U14 Team on the Way to Ireland for the Feile Peil na nOg

The time is almost upon us for the U14 feile team to travel to Ireland for the second year running, and represent the division at the annual John West Féile Peile na nÓg tournament.  The team contains a mix of players who have the experience of last year’s tournament under their belts and kids who are going for the first time.  The chance to represent Boston and play in Ireland is a key part of the youth development efforts.

Back Row L-R:  Pat O'Malley, Martin Kerr, Dylan Murtagh, Liam Davoran, Conan McCusker, Colm Faherty, Eoin Morissey, James Newell, Liam McGowan, Davey Murtagh, Thomas Murray, Eoin Faherty, Aidan Flanagan, Brendan Smith, Mick Sammon.  Front Row L-R:  Kian Hanbury, Aidan O'Malley, Ciaran McGurran, Declan Walsh, Daragh Jordan, Griffin Harvey, Aidan Skillin, Luke Sammon.  (Not in Pic Cathal Carney, James O'Neill).

The preparation required to ready the team, fundraise, find sponsors, and organize the trip is not to be underestimated.  Practice and preparations began last fall, with a committee forming and practices for the players.  An eager group took the reins and with help from some who had been through the experience last year, the endeavor is about to come to fruition.  The team will acclimatize with a challenge game against Cavan club, Shercock, on the Wednesday before the first tournament game.  Corduff, which is located a little to the north of Carrickmacross, is hosting the Boston boys and Friday June 23 the team opens the tournament with games against Aughnamullen and San Francisco.  A huge part of the experience includes players staying with their host families, and Friday the kids will meet their hosts and spend 2 nights with them.  Saturday June 24 is the date for the matchup with the host club, and depending how the games go it could be off to Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh for the quarter final. 

A big thank you to all who helped with the organization, and the team sponsors - New England Building Supply for the training kit, Lucy’s Restaurant for the track suits, and the Glynn Hospitality Group for the jerseys, and Keash excavation for the gear bags.  Also, special thank you to treasurer, Kelly McCarthy, and to Margaret Riordan who put in countless hours co-ordinating affairs with the folks in Ireland in the early morning hours.  The players who will be traveling are:  Cathal Carney (Wolfe Tones, Springfield), Aidan Skillin (Trinity, Milton), Aidan Flanagan (ISYL, Watertown), Colm Faherty (Trinity, Milton), Luke Sammon (Trinity, Milton), Conan McCusker (ISYL, Dorchester), Kian Hanbury (St. Brendan’s, Dorchester), Dylan Murtagh (ISYL, Dorchester), Eoin Morissey (ISYL, Watertown), James Newell (ISYL, Weymouth), Liam Davoran (ISYL, Milton), Thomas Murray (Trinity, Milton), Declan Walsh (Trinity, Milton), Aidan O’Malley (ISYL, West Roxbury), James O’Neill (St. Brendan’s, Milton), Darragh Jordan (Trinity, Milton), Eoin Faherty (Trinity, Milton), Griffin Harvey (ISYL, Stoughton), Brendan Smith (ISYL, Quincy), Liam McGowan (St. Brendan’s, Weymouth), Ciaran McGurran (St. Brendan’s, Weymouth), David Murtagh (Trinity, Milton).  Coaches:  Martin Kerr, Mick Sammon, Pat O’Malley.

By Rory O'Donnell