Our Under 15s travelled to Moneygall GAA on Saturday 24th June, representing the club and county in the Division 2 Regional Finals.

The squad arrived in good shape, confident and well prepared to face competition from Cork, Limerick and Tipperary. Our first match threw in against Kiltha Og (Cork) and finished level on 0-06 each. An opportunity missed, but this group of players have always shown an ability to improve as the day goes on. Our second match was against Glenroe (Limerick). Unfortunately, a subdued display by Barrow Rangers finished with a defeat of 3-03 to 1-08. Its fair to say that we were the authors of our own downfall in this one, being much the better team but punished for mistakes close to goal. Barrow Rangers were able to show their real form in the final group match against Newport (Tipperary), winning comfortably. Unfortunately, having finished level on points with the cork representatives we moved into the Shield Semi final by having conceded one point more than them.

And so it was into the Shield semi final. It proved to be one match too many, and the team couldn't replicate the free flowing hurling of their last group game. Ultimately, our opponents were better, created chances and executed them, but our lads kept going until the final whistle.

The considered commentary from the sideline, from our supporters looking and cheering them on, was that the day wasn't a reflection of how good this panel of players have been and can be. On a different day, we could be confident of winning any of those matches. Its been a fragmented build up, with injuries, absences, exams and commitments to other teams and sports and some positional changes imposed on the coaches. There's an old saying in sport, 'You win or you learn'. Theres a summer of hurling available to these lads, and no doubt they'll click again.

Thanks to our manager and coaches for all the planning and preparation, organising the panels Feile kit, transport, meals and refreshments.