Future Stars on Show at Ben Dearg Blitz

Monday 23rd May 2016

Action from Ballygalget and Carryduff

While the Down senior hurlers suffered a heart –breaking defeat in the Christy Ring Cup on Saturday afternoon, the stars of the future were on display on Saturday morning in St Malachy’s Park Kilclief. Clubs from across the County brought their Under 8 and Under 10 teams to the seaside pitch for a very well-organised Go Games blitz.

The Under 10/P6 tournament saw teams from Kilclief, Carryduff and the three Ards clubs play each other – and the boys and girls all hurled as if they were taking part in the Christy Ring Cup themselves.  All the players gave their all but among those who stood out on the day were Ballygalget’s Cahal Birt, Conor Ritchie, Rory Teggart and Paul McMullan who - along with the Puccis- showed the depth of talent emerging in the Ards Club. Carryduff also had some notable performances from the likes of Killian Teague and the Blaneys in attack while Luke Morris was a solid defender throughout.

In the Under 8/P4 tournament, the same 5 clubs were joined by Clonduff who travelled with two excellent sides. While again the emphasis was on fun and enjoyment for all concerned, there was also plenty of skill on display. As would be expected, players from Portaferry, Ballycran and Ballygalget all showed the ability and talent that has been associated with Ards hurling for years. However special mention must go to the young hurlers of Kilclief. True to their tradition and demonstrating the intense development work that is going on in Kilclief, the Ben Dearg club fielded 3 Under - 8 sides. Padraig Sloan, Ronan Shields, Sean Feenan, the Mc Falls and the Sharvins all gave fantastic displays for their teams but every player who wore the Red and Green can be proud of their performances.  Carryduff too had an array of talented U8/P4 hurlers with the pick of their players being Niall Byrne, Sean Teague, Rory O Donnell, Oisin Illand, along with the Youngs and the Fitzsimmons brothers.

The enthusiasm and skills shown throughout the morning bode well for the future of Down hurling and at the close of proceedings, parents and mentors from all clubs thanked the Kilclief organisers and commended them for a very well-run and enjoyable tournament.

Carryduff at Blitz in Kilclief

Kilclief U8s

Portaferry at Blitz in Kilclief

Other photo: Clonduff and Kilclief ready for throw in