevailed over Sarsfields and Glen Rovers.

In a fine display of hurling a tightly contested first half saw the Rockies a point to the good at 1-1 (Luke Magee 1-0, David King 0-1) to 1-0 despite sustained pressure from Carrigtwohill and excellent goalkeeping by Kevin Foley.

In the second half Blackrock conceded a goal within a few minutes of the throw in. The response was swift and decisive with Fiacre Kelleher (Captain) and David King running riot at mid field assisted by Shane Tyner and Conor O’Brien) feeding the forwards with quality ball. Alex Kelly opened the floodgates with a beautiful double from 10 yards that sailed past the keeper. Carrigtwohill renewed their efforts but were stifled by the solid full and half back lines (Daniel Meaney, Robert Curran, Sean Dennehy, David Redmond, Daragh Behan. Alan O Callaghan) delivering to the formidable midfield pair who set up the now hungry forwards (Luke Magee, Naoise Crowley, Niall Fitzgerald, Daragh O Brien, Jim Murphy, Shane Tyner). Fiacre Kelleher sent a mighty shot which arced over the Carrig half and dipped at the last moment for a goal! Philip O Callaghan  came on added a fine goal and a point and Paul Tobin concluded the scoring with a goal in the final minute ensuring jubilant cheers from the Rockies and their supporters when the whistle blew! 

Final score Blackrock 5-2 to Carrigtwohill 2-1.

A sincere thanks to Sarsfields for hosting the tournament and also to the competitors and supporters attending.

All members of the squad took part in the matches and contributed to the team effort displaying skill and discipline that the club can be proud of. Notably, when the pressure was on, having played for an hour and a half in squalls and one heavy downpour, the boys from Blackrock dug deep and worked as a unit to emerge victorious.

Regards

Jody

Squad: Mentors - Jimmy Brohan, Peter Fitzgerald, Jody Crowley, Assistants: Don O Callaghan, John O Brien,