If you thought last week was busy, this week was even better and we didn’t have the good weather. The rain came for us on Saturday morning, but it certainly didn’t stop us hurling. Our Kevins Heroes and Donore Credit Union ABC Nursery went ahead as normal, albeit with lower numbers. Our big club event of the day was the Kevins End of Summer Blitz. Our Under 8s, 9s and 10s had decided to continue hurling throughout the summer which was great for anyone who wasn’t away. We merged teams over the summer months which was great as kids from different teams got to know each other. To celebrate we decided to run an internal blitz in Loreto College (Thanks to Dave Tennyson a new mentor on the under 8 hurling squad who came up with the idea). We had 8 teams participate from 10 am – 12 midday and while there was a mild drizzle the kids hurled away at pace. It was great to combine boys and girls for all the different teams to ensure people from different teams got to know each other. The timing was perfect as the heavy rain only hit as we finished the games. Many thanks to Michelle Madden from Evergreen in Wexford St who donated the healthy fruit options and to all the referees, mentors, parents and volunteers who made this morning’s event happen.
The hurlers were busy in the afternoon. The Under 13 hurlers travelled to Rush to play a strong St Maur’s A side in a division 4 tie. The result didn’t go our way as we lost 6-3 to 3-2. However, Kevins remain in the top half of the tables having played the 2 strongest teams in the competition to date. Our Under 14 hurlers were at home in Dolphin Park against St Peregrines. The lads go off to great start with scores from Paidi Crampton and Adam Leahy. however, the visitors came back at us and led by 5 points at the break. The 2nd half re-commenced with both sides going score for score until 10 minutes to go when Kevins tagged on 3 points. A big Kevin’s comeback was on the cards until the St Peregrines keeper pulled off a great save to keep the home side at bay. Final score was Kevins 1-6 St Peregrines 1-8. Their next game is away to Kilmacud Crokes on the 17th September. Our Under 16 hurlers got their C championship off to great start with a big win against Ballyboden Saint Enda’s in Dolphin Park. Final score was 7-10 to 2-7. They now travel to St Brigids of Blanchardstown in 2 weeks-time in the next round.
Our camogie squads were also in action on Saturday with the under 10s, 12s and 15s all at home in Dolphin Park. Our under 10s put in a very hard working performance against St Peregrines who provided good opposition in tough conditions. As our End of Sumer Blitzers tucked into their fruit and ice-cream next door, Michelle in Evergreen popped into Dolphin Park with healthy supplies for the girls which was much appreciated, by all the team and mentors.
It was our first competitive under 12 Game for the girls since the Summer Break on Saturday in Dolphin Park. We were delighted to have new players Hannah and Jenny joining us and a big welcome to them. We look forward to having them from now on. From the start we seemed to play a good determined style of Camogie. Despite the weather and wet surface we did all the fundamentals well; blocking, ground striking, and lifting and we had good tackling, out-of-hand striking and support play. We were 2-2 to 1-1 up at half time having played well. We might have been more up on a day of better conditions. We played with one less player than Setanta in the second half. The chances we didn’t always manage to finish in the first half were not missed in the second and we were on top in all lines on the field. Some of the passing in the second half was very good with scores coming from the link-ups. A long-distance strike from Hannah was one of the exciting goals scored. We were very pleased with the incredible effort of midfield and defence to hold out the attacks and clear the lines very strongly throughout. To be fair the goals we conceded were excellent scores by Setanta. At the end we ran out winners on a final score of 7-3 to 3-2 with our forwards putting in a strong performance.
