Kilburn Gaels Hurling Club London

September 2006

London U16 hurlers

30th September 2006: Congratulations to Kilburn's James Minihan, Chris Henry, Sean O'Toole, Terry Connolly, Shane Murphy, Richard Davoren, JP O'Brien, Conor Lyons and Declan Ruddy who helped London secure a 6-7 to 3-4 win over Hertfordshire in the Provincial Championship Final today. Following a poor and disorganised first half the London team rallied after the break scoring six goals in the last 20 minutes to take victory and complete a clean sweep of provincial titles for London this year. The Kilburn U16s' next match is the Championship Final on Sunday 8th October against Sean Treacys in Ruislip. Throw in @ 2pm.

U12 7s competition hailed a great success

16th September 2006: Kilburn Gaels today hosted a very successful U12 7s tournament in Greenford with over 50 children taking part. Despite the disappointing absence of Granuaille and Sean Treacys, Erin go Bragh and hosts Kilburn Gaels entered five teams between them to provide a great day's hurling with thriteen matches played over the course of the competition. In addition, there was a long puck competition won by Simon Sweeney of Erin go Bragh and an U10 exhibition match made up of 16 children from both clubs. Kilburn Gaels 'A' took the honours in the cup competition while Kilburn Gaels 'B' were winners in the plate final and Kilburn Gaels' captain Thomas O'Hanlon was named 'Player of the Tournament'. Club secretary John O'Neill paid tribute to all the children who had taken part over the course of the day hailing it as a great success and one on which hurling clubs should hope to build over the coming years. He thanked Erin go Bragh for making the journey down from Birmingham and for their committment to all hurling ventures throughout the year.

Seniors advance to semi-finals

10th September 2006: The Senior team today secured their spot in the championship semi-finals thanks to a 2-13 to 0-7 win over Fr Murphys. Having needed only a draw to advance the Kilburn side played a good game's hurling against a Murphys side who have struggled to find their form this year and, after taking the lead in the 18th minute, never really looked back. Two goals in the first half and one in the second, along with a steady stream of points, helped Kilburn maintain a comfortable lead over Murphys for most of the match with good performances in all areas of the pitch. As pleasing as this win was, however, the team must now rise to the next challenge - a semi-final fixture in three week's time - in the knowledge that any one of the remaining teams in the championship is capable of taking the title and that on the day the team with the most focus, preparation and determination will advance to the final.

Juniors bow out of championship

10th September 2006: The Junior team's hopes of reaching their first final came to an end today when they lost to Granuaille in Ruislip. The team dominated posession in the opening stages of the game but crucially failed to register more then just a few points and it was Granuaille who took advantage of their chances to go in 2-3 to 0-4 up at the break. The second half saw Granuaille extend their lead as Kilburn found it impossible to keep up with play scoring just three points in reply to Granuaille's second half tally of 1-6 to lose by a margin of 11 points. Despite losing at the semi-final stage the Junior team have had a good run in the championship with two wins, two draws and just the one loss in the group stages, a very respectable showing for a team largely made up of U21s. As this squad continues to grow with more minors moving into the adult grades the Junior team will enjoy greater success on the field and will certainly be contenders for the championship over the coming years.

U10, U12, U14 training

7th September 2006: Due to fading light in the evenings the last Wednesday evening training session for this year will be next Wednesday 13th September at 6:30pm in Gladstone Park. Saturday sessions will continue as usual until the 22nd October.