Our 15 camogie squad were also in action in their division 3 championship. After a slow start our girls fought their way back into the match and went into the half time break a point down. Our defence and midfield were immense in the 2nd half, playing into a wind that only picked up as we switched ends,, but unfortunately we were unable to convert our scoring chances. It was an entertaining game with Chloe Madden excelling in the goal, but unfortunately our girls lost by 5 points against Castleknock on a final scoreline of 2-2 to 2-7
Sunday morning started out very well. Not only did the heavy rain dissipate, but our Under 9 Camogie ninjas were back in action. They travelled to our local neighbours Good Counsel/ Liffey Gaels in Galtymore Road to part take in the Go Games and performed very well. Clearly the summer hurling and participation in the End of Summer blitz has done these girls the world of good. Our Under 15 hurlers travelled northside on Sunday morning and had a good win in the league division 3 against St Peregrines who had been unbeaten until our clash. An outstanding performance from Declan Power saw him leave the field due to injury, only to return and grab a crucial goal which set us up for the win. Final score Kevins 4-8 St Peregrines 2-10. Our Under 17 hurlers commenced their B championship campaign on Sunday afternoon away to Naomh Barrog. Both sides performed well in division 3 this year. Kevins finished 3rd in the league behind Naomh Barrog who won the league having lost only one game. However, the game they lost was against Kevins, so this was anyone’s call going into the opening round. Unfortunately the championship tie wasn’t as close as Kevins suffered defeat 6-18 to 1-3.
The under 13 Camogie team travelled to Glencullen in the Dublin Mountains to take on Starts of Erin in the first round of the Championship this afternoon. We started the year in division 5, moved to division 4 after the first 3 games and then to division 3 for the championship. So we were not quite sure what to expect. We had a full team squad to pick from and training with the girls has been going well over the summer and the last 2 weeks since full resumption. We started the game playing against a strong breeze as we wanted and as both teams began to settle we got some early scores. In the first 10 minutes our half backline and midfield sent a lot of good ball forward but Stars defended well in the opening encounters. Gradually we got a hold on the game and picked off some points and many goals and were leading comfortably at halftime by 7-2 to 0-0. We made many changes in playing positions and players on the field at half time and throughout the second half rolling on and off players and trying people in different positions. We did lose our shape a little overall in the second half but we did well again and added a further 2-7 to our halftime tally. The game finished with a good wind for us, 9-9 to 0-3. Overall a good start and we expect to have some tough games as we try to get out of our section to the playoffs. There was a good travelling support and that is important to help the team on its way.
As our player participation is on the rise, we need to continuously educate our coaches. In October we will be running a Level 1 Course for Underage, Youth and Adult level. We would encourage all to attend. Keep an eye out for more details on the club website and social media.
Many thanks to all those who made our recent Golf Classic and Social Night in the Lower Deck such a great success. It was lovely to catch up with so many members as we haven’t had a night out since lockdown. Our next event is a Stand Up for Kevins. There are plenty of witty characters in the club and some who might be tempted to kick start a career in stand-up comedy. If you would like to get involved please contact Donal on 087-9342498.
Our club is growing in numbers and activities and is run by volunteers? Can you help out in any capacity for an hour the odd Saturday morning? Help direct traffic (get to wear a high-vis!), help a child put a helmet on, assist (and join in the fun) at a drill station. These are just examples of the many small and important ways you can help. No heavy commitment necessary, but your child’s club needs you to contribute in some way! Please contact our Juvenile Chairperson Gabrielle Breathnach on 086 848 4448 to volunteer.
There are also projects and initiatives that doesn’t involve coaching or Saturday mornings. We launched a club strategy in 2013 called “Embracing Our Future” and since then our participation rates and activities have more than doubled. We plan to refresh and develop a new strategy in 2023. Would you like to get involved? Kevins were established in 1902 and have been active in the area ever since. We have a long and interesting history, much of which is documented. You can read more on our website or search on #KevinsHistory in twitter. However, we are seeking volunteers who may have an interest or expertise in putting a history book together. Please email pro.kevins.dublin@gaa.ie if you are interested.
Finally, Monday night’s lotto jackpot will be €2,900! You can play online up to 7pm using the secure Clubforce link by clicking here. All funds raised go towards the running of our many club teams and activities.
Thanks to everyone who supplied a match report. If you have a match report, or Kevin’s related story you can email pro.kevins.dublin@gaa.ie!
